The Roman soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals who were on either side of Jesus. They did it to hasten their deaths before sundown as requested by the Jewish religious leaders. (See John 19:31-33) Jesus had already died so His legs were not broken. Again, Scripture was fulfilled. (See Psalm 34:20; Exodus 12:46)

Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Council (which had asked for Jesus to be crucified), but this man had not consented to their plan or action. He was a ‘good and upright man’ who was waiting for the ‘kingdom of God’. (See Luke 23:50-51) Joseph was a secret follower.

Are you a ‘secret’ follower of the Lord Jesus Christ? Joseph hid this but there came a time when he declared what he believed through his actions. Was there a cost to him? Scripture does not say…but there is the very real possibility he never was included in that august body of religious leaders again.
Joseph was a wealthy man and had prepared himself a tomb out of rock. No body had ever yet desecrated that space. It was late in the day and Jesus’ body needed to be hurriedly prepared and buried. Joseph’s tomb was close by…he would use that. [Of course Jesus would not stay in that tomb.] (See John 19:38-42)
Jesus had no control over prophecy being fulfilled, He was dead. God’s word is true and is fulfilled in His time.

Prophecy fulfilled
Messiah would be assigned a grave “with wicked men” and “a rich man in His death” (See Isaiah 53:9). Prophecy fulfilled…for Joseph was a sinner and he was a wealthy man.
Joseph boldly stepped into the pages of history when he fulfilled God’s word…do you think he would have been thinking of prophecy at that time?

To follow Jesus, what action is God putting in your thoughts and on your heart today?