Joseph of Arimathea is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his role in the burial of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in all four Gospels, which highlights his importance in the events following the crucifixion.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 27:57-60 : "When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance of the tomb and went away."

2. Mark 15:42-46 : "Now it was already evening. Since it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath), Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so. When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought a linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb."

3. Luke 23:50-53 : "Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He was from Arimathea, a town of Judea, and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid."

4. John 19:38-42 : "Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body. Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now there was a garden in the place where Jesus was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. And because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there."

Character and Role:

Joseph of Arimathea is described as a wealthy man and a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Despite his position, he is portrayed as a righteous and good man who was waiting for the kingdom of God. His actions demonstrate a significant level of courage and devotion, as he boldly approached Pilate to request Jesus' body, an act that could have jeopardized his standing among the Jewish leaders.

Joseph's discipleship is noted in the Gospels, though it is mentioned that he was a secret disciple due to fear of the Jewish authorities. His willingness to provide his own new tomb for Jesus' burial is a testament to his faith and respect for Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9, which speaks of the Messiah being buried with the rich.

Significance:

Joseph of Arimathea's role in the burial of Jesus is crucial, as it ensured that Jesus received a proper burial according to Jewish customs. This act of devotion also set the stage for the resurrection, as the empty tomb became a central piece of evidence for the risen Christ. His actions are a powerful example of faith and courage, demonstrating the impact of Jesus' ministry even among those in positions of power and influence.