Luke 23

 “Now there was a man named Joseph … a member of the council, a good and righteous man … looking for the kingdom of God” (v50-51).  The council of religious leaders condemned Jesus to death, but Joseph disagreed.  He saw that Jesus announced and embodied “the kingdom of God,” and Joseph wanted to be part of that. He claimed Jesus’ body after death, risking his own reputation (v52-53).  The thief also saw Jesus’ innocence and power and asked to be part of his kingdom (v42).

The good news is that the kingdom of God is open to everyone, though Jesus Christ.  We must give up our own kingdoms in order to enter his.