The Privileged of the Passion: When Access Requires Courage | Perspectives FUMSD Pastors Podcast S3E26
Mar 15, 2026
Summary
Privilege might feel like a modern conversation, but Scripture has been asking the same question for centuries: What do we do with the access we have that others don’t? That’s what Revs. Brittany and Hannah explore in this episode of Perspectives as they continue the Lenten conversation series: “The People of the Passion.” This week, they focus on the story of Joseph of Arimathea in Matthew 27:57-61.
Detail
Privilege might feel like a modern conversation, but Scripture has been asking the same question for centuries: What do we do with the access we have that others don’t?
That’s what Revs. Brittany and Hannah explore in this episode of Perspectives as they continue the Lenten conversation series: “The People of the Passion.” This week, they focus on the story of Joseph of Arimathea in Matthew 27:57-61: A wealthy disciple who quietly uses his status, resources, and connections to honor Jesus after the crucifixion.
Joseph wasn’t one of the twelve disciples. He doesn’t preach, perform miracles, or stand in the spotlight. Instead, he does something quietly courageous: He approaches the Roman governor Pilate, asks for Jesus’ body, and provides a dignified burial.
His story raises powerful questions that feel strikingly modern:
- What do we do with the access and privilege we have?
- When is quiet action more powerful than public recognition?
- How can ordinary people use their influence for good?
Joseph’s story reminds us that much of discipleship often doesn’t happen on stage. Sometimes it happens out of the spotlight in unseen moments when someone uses what they have to make life more humane for others. And sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is simply use what we’ve been given to make someone else’s life better.
Continue the conversation by reflecting with someone you trust or join the Perspectives community online via Patreon or in person at the weekly Convergence Discussion Group.
Reflection questions for Lent:
- What doors are open to you that may be closed to others?
- What risks come with using privilege for the sake of others?
- How can privilege be used to restore dignity rather than reinforce power?
Limited on time? Jump ahead to these pivotal moments.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: Is privilege a modern issue or a biblical one?
00:36 Scripture Reading: Matthew 27 verses 57–61
02:04 The surprising disciple: Who is Joseph of Arimathea?
05:18 Jewish burial law, Roman rule, and cultural tension
06:50 Courage and access: How Joseph used privilege to approach Pilate
10:12 Quiet discipleship vs. spotlight ministry
12:59 The unseen work that sustains communities
14:38 The dignity of the forgotten: What about the other crucified men?
17:10 When privilege becomes responsibility
20:08 Lenten reflection questions & wrap-up
