The expectation of the disciples, and probably his own feelings, had led Joseph of Arimathea to come forward, and secure an honourable burial for the body of Jesus ; but he soon became aware that by so doing he had rendered himself more conspicuous than he desired to be. His garden became the centre of attraction to the followers of Jesus ; his conduct might appear suspicious to his fellow nobles; and he seemed to have pointed himself out to the disciples as a protector and leader. These characters he was not at all anxious to assume. He had listened with pleasure to the discourses of Jesus, but had no idea of forsaking all to follow him. He feared that the followers of Jesus, who had come up with him from Galilee, although terrified for a moment by their master's death, might attempt to excite the populace of Jerusalem to avenge him; an attempt the more dangerous at that moment, as Jerusalem was full of country people come up for the passover. From his previous connexion with Jesus, and from the body's remaining in his garden, it was likely that any tumult would be laid to his charge, and possibly he might be the government's next victim. He determined to extricate himself by relieving himself of his charge, and inciting, if possible, the followers of Jesus to return immediately to their own country, Galilee.