MARK 15:42-43
There are two questions I wish to answer about Joseph of Arimathea: "What caused Joseph to be a secret disciple?", and "What cured him?"
The one beautiful deed that shines out on the darkest day earth had ever known is this deed of Joseph of Arimathea. The story of Joseph of Arimathea is told in all four gospels. Joseph was a wealthy man who came from Arimathea in Judea. He was a good and righteous man who managed to be both a member of the Council (the Sanhedrin) and a secret supporter of Jesus - which is why he did not join in the Council's actions against Jesus. After the death of Jesus, Joseph asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body and bury it properly. Permission was granted and the body was taken down. Joseph, helped by Nicodemus, wrapped the body in cloth with the addition of myrrh and aloes.
They buried Jesus in an unused tomb that Joseph may have intended for himself, where it was protected by a heavy stone rolled against the opening.
Matthew 27:57-60: "When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away."
JOHN 19:38–4238 "Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away."
All around us there are men and women who are "secret disciples" of Jesus. What caused Joseph to be a secret disciple? His discretion stemmed from several factors, including fear, wealth, and his position of authority. Joseph had much to lose if he opening supported Jesus - ostracism, loss of status, or even physical danger. Wealth often ties individuals to societal norms and expectations. His social standing would be at rick. He could lose his financial security and his lifestyle. That was too high a price for this man who was attracted towards Jesus, but afraid to let anyone find out about it.
There are two questions I wish to answer about Joseph of Arimathea: "What caused Joseph to be a secret disciple?", and "What cured him?"
The one beautiful deed that shines out on the darkest day earth had ever known is this deed of Joseph of Arimathea. The story of Joseph of Arimathea is told in all four gospels. Joseph was a wealthy man who came from Arimathea in Judea. He was a good and righteous man who managed to be both a member of the Council (the Sanhedrin) and a secret supporter of Jesus - which is why he did not join in the Council's actions against Jesus. After the death of Jesus, Joseph asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body and bury it properly. Permission was granted and the body was taken down. Joseph, helped by Nicodemus, wrapped the body in cloth with the addition of myrrh and aloes.
They buried Jesus in an unused tomb that Joseph may have intended for himself, where it was protected by a heavy stone rolled against the opening.
Matthew 27:57-60: "When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away."
But despite his secrecy in following Jesus, he stepped out of the shadows to perform a compassionate and honorable act. This act, though risky, revealed Joseph's deep respect and commitment to Jesus. This story highlights the challenges faced by those today who, despite their faith, navigate societal pressures and personal risks that might be involved.
Are you open about your faith in your daily life, especially when it comes to your workplace or perhaps some of your unbelieving friends? Are you afraid of being ridiculed or losing respect? We live in a world where authenticity is often sacrificed for conformity. Some yield to public opinion rather than having the moral courage of their personal convictions. Inauthentic lives.
For your own sake and the joys involved, leave secret discipleship and follow Him publicly - in the marketplace, in the workplace, with your friends - let your light so shine before men that they would see God. For the sake of others, it is needful that you follow Christ publicly.
At the beginning of the Reformation - Martin of Basle came to knowledge of the Truth but was afraid. He wrote on a leaf of parchment paper: "O most merciful Christ, I know that I can be saved only by the merit of thy blood. Holy Jesus, I acknowledge thy sufferings for me. I love thee! I love thee!"
Then he removed a stone from the wall of his chamber and hid the parchment there. It was found over 100 year later, about the same time that Martin Luther found Truth and said: "My Lord has confessed me before men; I will not shrink from confessing Him before Kings." The world knows what followed, and even today revere the name of Martin Luther; who knows or cares about Martin of Basle?
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