Jesus Revealed Pt. 18 - Processing DeathSample

Jesus is Buried  

Thoughts on the Passage

Secret disciples.

We see two of them here – Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. They believe in Jesus yet struggle to walk openly as His other followers. We do not know why they struggled with being open about their faith, but we have some clues. 

First, Nicodemus is a highly respected leader in the country – he is called “the teacher of Israel” and that is a very distinguished position. He would likely have lost it if he followed Jesus openly. He is also a careful man and thinks things through slowly – that is both because of position but also probably due to his personality. He is a careful man. Still, he acts very boldly right now. He is willing to honor the body of Jesus. He pays a lot of money for the spices and the burial – he shows his love for Jesus.

Second, Joseph is a member of the council (the Sanhedrin). That means he also a highly respected person in the leadership of the country. Again, he has chosen to stay in the background rather than walk boldly with Jesus. He stands up boldly now. He goes to Pilate (he probably knows Pilate personally as he is a ruler in the country) and receives the body of Jesus and buries Him. 

Again, the men have chosen to step forward at a time when the disciples could do nothing to take care of Jesus. That often happens. People do not know how they can walk boldly with Jesus – now Jesus needs them and they step forward. It is a powerful testimony. 

There were many others (among the Pharisees and Scribes) but they did not step forward yet. God honors these two by naming them and acknowledging their ministry to Jesus.

Application

What can I do today for Jesus that no one else can do? Let’s step forward and do it.

Have I honored people who stepped forward to do things that I cannot because I do not have the position, authority, opportunity or position to do it? If I see it – show it today.

Time to Pray

Father, there are many who struggle with how to show their faith. I want to be someone who does not criticize them but still challenge them to walk worthy of Jesus. When the opportunity arises, give them the boldness to step forward. Help me to pray for them and encourage them. When they step forward, help me to honor them like You did for Joseph and Nicodemus. Also, help me to do today what I can do that no one else can do. It may be simple – likely helping an unknown person who crosses my path, or it may be to share with someone in my world that no one else can access. Give me eyes to see and a heart to respond. In Jesus’ name, Amen.