John 19:38 New International Version (NIV)
The Burial of Jesus
38 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 four Gospels speak about Joseph of Arimathea asking Pilate for Jesus’ body to bury him in his tomb. It was a borrowed tomb. The Prophet, Isaiah, prophesied about this in Isaiah 5:39. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in his mouth.
It is always important for us to back up truth with truth from God’s Word. I want you to notice something unique about John’s writings as to the other Gospels. Joseph of Arimathea is called out as a secret disciple. He walked in fear around other men. He knew Jesus was the Messiah, yet he is quiet.
Before we judge him too harshly, let’s look at our own lives. Are we also disciples who are secret in our faith? Do we stand up for Jesus and the message he brought? Do we get afraid to speak for fear of what others might say?
Joseph of Arimethea did lay his fear aside by asking for Jesus’ body from Pilate. The ruthless leader could have turned him in. My hope today for our lives is that we are a voice about our faith in Christ. Be a trumpeter when the need arises rather than being silent out of fear of man.
Strength and Courage
Michael
