At the death of Jesus, though the disciples who had followed with Jesus appear to have left the scene, there were two “secret” disciples who had finally reached a point they were drawn out together. John recorded. . .
“(38) After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. (39) Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. (40) So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.” (John 19:38-40 ESV)
What we know of this Joseph of Arimathea is that he was a member of the Jewish council (Luke 23:50), was a “good and righteous man”, (Luke 23:50), did not consent to the council’s decision (Luke 23:51), was looking for the kingdom of God (Luke 23:51), was a man of wealth (Matt. 27:57), and as John noted, he was a secret disciple of Jesus. (John 19:38) Though he feared the Jews, we see he did step up here and “took courage and went to Pilate” (Mark 15:43) to ask for Jesus’ body.
Then we have Nicodemus who had earlier come to Jesus privately in the cloak of night. (John 3) However, he later had spoken up for justice in the presence of the counsel (John 7:50-51), though yet not clearly aligning himself with Jesus. But at this point — at the death of Jesus — he was ready to step out further to assist in caring for His body. Since his first encounter with Jesus, we see the seed of Nicodemus’ faith had grown. His faith broke the surface and was ready to be seen and begin to bear fruit.
Two men, growing in their faith, mutually encouraging each other in coming together in faith. Are we growing in faith to mutually encourage each other’s? (i.e. Romans 1:12) As we consider our own faith, are we keeping it under wraps or is it breaking the surface to be exposed? Is our faith resting fallow, or is faith’s seed germinating and bearing fruit in our life?
Remember James stated. . .
“(26) For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” (James 2:26 ESV)
As we continue to focus on Jesus and grow in the grace and knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:18), we will develop a faith that cannot be kept secret but will continue becoming more and more evident to those around us. May that faith continue growing bolder as we continue growing older in the faith!
Have a great day RESOLVING TO BE SECRET NO MORE!
Carl
