Faith No Longer Hidden
Scripture Passage: John 19:38-42 (NASB)
38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body. 39 Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 Therefore because of the Jewish day of preparation, since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
SUMMARY
After Jesus died on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, asked Pontius Pilate to take Jesus’ body. After permission was given, Joseph and Nicodemus, the Pharisee who had previously come to Jesus at night, came to take away Jesus’ body for a proper and honorable burial for the Lord. Nicodemus had brought about 100 pounds of a mixture of myrrh and aloes. They bound Jesus’ body with the spices in linen wrappings, according to the Jewish burial custom. It was the day of preparation for the Passover, and they laid Jesus in a new tomb never used before, among a garden nearby the place of crucifixion.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
It was interesting to me that the ones who asked for Jesus’ body and performed the proper burial for the Lord was not one of His closest disciples nor one of the most faithful and open believers during Jesus’ ministry. They were Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus who had kept their faith in Jesus hidden until this moment of Jesus’ death. In God’s timing and working, their faith was finally prepared to be displayed at an important time. In God’s time, Joseph and Nicodemus were able to openly express their love and faith in the Lord by arranging Jesus’ funeral.
I humbly admit that I, too, have weak and timid faith especially outside of church, and in my everyday life. In John 3, we see that Nicodemus had previously approached Jesus with questions about the kingdom of God and the identity of Jesus as God. At this time, he must have been asking the questions of a new believer, seeking clearer truth, and slowly building faith in his heart.
I am so encouraged that these two men, who had previously kept their faith hidden, were able to progress and grow. They must have struggled internally with losing their wealth and high social status within the Jewish community. Yet, by the grace of God, they grew to have courageous and expressive faith, which was openly shown at the burial of Jesus. The Bible also legitimately names them both disciples of Jesus, however weak and timid their faith may have began.
APPLICATION
After reading this passage, once more I secure faith and confidence in the Lord who is doing a transformative work in me each day. He is growing and strengthening me so that my faith and commitment can be unveiled as God prepares the opportunities. I will more openly share with my husband and my children the daily grace from God’s Word that I receive now that we are spending more time at home together. I will encourage my husband to read the same quiet time passages with me, and I will share my reflections and God’s graces together.
I also resolve to share God’s hope and joy openly with my parents who miss me and my family as they are out-of-state, and they are also going through a difficult time with their business. Although I grew up in a Christian home, we rarely discussed our personal faith walks nor the goodness of God in depth or very openly. God is showing me the need and the opportunity at this time, and I would like to encourage my parents with the hope of God’s Word.
PRAYER
Thank You Father, that You progressively build courage and boldness in me. Help me to be obedient, and would You put the conviction in my heart when You require an action or expression of faith from me. I know Your grace and the Holy Spirit are carrying me and leading me to opportunities to display my faith that I may honor You. Lord, I humbly admit I am too often fearful and timid. Please build up my spirit and my faith to be bolder and more expressive in my devotion to You.
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