John 19:38 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.
Here’s what we know about Joseph from the 4 gospels. He was from Arimathea, an unknown village. He was a wealthy council member who did not agree with condemning Jesus. He was a secret disciple of Jesus awaiting the establishment of the kingdom. He stayed at the cross until Jesus died. He owned a new tomb. He was willing to risk his reputation to provide for Jesus’ burial. He was willing to become ceremonially unclean by taking Jesus’ body down from the cross and burying it just prior to the Sabbath.
How willing are we to risk our reputation with our peers by identifying with Jesus’ death? At some point, living to love with Jesus will require dying to the approval of the world. When we do so we are identifying with Jesus’ death. We are risking all—out of love for Christ. No more hiding in secret. May we be as moved to love Jesus and honor Him as Joseph of Arimathea was on the day Jesus died for him and us.
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
