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. 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 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. (John 19:38-42 ESV)
Think about a time when you felt hesitant to express your faith openly. What held you back?
The aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion can feel bleak. The weight of grief and loss hangs heavy in the air. Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of unexpected faith shines through. Faith emerges from two unexpected figures: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Joseph, a secret disciple, overcomes his fear of the Jewish authorities and approaches Pilate for permission to bury Jesus. Nicodemus, who previously met Jesus under the cover of night, joins in, bringing a lavish amount of spices for the burial. These actions, seemingly small, stand out in stark contrast to the brutality of the crucifixion.
Joseph and Nicodemus' actions remind us that even in the darkest moments, faith can bloom in unexpectedly. Their willingness to act, despite their reservations, serves as a powerful lesson to us today. We may find ourselves hesitant to express our faith for fear of rejection or judgment. But the Bible encourages us to step outside our comforts and act in faith when nobody else is willing.
Sometimes, the most impactful displays of faith don't involve grand pronouncements or dramatic gestures. They are found in the quiet acts of courage - the whispered prayers, the helping hand extended to a stranger, or the act of laying a loved one to rest with respect. Perhaps displaying faith for you is a kind word spoken in a difficult situation, or a small act of compassion toward somebody you know. Maybe, it’s another kind of step in faith and making your faith public through baptism.
Pray that you can live out your faith like Joseph and Nicodemus and integrate who you believe in by honoring Jesus through your everyday actions.