SECRET DISCIPLES

John 19:38 NKJ After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being 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 the body of Jesus.

Joseph of Arimathea was a follower of Jesus. He followed Jesus and His teaching, but he followed from a distance. Joseph was a wealthy, powerful man, but he was afraid of what the other Jews would do if they discovered he was a believer in Jesus.

They would not have killed Joseph; they were not that bold. So, what was the fear that kept Joseph holding this secret? He was afraid of their rejection, afraid of losing his network of contacts and his social group. Jesus was the greatest thing that had happened in Israel. He was the Messiah, the One foretold in the scriptures, and confirmed with mighty signs and wonders.

Joseph believed. But fear caused him to keep his faith a secret, and that fear held him in a secret prison.

APPLICATION

The same pressure that caused Joseph of Arimathea to be a secret disciple is still present today. The fear that expressing our faith in Jesus will cause us to face the pain of rejection is very real. And we would be wrong to say that no rejection or scorn will come our way if we profess Him.

But we have to make the determination what is worse, public rejection or private regret.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I pray that you would strengthen me to not live as a secret disciple. Jesus is the best thing to ever happen to me, and I want to be able to express my faith in Him without fear. Thank You that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.