Many times you will hear, most often in sports, the phrase, “He or she rose to the occasion.” That phrase means when the game was on the line, a certain player or players stepped up and made the difference.
In the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, there is an oft lost or passed over story. Even now it is possible you are thinking, “Huh? I know that story like the back of my hand and I can’t think of any.” Possibly so. But then again, I’m willing to guess there is one story passed over this past celebration weekend. It’s almost like a sidebar or a footnote.
The incident? John 19:38-39 (Please take a moment to read it). Two men. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Two men with secrets who now make it public. Joseph we are told is a secret disciple “because he feared the Jewish leaders;” and Nicodemus, who came to Jesus at night (see John 3). But both rose to the occasion when it was necessary. Joseph provided the request to Pilate and the tomb; Nicodemus provided the help and along with Joseph the spices and linen cloths necessary for a Jewish burial.
Joseph risked everything, as did Nicodemus-status, reputation, and safety-to honor Jesus with a proper burial. There is no question in my mind that their lives changed forever that day. Can you hear the tongues? Can you hear the chatter at the next Sanhedrin meeting? “They did what?” “I had no clue of their allegiance.” “Of all the nerve. Kick them out. NOW!”
I’m surmising by this time neither Joseph nor Nicodemus really cared what their colleagues thought. They had staked their claim. Or as we might say, “That’s their story and they’re stickin’ to it.”
Secret disciple no more. Devoted disciple forever.
A long time ago I saw a skit called “Undercover Christian”. The underlying message has stuck with me–How will anyone know about Jesus if we don’t speak up, step out, and admit that all the good we do is because we are His followers?
Agreed Pam. People are not mind-readers. 🙂
I, for one, am so glad you highlighted these two men from the story of Easter, Bill. It’s easy to overlook their devotion and willingness to put it all on the line for Jesus, but we shouldn’t. I’ve always loved the parts that Joseph and Nicodemus played here, risking all their earthly status to follow Jesus and do what was right in God’s eyes. Their example sure sets the high bar for us.
Blessings!
I’m glad you have obviously thought of this as well Martha. They do take a great risk and I’m sure they were “rewarded” for it in heaven. And yes, their example sets a high bar for us.
I would also like to add the centurion to the group that declared that Jesus was the Son of God. Right after Jesus died and the earthquake and the darkness fell on the earth. These three people give me hope for all of the people who are lost and have hardened hearts for the Lord. It just shows that no one has to remain lost forever, and that Jesus can change hardened hearts into believers. It teaches me to never give up on those that I am praying for to be saved.
Good addition Gail. Thanks. I did not consider him because he tends to be mentioned more often than the other two. But he most definitely is a “poster child” for anyone can come to Jesus.