Jesus was crucified and dead. The soldiers didn’t need to break His legs—they pierced His side instead, and blood and water poured out, as John saw with his own eyes. It was Passover, and the Jews didn’t want these deaths tainting their celebration. But who would care for Jesus’ body? A proper burial needed ointments, spices, cloth, a tomb—costly stuff. Who had the means?
John 19:38-39
“After this, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus—but secretly, for fear of the Jews—asked Pilate to take Jesus’ body. Pilate agreed, so he came and removed it. 39 Nicodemus (who’d once visited Jesus at night) came too, bringing about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes.”
Enter Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus—men of wealth and influence, secret followers of Jesus. Fear had kept them in the shadows, but now they stepped up. Joseph boldly asked Pilate for the body, and together they prepared Jesus for burial with lavish care—something few could afford. Their names are forever tied to this act.
God always has His remnant, doesn’t He? Like Elijah, who thought he was alone until God revealed 7,000 who hadn’t bowed to Baal. Joseph and Nicodemus were part of that remnant—hidden believers who acted when it counted. God stirred their hearts to honour Jesus when others wouldn’t.
So, who are the secret followers around us today? How do we call them out to join us in bringing Christ to the world? Maybe you’re one of them—watching from the shadows, afraid of what people might say. But look at these men: they used their influence and wealth for Jesus when it mattered most.
What about you? Is it time to step up? Social pressures make faith risky, but today could be your moment to care for Jesus’ body—the church. Maybe God’s put something in your hands—means, gifts, courage—to move His Kingdom forward. Joseph and Nicodemus did.
Their story challenges us to step out of the shadows: will we?
