“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”(John 19:38).
Only the Gospel of John indicates that Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple of Jesus, because of his fear of Judgement by the Jews. He and Nicodemus were men with influence in the Council. If they confessed their faith publically, they would be shunned. They hoped to protect Jesus with their influence, which is why the priests did not invite them to the trial where they condemned the Savior. After Jesus was wrongly crucified, these men acted courageously and helped the disciples. Jesus’s death convinced Joseph of Arimathea of His divinity. ‘The very event that destroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus of the divinity of Jesus. Their fears were overcome by the courage of a firm and unwavering faith.”—The Desire of Ages, ch. 80, p. 734. He offered his luxurious new tomb, and thus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9, that the Messiah would be among the rich at His death. Nicodemus did his part as well by bringing expensive spices to anoint the body of the Messiah who had perished.
God will raise up people today like Joseph and Nicodemus, influential members of institutions with authority, who will do what is right. Joseph used his influence to speak to Pilate privately and request the body of the Savior, in order to give Him an honorable burial. When Joseph returned with the official order from the governor to claim the body, he found Nicodemus, who had brought an expensive mixture of 110 pounds of myrrh oils and aloe as a sign of respect. With reverence, they lowered Jesus’s body from the cross. They wept as they saw His bruised and wounded body. They washed Him and wrapped Him in a linen cloth with aromatic spices. Then they carried Him to the expensive tomb, which was near the place of crucifixion.
Fear will conquer us if we do not face it. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus overcame their fear that the Council might take actions against them. Their bravery shone in marked contrast with the cowardice of the disciples and of Pilate. In the same way, we need to get rid of our fear and with God’s help and power, do what others think is impossible. Joseph of Arimathea had the privilege of being recorded in the Scriptures as the main character in the fulfillment of a prophecy, since he put his fear to the side and acted at the right time. And in doing so, he discovered a new person, a fearless man within himself.
Think about how much you can do if you overcome fear with the power of faith in God. May you will discover the great woman that lies within you.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Esteban Cortes
