Daily devotion – ‘secret’ followers
Matthew 27: 57 Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. 59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.
John tells us that Nicodemus went with Joseph of Arimathea when they asked for Jesus body from Pilate. These two men were taking an enormous risk and showing great courage by doing this. They both could have easily been sentenced to death for showing their allegiance with Jesus Christ who has just been crucified.
They surely would have lost their prominent positions in the temple and in society.
We often hear Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea being criticised for being ‘secret’ followers of Jesus. But as we take a step back the Bible would say otherwise.
At this time all the other disciples had taken off from Jesus since His arrest, barring John. It was these so called ‘secret’ disciples – Nicodemus and Joseph – who were at the Cross, ministering to the body of Jesus.
In Churches there are many not so publicly seen or noticed followers of Christ who often shine the brightest when the way gets dark. The quiet one’s, faithful, unknown, who are often the strongest and the most courageous of the saints.
So, it was with these two men. I look forward to meeting with them, not in secret, but in Heaven.
Maybe you are one of those like these two – if so continue to serve and love Jesus Christ. God notices all that you do!