Don't Keep It A Secret. John 19:38-42

John 19 NLT
The Burial of Jesus
38 Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. 40 Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. 41 The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. 42 And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

Two men who believed Jesus is the Messiah secretly, come forward now that He is dead. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. 

Joseph of Arimathea was the man who owned the tomb they laid Jesus in. It is believed he achieved his wealth through the metal trade. There is a lot of folk lore about him,  he was even venerated a saint by the Catholic and Lutheran Church. 

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. He is mentioned three times in the Gospel of John. First he visits Jesus at night to discuss Jesus' teachings. The second time he reminds his colleagues that the law requires that a person be heard before being judged. Lastly, Nicodemus is mentioned here, helping Joseph prepare Jesus's body. 

They kept their faith a secret because they feared the Jewish leaders. Early Christians were persecuted to the point of death. As prominent men in their society, they most certainly would have been made examples of. 

In the United States, with the freedoms we have, it's hard to think of being persecuted for our faith. Yet it is still happening today everywhere in the world. Muslim families here in the U.S. and abroad still murder family members who convert to Christianity. If you are caught with a Bible in China you go to jail. Daily on the news there are stories of Christians arrested, beaten and executed for their faith. 

It can be frightening to share our faith and face persecution, whether it is verbally from family and friends or physically to the point of death. The reward is so much better for those who stand up for their faith then those who remain silent. When I die I want to hear Jesus say: Matthew 25:23a "Well done, My good and faithful servant."

Blessings, Cecilia