“Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus” (Mark 15:43).
TEXT — Mark 15:42-47
Message
There is an anonymous saying that “In a world where you can be anything, be courageous.” In 1955, Rosa Parks, a Black woman in Montgomery, Alabama, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus. Her quiet yet firm defiance sparked the civil rights movement and changed the course of history. It was an uncommon boldness, standing for what is right when fear and conformity would have been easier. Joseph of Arimathaea demonstrated extraordinary courage in a moment when silence would have been safer.
Our text today narrates the account of Joseph of Arimathaea, a respected member of the Jewish council, who stepped forward to claim the body of Jesus after His crucifixion. This act was not just an expression of devotion but a significant risk. Jesus had been condemned as a criminal, and aligning with Him after His death could have led to severe repercussions. Joseph, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus, boldly approached Pilate and requested Jesus’ body. He did not allow the fear of the Jewish leaders or Roman authorities to deter him. He provided his tomb for Jesus’ burial, ensuring that the Saviour’s body was treated with dignity.
Joseph’s action is a challenge to modern Christians. Often, believers fear standing up for their faith, particularly in environments where Christianity is unpopular or opposed. Many choose to remain silent, blending in with the crowd rather than standing up for the truth .However, like Joseph, every believer must courageously identify with Christ, even when it is inconvenient or dangerous. Whether standing against corruption, defending Biblical values, or sharing the gospel in a hostile environment, following Jesus requires boldness. We are to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints.
Believers must understand that true courage often comes with risks. Joseph risked his reputation and position for Jesus. Likewise, following Christ faithfully today requires sacrifices. Also, as Joseph moved from secret belief to public action, believers must go beyond being secret disciples. Their faith should not be passive but expressed in their daily choices and commitments. What is more? God honours boldness when it is demonstrated to the glory of His name. Joseph’s courageous act became part of history, and God uses such acts to fulfil His divine purposes. When we stand boldly for Christ, He uses our obedience to impact lives and save others.
Thought for the day
There is an element of rage in Christian courage – the unrelenting overpowering enthusiasm.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
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