PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 19:38-42
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“A disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders.” (John 19:38)
Joseph Arimathea was a secret disciple because he feared Jewish leaders.
Nicodemus was a Jewish leader, so he talked to Jesus at night (John 3:2).
I spoke with a disciple from Iran who told me about secret disciples in Iran.
In their hearts they accept Jesus as Messiah, but still act like Muslims.
Some may challenge this – do they really trust Jesus if they’re in hiding?
Is this not hiding their light under a bushel?
Joseph and Nicodemus remind us that even secret disciples have their place.
God uses them, and their devotion to Jesus eventually rises to the surface.
It is not my place to judge secret disciples.
It takes greater faith than mine to change from Islam to Christ!
And in time, like Joseph and Nicodemus, their faith will start to show.
Don’t judge them, pray for them and entrust them to the Lord.
They can serve as mustard seed witnesses, and the Lord will use them too.
Even if they do so secretly, for fear of the leaders.
PRAYER
Lord, I pray for your followers in Muslim countries, where they live each day under the threat of exposure and torture and death.
Nicodemus and Joseph – feared the Jewish authorities – but did what was right for Jesus body. I’m sure the Pharisees had already gone – their purification rites would have prevented them from being there anymore – but what about Joseph and Nicodemus – they were handling corpse – that disqualified them from the passover/Sabbath – yet they expressed their sincere love for Jesus – taking a risk and contaminating themselves – to do what was right under Jewish customs. Another testimony of Jesus actual death – secret witnesses who had everything to lose by being associated with Jesus – bore witness and buried Jesus. They got official permission from Pilate – and they acted. Help me Lord to bear witness to the good news wherever and whatever the circumstance! I know how tough it was living in a Muslim country to publicly declare that they are a Jesus follower!
God uses people His wonders to perform. Joseph knew of the happenings. He knew the religious leaders and feared their powers. Nicodemus brought the spices – 75 pounds of it. That’s readiness. Where did he get all that? Again God uses ‘unlikely’ men His purpose to fulfill. They were His instruments doing His will. Secret followers finally showing their colours of their love for Jesus. I need to show my love for Him and His people at all times and no be silent.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high his royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
His army shall he lead,
Till every foe is vanquished,
And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Stand in his strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor’s song.
To those who vanquish evil
A crown of life shall be;
They with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.