Courage in Secrecy: The Legacy of Joseph of Arimathaea
"¶ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus." - John 19:38
In the world we live in, many are faced with situations that require courage and conviction, particularly when it comes to our faith. The verse John 19:38 reminds us of both the fear and the bravery exhibited by Joseph of Arimathaea: "And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus."
This verse occurs in a profound moment of desperation and grief. Jesus, our Lord, had just been crucified, and darkness enveloped the land. The narrative encapsulates the turmoil of that day, but within this turmoil, we find a pivotal character who quietly emerges as a model of faith. Joseph of Arimathaea, described as a disciple of Jesus, displays a complex mixture of fear and courage. His actions prompt us to reflect on our own willingness to stand for our beliefs, even when surrounded by pressure and fear.
Joseph’s fear, mentioned explicitly in the passage, resonates with many of us. It highlights the reality that faith can be a deeply personal, and often daunting, journey. Fear of judgment, societal repercussions, or alienation from one’s peers can compel believers to remain silent or hidden in their faith. Yet, Joseph took a risk by approaching Pilate, a Roman authority, to request the body of Jesus. This act required immense courage, as associating oneself with a crucified criminal was likely to invite condemnation from the Jewish leaders of his community. But in that moment of personal conviction, Joseph chose to honor Jesus in death, just as he had in life.
Joseph’s actions can teach us invaluable lessons about discipleship. First, he demonstrates that true allegiance to Christ often requires a personal price. Discipleship is not merely about proclaiming faith in comfortable surroundings but must extend into the uncomfortable spaces of our lives. The world often challenges our beliefs; it questions our motives, and it tests our resolve. Like Joseph, we are called to move from secrecy into action, expressing our faith in tangible ways even when it might be socially inconvenient.
Moreover, Joseph of Arimathaea’s response serves as a reminder that God often utilizes unlikely heroes to fulfill His purposes. Here, a man who had remained clandestine in his discipleship was chosen to take care of Jesus in His final hours. This underscores a powerful truth: God sees our inner struggles and recognizes our potential. He invites us into a partnership despite our fears. Joseph might have remained in the shadows indefinitely; however, the moment demanded action, and God equipped him to meet that demand. When we feel inadequate or fearful, we must remember that God often uses ordinary people to fulfill extraordinary roles in His plan.
Finally, there is an element of restorative grace in Joseph's actions. In taking the body of Jesus, he not only honored His life but also provided Jesus with a proper burial, fulfilling prophecy and showing respect in death. This act of care is a call for us to honor Christ in our lives regularly—to live in a manner that reflects the love and dignity He deserves.
As we meditate on John 19:38, let us consider how God may be calling us to rise above our fears and apprehensions. What areas in our lives need a bold proclamation of faith? How can we honor Christ in our daily interactions and decisions? Just as Joseph stepped out and took a stand, may we find the courage to share our faith and serve Christ wholeheartedly, even when confronted with opposition. Let us seek to be the disciples who, like Joseph, declare our faith with courage, compassion, and commitment, trusting that God will use our obedient hearts to further His kingdom.
Want to reflect more on John 19:38?
Continue your spiritual journey with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, discover connections, and deepen your understanding.
Get Our Apps
John 19:38 Artwork
John 19:38
John 19:38 - "¶ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus."
John 19:38-42 - "Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there."
"¶ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus." - John 19:38
"Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there." - John 19:38-42
John 7:38
John 7:38
John 7:38
John 7:38
John 7:38
John 7:38
John 7:38
Genesis 19-38
John 9:38 - "And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him."
Psalms 38:19 - "But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied."
Job 38:19 - "Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,"
John 11:38 - "Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it."
John 6:38 - "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."
Luke 19:38 - "Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest."
Joshua 19:38 - "And Iron, and Migdal-el, Horem, and Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages."
John 5:38 - "And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not."
Exodus 38:19 - "And their pillars were four, and their sockets of brass four; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets of silver."
John 4:38 - "I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours."
John 7:38 - "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
Genesis 38:19 - "And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood."
John 19:1
Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. John 7:38
John 19:19 - "¶ And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS."
John 8:38 - "I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father."
John 10:38 - "But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him."