After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus – but secretly because of his fear of the Jews – asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took His body away. Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. John 19:38-39 HCSB
As a former student pastor, one of the challenges I issued to students was to live out their faith and boldly proclaim that Jesus was their Lord and Savior. Many students and even adults are afraid to let others know they are Christians. They are afraid of what others might think of them. It seems as if they want to keep their devotion to Jesus a secret.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret followers of Christ. They were afraid of what might happen if the Jewish leaders discovered their loyalties. Both were members of the high council. Nicodemus came to Jesus in the darkness of night so as to not be discovered as someone who wanted to know more about Jesus (John 3:1). He also tried to defend Jesus before the religious leaders (John 7:50-52). These men were changed by the death of Jesus. They realized who Jesus truly was and were willing to sacrifice their reputations and openly declare that they were His followers.
Challenge: When confronted with Jesus, we should be changed and be willing to proclaim Him as Lord. Do you hide your faith from family, friends, and fellow workers? Step out from hiding your faith and boldly proclaim to others that you are a follower of Jesus.