John 19:38-39 (NIV)
“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. 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 35 kilograms.”
Perhaps Nicodemus now recalled Jesus’ words to him about being lifted up, and realised that the crucifixion fulfilled not only the Lord’s own words but also Old Testament pictures such as the snake on a pole. Somehow it seems that these two ‘secret’ disciples knew of each other’s faith in Jesus, and so they got together to give Jesus a proper burial. Even (or perhaps especially) in the face of opposition, believers know the importance of sharing their commitment to the Lord Jesus. So what started out as tentative enquiry in chapter 3 has changed Nicodemus and now becomes vital fellowship and bold witness. That’s progress we should all aspire to.
Father, help us to be curious in our faith so that, like Nicodemus, we may learn and grow.
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