Secret Disciples

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. John 19:38

The Burial of Jesus is something we hear at church and, honestly, something I have read and studied several times. Recently, I was reading through the book of John and this verse pierced my heart. I could not recall this verse, so I went back and read it slowly. The part that stopped me was, “Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders.” How often are we “secret disciples” because we do not want to offend someone or are afraid of being ridiculed and cast out of a group? It is easy to be all in for Jesus at church but what about in public? We are called to carry the cross and win souls for Jesus, but it will be difficult to win souls if we are secret disciples. Be bold and courageously share the gospel.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Pastor Kendra Scott