John 19: 38-42 (select verses) Joseph of Arimethea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. He was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who had visited Jesus at night.
These two men were prominent members of the Jewish Council, who had both made considerable efforts to hide their allegiance from the religious authorities. We assume also that they didn’t discuss their beliefs with their friends or families.
However, they risked everything, their status in society, their position within the Jewish Council, and possibly their own personal relationships within family. They came out into the open, when the atmosphere in Jerusalem would have been febrile. The crowds would not have dissipated, Jerusalem was buzzing with the festival of Passover. These two men did all that they could to serve their Lord, even after death. They wrapped his body, and anointed it with myrrh.
These men hid their belief, and only came out into the open after Jesus had died. Are we secret believers? Do we hide our faith from friends and colleagues? It is never too late to declare your faith. Now is the time when we can step out in faith, using our gifts and talents in service to him.
Prayer for Holy Saturday:
Lord, in the silence of this day,
may I listen to your voice.
Lead to me new life, new hope in you.
Amen.