We're continuing to read through the Gospel of John. Today's reading is John 19:25-42.
Secret disciples must eventually declare themselves. Joseph and Nicodemus felt compelled to care for Jesus' body. If people didn't know before, they knew now -- these two guys are loyal to Jesus.
Great honor is planned. This was no spontaneous, slap-together burial. While Jesus was on the cross, Joseph and Nicodemus must've met to discuss the details. Who had what? How much could each contribute? Who would approach Pilate to release the body? Who would roll the stone to seal the tomb? Nicodemus and Joseph didn't have a lot of time, but they couldn't wing this either.
When giving Jesus honor, time is of the essence. Joseph and Nicodemus had to do what they could while they could. They only had until sundown to get everything done. Don't postpone doing for Jesus what you've thought about doing. At some point you must stop thinking and start doing. You might not have tomorrow, but you have today. You might not have the next minute but you have this one.
Giving Jesus honor will cost you. There was a material cost (linen, spices, tomb). There was a reputational cost. Joseph and Nicodemus were members of the Sanhedrin, the elite group that voted to condemn Jesus. If Joe and Nick's involvement wasn't hidden from John, how would it remain hidden from the Sanhedrin? Their next meeting must've been tense! Perhaps the two were demoted or, worse, expelled. There was a religious cost. Touching Jesus' dead body meant seven days of ceremonial uncleanness. That meant no Passover for them!
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