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. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
—John 19:38-42

Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
—Matthew 10:32

~~~~~

No Longer in the Shadows
By Jennifer Kane

I followed You in silence,
When crowds would press and cheer,
Afraid to voice allegiance—
Still drawn by love sincere.
My questions hid in whispers,
My worship kept inside,
A flicker in the darkness,
A faith I chose to hide.

But then the cross stood crimson
Where mercy met the grave,
And silence could no longer
Be worthy of the brave.
The shame You bore so open
Unmasked my veiled disguise—
How could I stay in hiding
When love had paid such price?

So forward came the timid,
With trembling hands and tears,
To honor You in mourning,
To cast aside our fears.
We broke the hush with action,
We dared to ask the king,
And laid You down with spices—
A fragrant offering.

No longer in the shadows,
No longer bound by shame,
The tomb that once held silence
Now testifies Your name.
If trials bring the moment
To stand, though once I fled—
Let my life speak with courage,
For You are not still dead.

~~~~~

Scriptures: John 19:38-39, Matthew 10:32

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret followers of Jesus. They were men of influence, respected among the Jewish elite. But for much of Jesus’ ministry, they kept their allegiance hidden—choosing caution over confession. Fear of public shame, loss of status, or retaliation held them back. Maybe they wrestled with doubt or felt they had too much to lose.

And then Jesus died.

That moment—the seeming end of hope—became the catalyst for boldness. When the rest of the disciples scattered, these two stepped out of the shadows. Joseph publicly asked for Jesus’ body, and Nicodemus brought an extravagant amount of burial spices. Their actions—costly, tender, and unmistakably devoted—became their declaration of faith.

No disciple of Jesus stays hidden forever. Whether through suffering, persecution, personal trial, or divine opportunity, God allows circumstances that press the truth of our hearts to the surface.

Jesus said, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32). Secret discipleship may be a starting place, but it is never the destination. Faith demands expression.

Are there ways you’ve kept your faith private out of fear, embarrassment, or doubt?
What circumstances might God be using to call you into greater boldness?
Like Joseph and Nicodemus, is there a “moment” in front of you to stand with Jesus—even when it costs something?

This week, take one step to make your discipleship visible. Share your faith, serve someone sacrificially, speak up with truth and love, or simply let someone know that you follow Jesus. Don’t wait for the darkness to fall—walk in the light now.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, You see the hidden places of my heart—both my love for You and my fears. Give me the courage to step into the light and follow You openly. May I not wait for tragedy or pressure to reveal my devotion, but choose today to be known as Yours. Use me as a witness, even when it costs. Amen.

June 25 2025