What's It Take?

What's it take? What is the thing that will (or does) most motivate us to BOLDLY ACKNOWLEDGE our interest in JESUS?

There was a man we have come to refer to as “Joseph of Arimathea”. When we consider each of the four Gospel accounts together we find that he was a rich man, a prominent member of the council of the Sanhedrin, a good and upright man, one who had not consented to the decision of having Jesus condemned to death, and one who was waiting for the kingdom of God. We also note in John 19:38 that he was a disciple of Jesus, “BUT SECRETLY”, because he feared his fellow Jews.

However, we see a change take place in his disposition following Jesus’ death on the cross. Note what we read in Mark’s account.

“(42) And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, (43) Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, TOOK COURAGE AND WENT TO PILATE and asked for the body of Jesus.” ( Mark 15:42-43 ESV)

The Greek translated “took courage” is a word that refers to boldness or daring. Joseph was bold. He dared to step out personally at this point. In so doing, Joseph was risking his standing with the Council, he was risking his reputation, and was now even ready to risk the possibility of death in aligning himself with Jesus.

What caused Joseph to go from being a “secret” disciple, to a more visible one? It may be that for him Jesus’ death -- this great injustice based on hatred and false testimony -- was the last straw.

Joseph ended up being accompanied by Nicodemus ( John 19:39) who was a Pharisee ( John 3:1) and also a member of the Council ( John 3:1). Remember Nicodemus had earlier come to Jesus “at night” ( John 3:1-2). We also read of him attempting to offer some defense for Jesus at one point ( John 7:45-52). However, following Jesus’ death, Nicodemus too was finally ready to STEP FORWARD AND BE NUMBERED among the Lord’s followers.

For Paul it appears to have been the realization of God’s tremendous grace lavished upon him which continued to motivate him to press on as A BOLD PROCLAIMER of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What aspect of Jesus touches us most? Something about His life? Something relating to His death? Something touching the glorious hope based on the reality of His resurrection? His magnanimous love? His adequate atonement? What? What motivates us to BOLDLY ACKNOWLEDGE we are a disciple of JESUS?

Some who shrunk back at one point grew to be MORE BOLD. May we be like those the Hebrew writer referred to who…
“…are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of THOSE WHO HAVE FAITH AND PRESERVE THEIR SOULS.” ( Hebrews 10:39 ESV)

Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR DISCIPLESHIP TO JESUS!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 07/25/1998 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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