Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NLT)
When I was a young believer, my Bible study teacher introduced me to the autobiography of Corrie Ten Boom; The Hiding Place. As a lover of Jesus and history, I was engrossed with her courageous story of faith and forgiveness. Corrie and her family lived in the Netherlands when the Nazis invaded in 1940. As a beloved family of watchmakers, they helped many Jews escape the Holocaust during World War II by hiding them in a secret chamber – the physical ‘hiding place’ of the book – that housed six people behind a faux wall in Corrie’s bedroom. As believers in their small town, in a time where being a Christian meant death or torture, their bravery and heorism modeled God’s greatest commandment to its core; “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39, NKJV)
As we continue in our series of characters in the Easter story, I couldn’t help but see the strong correlation between Corrie and another secret disciple named Joseph of Arimathea.
As we continue in our series of characters in the Easter story, I couldn’t help but see the strong correlation between Corrie and another secret disciple named Joseph of Arimathea. Both Corrie and Joseph knew the true power and identity of Jesus. They trusted in Him but, as His disciples, had to keep their love quiet for a time.
Let’s take a closer look at Joseph of Arimathea.
Where the Kingdom is Found
I find it significant that Joseph of Arimathea (a Pharisee) can be found in every gospel account of Jesus’ death. The writers of each Gospel make it clear that Joseph was known for his resolve, integrity and also his wealth. He, alongside his peers, were in search of the Kingdom of God. But while the Pharisees found that “kingdom” in their mastery of the Law and personal holiness, Joseph saw in Jesus the fulfilment of every kingdom prophecy written in the Old Testament.
As Corrie had to keep her allegiance and devotion to Jesus a secret from the Nazi occupation, Joseph had to keep his a secret from the Sanhedrin, the Jewish governing body of the time.
Can we pause for a moment and ponder the wrestling and anguish that must have been taking place in Joseph’s heart? He would have known the kingdom prophecies like the back of his hand. Yet having witnessed Jesus’ miracles first hand; his conclusion was entirely different than that of his peers. He knew that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and that acknowledgement would have put him in opposition with his church, his family and community.
He knew that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and that acknowledgement would have put him in opposition with his church, his family and community.
Sometime between Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea decided to take his faith public and made a grand gesture before Pontus Pilate. Let’s read this scripture together:
“When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.” (Matthew 27:57-5, NIV)
This act on his part was astonishing. As a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph was part of an elite group of religious experts, elders and tribe leaders who were the ruling body for matters pertaining to religion and civilian life. Not only would this bold move likely precede his ejection from that group but it stands to reason he might have feared retribution as well.
Although he kept his allegiance a secret for some time, Joseph had the courage to publicly stand before Pilate and honor Jesus when all the other disciples ran. He gave Jesus in His death what Israel refused to give him in His earthly ministry: acknowledgement and recognition as the true Son of God, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This secret disciple was willing to risk it all – his reputation and standing within the religious elite to give Jesus a king’s burial and beautifully model the first part of the Greatest commandment, to “love God with all your heart, soul and mind.” And, in doing so, he took part in fulfilling one of the many prophecies about Christ.
“He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave.” (Isaiah 53:9, NLT)
Reflection Questions
Although we do not face the same kind of oppression Corrie Ten Boom did, what unique challenges do we face today as we seek to honor Christ with our lives?
How can you boldly stand for Christ in our current culture as Joseph of Arimathea did in his?
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for being patient with us when we are driven by fear and timidity. It is only you who can strengthen us and help us to stand firm in our faith in the face of adversity or contempt. Thank you for examples like Joseph of Arimethea and Corrie Ten Boom. Please give me the courage to stand for truth when you call me to.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.