What would your life look like if you lived beyond your fears?
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. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. —Mark 15:42-46 ESV
The love of Jesus can transform a fearful person into an unlikely hero.
Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews. —John 19:38
The love of Jesus can motivate a fearful disciple to bold acts of faith.
Joseph of Arimathea…took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. —Mark 15:43
When the love of Jesus captures our hearts…
• We trust God in times of uncertainty.
• We “do it scared”.
• We live with compassion and humility.
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Talk About It
Scripture records many responses to Jesus’ suffering and death during His final hours. Some fled, others cried. Many mocked. But the reaction of one disciple is puzzling. Joseph of Arimathea was called a secret disciple because he feared what his peers would think of his faith. But when all hope for Jesus’ followers was lost, Joseph of Arimathea made a bold and courageous stand. The love of Jesus can motivate fearful disciples to bold acts of faith. Because of the love of Jesus demonstrated to us, we
can trust Him in times of uncertainty, we “do it scared,” and we live with compassion and humility.
Mark 15:42-46; John 19:38-41; Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 23:50-55; Isaiah 53:9, 42:3
Discussion questions
- Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
- Read Mark 15:42-46. Discuss what this bold step cost Joseph of Arimathea. Why do you think he decided to act now, even when there was no benefit for him? What do you think you would do?
- How have you seen fear influence your thoughts and actions? Are you allowing fear to keep you from moving toward something God is calling you to do? What bold step can you take, even if it means “doing it scared”?
- Joseph of Arimathea made a courageous stand when there was no certainty regarding how things would work out. How does your level of intimate relationship with Jesus affect your ability to trust Him in uncertainty?
- Read Isaiah 42:3. If you were one of Jesus’ disciples, how would you have viewed Joseph’s faith before this moment? Where do you see a little “Pharisee” in your heart? How does this story change how you look at other Christians, especially those who are struggling?
Take a Step
- Are you allowing fear to keep you from moving toward something God is calling you to do? What bold step can you take this week?
- Where do you see a little “Pharisee” in your heart? Repent and ask God to give you greater compassion and humility.
Here’s My Prayer
Lord, thank You for the love You demonstrated through the cross. Forgive me for letting fear hold me back from trusting You fully. Give me boldness to take the steps You’re asking me to take, knowing that You are with me, and I can trust You. Reveal any “Pharisee” attitudes in me and replace them with Your compassion and humility. Help me to see others through Your eyes and to love them as You do. Amen.