Fortitude: Being Brave

Scripture:

John 19:38-42

Quick Summary:

Joseph and Nicodemus were scared of following Jesus. But when all of Jesus’ disciples abandoned and denied him at the cross, it was these two scared men who risked their lives so that Jesus could have a proper burial.

The Point:

Joseph and Nicodemus showed fortitude. Fortitude is when God give us the courage to do what is right.

Questions for Family Time:

                  1.      What was the story today about?

             a.    When Jesus died on the cross for our sins.

                  2.      Who helped Jesus ?

         a.      Joseph and Nicodemus carried him to the tomb.

                  3.      Were Joseph and Nicodemus disciples?

        a.      They were too scared to be disciples, but became brave in the end.

Deeper:

I heard it said recently that it’s not how you begin but how you end. That pretty much sums up the story of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Both believed in Jesus, but both kept their opinions to themselves. They didn’t follow Jesus because they were afraid others would find out. They both had a lot to lose. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and Joseph sat on the council that requested Jesus’ crucifixion. They both would lose their friends, their careers, and their faith communities if they were outed as Jesus followers.

I imagine that the disciples of Jesus looked down their noses at these men of little faith. After all, The Twelve gave up all they had to follow Jesus and were always with him in front of crowds or sitting at the temple.  How telling it is that The Twelve are nowhere to be found when Jesus finally died on the cross. Fear of the crosses that lay in wait for them tempted them to abandon their leader. They had spoken of bravery and rebellion while Jesus was alive, but now that he hang dying, they were nowhere to be seen.

Only the two scaredy-cats remained. Joseph, who never had the courage during Jesus’ life, now courageously honors Jesus’ body in death. He goes to Pilate himself and requests permission to take down the body.  There goes his career. Then, with Nicodemus’ help, he wrapped it in new cloth and fragrant spices. There goes their faith community. Matthew tells us that Joseph put Jesus in his own new tomb, never used before, and rolled a stone in front of it. There goes his friends and family relationships.  But those things now are not as important as they were. What is most important now is that Jesus is buried with dignity, not allowed to suffer the shame of being picked apart by birds like so many criminals. Honoring Jesus became more important to these men than what they stood to lose.

Even in death, Jesus was still transforming lives. He took these two men too scared to stand up to their peers, and used them to prepare the way for his resurrection only a few days later.

Perhaps you have felt like Joseph and Nicodemus. God has called you, but you have ignored that call because it would totally change your life. Maybe you have watched others follow Jesus, as you believe in him in secret. If so, than hear this Easter the good news: Jesus needs you. He needs you to honor him and to give the best of what you have, so that through your gift he can bring new life. Take courage, for out of your fortitude God will do something beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

Personal Reflection:

When have you been scared to live out your faith? What would you have to give up to live out your faith? What new life could God bring from you courage to do what is right?