Joseph and Nicodemus week 8, 2010

“If people recognise me at your meeting it will work against my promotion; one of mymentors said to me being known as a man of God works against professional progress.” I think you need new mentors, God says I alone am the one who comforts you. Why, then, are you afraid of mortals, who must die, of humans, who are like grass? Isa 51:12(GW). “Why can’t I be like Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night. I can retain my position and work quietly behind the scenes for the church.”
Why do you want to work behind the scenes for Jesus’ matters but take centre-stage in secular matters? Nicodemus did not succeed in his own attempt. The Pharisees asked the temple guards, "Have you been deceived too? Has any ruler or any Pharisee believed in him? One of those Pharisees was Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus. Nicodemus asked them, "Do Moses' Teachings enable us to judge a person without first hearing that person's side of the story? We can't judge a person without finding out what that person has done." They asked Nicodemus, "Are you saying this because you're from Galilee?" Then each of them went home Jn 7:47-53(GW)
What powerful witness it would have been if Nicodemus had spoken up for Jesus at this point but every one went home and the temple guards not vindicated. “Are you sure it is not Nicodemus’ statement that encouraged the Pharisees to give Jesus a mock trial sef?” Pocket theologian! Who knows.
“But I am so scared; what do I do?” Why have you forgotten the LORD, your Creator? He stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. Why should you live in constant fear of the fury of those who oppress you, of those who are ready to destroy you? Where is the fury of those who oppress you? Isa 51:13(GW).
Consider Joseph of Arimathea (being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews) Jn 19:38(Webster) He was a highly respected member of the Council, Mar 15:43(ISV) He was scared too, and never let his love be known publicly. His presence could not help matters at Jesus’ trial even though he disagreed with the rest(Lk 23:51). Joseph changed when he went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus Mar 15:43(ISV) It was then that even Nicodemus came out too to bury Jesus (Jn 19:38-40). I hope you don’t want to come out when it is time to bury the Word of Life? “Please don’t say such things...”Secret discipleship cannot work: stand up and be counted!