JOSEPH OF
ARIMATHEA
PROFILES —-
FROM FEAR TO BOLD FAITH
Fear paralyzes. Faith in God makes us bold. Joseph of Arimathea knew all about this. He was surrounded by people who hated Jesus Christ. He was part of the religious leadership during the time Jesus lived. Jesus was seen as a threat to their religious order, but ironically, Joseph was drawn to faith in Him. This created a real-life crisis for him. Following Jesus would mean being different and risking his reputation, his status as a religious leader, and his place in society. Becoming a follower of Christ came with a cost, and at first, Joseph hid his faith. But after Jesus died, even if it seemed like it was too late, he risked much by taking a bold step of faith and asking Pilate for Jesus’ body. (Remember, the religious leaders had killed Jesus, and now Joseph was unashamedly caring for the very man they had wanted dead for so long.)
God can take our hidden and ashamed faith, as well as the fear of being different we all encounter when we choose Jesus, and grow us into courageous followers who are unashamed of Him. Joseph’s small but brave step shows us the transformation God can bring about in all of us—turning us from fearful to boldly faithful!
THINK & PRAY
ARE YOU PARALYZED BY FEAR?
Fear of what others may think or do to us because we follow Jesus Christ can be intimidating, especially when we first start following Him. The risk is real and should be expected. Following Christ does come with a cost, but the rewards are many.
Joseph of Arimathea was transformed from a timid, hidden Christian into a bold representative of Christ. God can do this in all of us. There had to be a moment after Jesus’ death when Joseph was convicted and said, You know what? I loved Jesus Christ, His death was wrong, and I will not be ashamed anymore! His faith was put into action, and his fear was defeated. He understood that being bold for Christ was worth far more than being ashamed of the God he believed in.
Timidity is a natural temptation for all believers in Christ. But God calls us to be unashamed and to ask Him for boldness to represent His reality to our world—no matter the cost! Fear has a way of paralyzing our faith, but God can transform us into believers who are willing to live out our faith both in private and in public. What are some fears that paralyze you? How has God caused you to become bolder in your faith in front of other people?