How can we emulate Joseph's courage in our faith communities? Joseph’s Moment of Courage Luke 23:50-52: “Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their plan or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he was awaiting the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.” • Joseph belonged to the very Council that condemned Jesus, yet he refused complicity. • He risked reputation, position, and personal safety by publicly honoring the crucified Christ. • Isaiah 53:9 foretold that Messiah would be “with a rich man in His death”; Joseph’s donated tomb fulfilled this prophecy literally. Layers of Boldness We Can Mirror • Moral Courage: “who had not consented to their plan or action” (Luke 23:51). Standing apart from a wrong majority. • Public Identification: Mark 15:43 notes he “boldly went to Pilate.” No anonymity, no shame. • Generous Sacrifice: “wrapped it in a linen cloth and placed Him in a tomb cut out of the rock” (Luke 23:53). His wealth and property were placed at the Lord’s disposal. • Persevering Hope: He was “awaiting the kingdom of God,” anchoring courage in rock-solid expectation of God’s rule. Practical Ways to Live This Out in the Church Family Personal stance • Refuse gossip, injustice, or unbiblical trends even when they are popular. • Speak Scripture with gentleness yet without dilution (2 Timothy 1:7). Public identification • Own the name of Jesus in civic, workplace, and online spaces—letting grace and truth be obvious (Romans 1:16). • Volunteer for visible service roles that carry risk of criticism but advance gospel witness. Generous stewardship • Offer homes, skills, finances, and influence so the body of Christ can meet, serve, and reach others (Acts 4:36-37). • Invest in missionaries, church plants, and relief work that align with clear biblical mission. Hope-saturated living • Keep eternity in view when culture pressures silence (Hebrews 10:35-36). • Encourage one another to “stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Fuel for Courageous Faith • Word: Daily intake of Scripture renews conviction (Joshua 1:8-9). • Prayerful dependence on the Spirit’s power, not human resolve (Ephesians 6:18-19). • Fellowship: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Remembering Christ’s greater courage at Calvary (Hebrews 12:2-3). Closing Thoughts Joseph of Arimathea shows that courageous discipleship is quiet, costly, and grounded in confident hope. By standing for truth, identifying with Jesus openly, giving sacrificially, and fixing our eyes on the coming kingdom, we carry his legacy into every corner of our faith communities today. |
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