Jesus’ burial was by no means a foregone conclusion, for two main reasons. First, the crucifixion of criminals was often not the end of their humiliation; they were often barred from the honor of a proper burial. Second, the release of a corpse depended solely on a relative or friend requesting permission to bury the body—and who was left to bury Jesus? The disciples had fled, the crowd had dispersed, and the women were unprepared to make such a request.

It is into this moment of history that an individual emerges suddenly and silently—an individual who “was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38).

Fear had silenced Joseph of Arimathea up to this point. Jesus’ life and teaching had attracted him and brought him to saving faith, but his faith remained clandestine. He went about his spiritual business in a secretive way—that is, until the cross brought him out into the open. And so, after too long hanging back in the shadows, Joseph “went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.”

The Gospel narrative describes Joseph’s careful handling of Jesus’ body as he “took it down” from the cross, “wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid” (Luke 23:53). We read likewise of Nicodemus, “who earlier had come to Jesus by night … bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes” to assist Joseph in the burial process (John 19:39).

Joseph’s brief and singular appearance is also a clear reminder to us of God’s providence at work at all times and in all places. God prepared Joseph for this very moment. Joseph was fearful and secretive, but God used him for good, just as He does us. Joseph had presumably missed many opportunities to stand up for his King; he had presumably kept quiet so many times when he should have spoken out. Yet it was this man whom God ensured would be present on this day for this important task. And Joseph rose to it, risking everything—his status, his reputation, his safety—to honor Jesus by ensuring that He had a proper burial.

You may find yourself identifying with Joseph: you have been living as a secret disciple, believing but afraid to let anyone in your neighborhood or workplace know about your faith. If so, then today, ask the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive your fearfulness and enable you, like Joseph, in the light of the cross, to take your stand boldly for Him in the love of Christ. You may have missed moments in the past when you had the chance to stand for your King; but God is always ready to give you the task of honoring His Son, and you need not pass up the next opportunity.