Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

After Jesus breathed His final breath on the cross, the world was shaken—literally and spiritually. The sun darkened, the earth quaked, and the veil of the temple tore from top to bottom. Yet amid the chaos, two quiet figures stepped forward into history with extraordinary courage—Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.

These were not the disciples we’re used to seeing up close with Jesus. They were not at the feeding of the 5,000, nor at the foot of the cross comforting Mary. But their moment came when it seemed all hope was lost. When most fled in fear, these two came forward with fierce devotion.

Quiet Devotion, Public Sacrifice

Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected member of the Sanhedrin, is described in Luke 23:50-51 as a “good and upright man who had not consented to their decision and action.” Though he had followed Jesus in secret (John 19:38), something shifted after the crucifixion. Moved by love and conviction, Joseph boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. That bold request marked a public declaration of his allegiance to the One the council had just condemned.

Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came to Jesus by night (John 3), joined Joseph, bringing a staggering seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes to anoint the body (John 19:39). This was not a token gesture—this was an extravagant, royal burial. In that act, Nicodemus declared with his hands what his heart had finally believed: Jesus was the Messiah.

Becoming Unclean—But Completely Committed

What makes their actions even more remarkable is when they did it—during Passover. According to Jewish law (Numbers 19:11, Leviticus 21:1-3), touching a dead body made one ritually unclean for seven days. This would have disqualified them from celebrating the most sacred of Jewish feasts, one that commemorated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.

By choosing to bury Jesus, Joseph and Nicodemus willingly defiled themselves and forfeited participation in Passover—a feast that symbolized redemption and freedom. But here’s the irony: while they became unclean by touching the dead body of Jesus, they were simultaneously drawing near to the ultimate Passover Lamb, the true source of redemption.

They gave up the symbolic celebration for the real thing.

Their courage didn’t just challenge social norms; it defied religious expectations. It’s easy to overlook this, but it underscores just how deeply they were moved. To honor Jesus, they were willing to risk their reputations, their positions, their safety—and their spiritual standing in the eyes of the religious system.

Clues from Extra-Biblical Tradition

Though the Bible doesn’t provide further details about their lives post-burial, early Christian writings and church tradition fill in some gaps. According to some apocryphal sources and early church historians:

• Joseph of Arimathea is said to have been imprisoned by the Jewish leaders for his role in Jesus’ burial but miraculously released. Later traditions claim he traveled as a missionary—some legends even associate him with Britain, suggesting he brought the Gospel to the West.
• Nicodemus is believed to have been baptized by Peter and John, eventually cast out of the Sanhedrin. According to The Acts of Pilate (part of the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus), he was martyred for his faith and buried near the site of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

While these accounts are not Scripture, they reveal how early believers viewed Nicodemus and Joseph—not just as peripheral figures, but as heroes who risked everything for Christ.

From Shadow to Light

Their transformation is a message to us all. Maybe you’ve lived your faith quietly, out of fear or uncertainty. Maybe you’ve wondered if you missed your moment to make a difference.

Nicodemus and Joseph show us that it’s never too late to step into bold obedience. They weren’t part of the Twelve. They weren’t among the crowds shouting “Hosanna!” or walking on water. But they were there when it mattered—giving Jesus a burial fit for a King.

Their story reminds us that God can use us in ways we never imagined—sometimes in the most unexpected seasons, and sometimes after the greatest heartbreak.

They gave Jesus honor when the world gave Him shame.

They gave Jesus dignity when others gave Him death.

They gave Jesus their boldness when others gave Him denial.

And in doing so, they remind us that our greatest acts of faith may come in the darkest of times. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed Easter!