John 19:38-42

John 19:38-42 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Joseph is complicated.  He's a disciple, but he's afraid of the leadership, so he's a secret disciple.  Now, it'd be easy for me to criticize him for not being willing to risk everything, but I'm not in a position to criticize -- because there are plenty of things that you could criticize me for.  Joseph does see his opportunity, though, and is willing to ask Pilate for the body of Jesus, which considering how controversial Jesus has been, seems like a very risky thing.  Joseph, however, happens to have a new tomb, and sees a Savior in need of a resting place, so he risks it -- and I doubt that he could have snuck off with the body.  Surely the leadership were watching to see what would happen, given how much work they put into having him killed.
  Now, remember that Joseph didn't necessarily know that Jesus would rise from the dead.  He's surely heard the promises, and he may have had hope, but he also saw a dead body.  Who knows what was going through his mind, and if he was bold enough to hope, but he does what he believes is right in the moment.
  What we have in front of us, each day, is the next moment.  We don't know what will happen with our choices, and we can become paralyzed by all the possibilities.  But in this very moment, God is calling you to act faithfully, regardless of whatever is in your past and however strong the opposition seems.  Follow in this moment, choose how the Holy Spirit is calling, even if the hope of resurrection seems dim.  Discipleship is one faithful choice after another, moment by moment, building a life following Christ.