Standing For Jesus

"And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus."- John 19:38

When we read this verse, we don't usually think about the courage that it took for Joseph to go to Pilate and request Jesus' dead body so that he might bury it.  Pilate had Jesus whipped and sentenced Him to be crucified.  Jesus had been accused of blasphemy and claims of being the King of the Jews.  Claims of being a king would mean that He opposed Caesar. Pilate could have sentenced Joseph to imprisonment or death by association with Jesus.  Nevertheless, Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body.

Joseph stood up for Jesus, even after He had died.  He didn't know what Pilate would do or say when he went to him, but he let his love, devotion and faith in Jesus override his fear of Pilate.  Are we doing the same?  Is our love, faith and devotion to Jesus causing us to stand up for Him?  Even in the face of persecution, rejection, fear, ridicule or opposition?  Will we stand for our Beloved Savior even at risk to our own safety and well-being like Joseph did?  Or will we coward down and stand back and allow others to do whatever they want to or say whatever they want to about Him?  Joseph didn't even want Jesus' lifeless body to be disposed of improperly and was willing to put his life on the line for Him. Are we willing to do the same with our risen, living Lord and Savior?  Will we make a stand for Him whether anyone else does or not?  (The disciples didn't go to Pilate, they were in hiding.)  Are we willing to stand for Jesus no matter the cost?  Are you?

Have a great day.  Are you willing to stand for Jesus no matter what?