What drives your actions?

It’s easy to read these verses in Mark of Jesus’ burial and think “I too would take Jesus down from the cross”.

However, there’s a back story to Joseph, just as there is a backstory to you and I. Prior to this day, Joseph was considered a “secret disciple” of Jesus. Joseph was afraid to speak out on his belief in Jesus publicly. He feared the Jewish leaders and as a rich man on the Council, Joseph had a lot to lose by being a follower of Christ. While Joseph did not agree with the plan to crucify Jesus (Luke 23:51), we also see that he does not defend Jesus. He should have boldly declared his love for Jesus, but he didn’t. This fear drove Joseph to action. 

After Jesus’ crucifixion, no one gave Joseph the assignment to take Jesus’ body down from the cross. No meeting was called, no authority figure gave orders, Joseph took the initiative. Joseph saw what needed to be done and he found a way to get it done. Jesus was hanging on a cross for all to see, this was considered a shameful event. Joseph had the courage to ask for Jesus’ body. Had he not, Jesus may have been buried in a common grave, but Jesus was anything but common. This compassion drove Joseph to action.

Joseph had a servant’s heart. Burying Jesus was not a pleasant task. Jesus’ body was bruised and cut and bleeding almost beyond recognition. Mark 15:46 tells us that Joseph took Jesus down. He didn’t do it while others were around, no one around to thank him or pay him for it, not doing it for the recognition. He did it out of the love for Christ. This love drove Joseph to action.

People can change. Joseph could no longer be called the secret disciple. Mark tells us that “he gathered up courage” and went to Pilate. No longer was Joseph’s life characterized by fear. It wouldn’t be long before the Jewish leaders knew what Joseph had done and guessed that he was a disciple of Jesus. In order to do what was right, Joseph had to go public with his love for Jesus. This love for Jesus drove Joseph to action. 

It may be easy to accuse Joseph … “Why didn’t he speak up? Why wasn’t he more brave? Was he a real believer?” His biggest challenge was fear. With God’s grace, he was able to defeat this fear and demonstrate courage. That is what God does in our lives. He changes us. You didn’t get where you are right now overnight. He patiently gives us time to grow. He doesn’t cast us out when we make a mistake or show weakness. If Joseph was not a real believer, he would have never been able to summon up the courage to do this. God’s goodness and grace drove Joseph to action.

Prayer:
Jesus, we thank you for loving us, even when we fall short and miss the mark. I pray that my actions are driven by my love and compassion for you and for people. May I always have the courage to do what is right, even when others may mock me. Fear and worry have no place in my life, and I pray you fill it with your love and kindness. Thank you for your goodness and patience with me, never giving up on me as I continue to grow. Purify my heart, I give it all to you Lord. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.