A GREAT CRISIS OFTEN BRINGS OUT THE BEST OR THE WORST IN A MAN, & UNEXPECTED HEROES COME FORWARD

1. The anger of the Jews, the wickedness of Pilate, the fickle minds of the crowd- terrible
2. Those who walked close to Jesus were filled with fear, and took to their heels-but for women
3. But suddenly two men came forward, without previous arrangement- Joseph of Arimathea and the one called Nicodemus - and gave service to Jesus as true disciples

I.- JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA - SECRET DISCIPLE John 19:38

A man who was well known for his piety, wealth, and influence- but not known to be Christian

A.- THIS MAN HAD NOT CONSENTED TO THE QUICK TRIAL AND UNJUST CONVICTION OF JESUS Luke 23:51

1. Mark called him "Honorable Counselor"; Roman ideal; Luke- "Good and Just" -Greek ideal; Matt- "Rich" -ideal of Jews; John called him a disciple, but secretly for fear
2. Mark 15:43 & Luke tells us he was looking for the Kingdom of God like Cornelius- Godfearer

B.- HE WENT BOLDLY IN UNTO PILATE TO ASK THE BODY OF JESUS - MARK 15:43

1. Mark says "craved"; Luke and others say "begged" - but the man of fear became man of boldness
2. Pilate was surprised that Jesus was dead - checked with centurion- & gave up the body
3. Where did the courage come into the heart of a man who had been afraid of the Jews before?

C.- HE TOOK THE BODY OF JESUS AND LAID IT IN HIS OWN TOMB Matt 27:60

1. It is described as a place where there was a garden- near where Jesus was crucified -
2. Luke 23:53 tells us that it was a new tomb-"where never yet had man laid" -God's timing
3. A great stone rolled over the door-and sealed it; Joseph built finest for self-& gave it for Jesus

God in His time raised up this man- and his project -What have you been raised up for? Project?

II.- NICODEMUS; THE ONE WHO CAME TO JESUS BY NIGHT John 19:39

This was a man who was a ruler of the Jews, but were was he when Jesus needed him in trial?

A.- A MAN WHO VISITED JESUS BY NIGHT, FOR FEAR OF THE JEWS, BUT NEVERTHELESS, HE CAME!

1. John 3:1- God used the evening visit of this man to give us greatest passage in the Bible
2. John 7:50-53 Nicodemus got into trouble for an impartial question -note last phrase- went
3. Where was this man that night in which Jesus was betrayed- Maybe he wasn't invited to party?

B.- HIS ARRIVAL AT GARDEN EMBALMING SCENE "AND THERE CAME ALSO NICODEMUS" John 19:39

1. There seemed to be no previous arrangement, but both men had the same purpose - God's call
2. There is no record that these two men knew of each other's faith -or of purpose -maybe did?
3. But the hard, dirty, work of burial was left to two men whose faith had not been exposed

C.- NICODEMUS BROUGHT A MIXTURE OF MYRRH AND ALOES - ABOUT A HUNDRED POUNDS - expensive

1. It would seem that Joseph had not brought burial materials- So God supplied it-
2. This was the honorable way of burial- though a little expensive for many- common needs
3. It was not really necessary- for God had ordained that His Son would see no corruption-

But this need of the Lord brought out another secret disciple- And God has need of you? What?

II. WHAT ABOUT TODAY, ANY SECRET DISCIPLES?

People today might well wonder what happened to these two- and the gain- open vrs secret-

1.- TRADITION TELLS US SOME THINGS ABOUT JOSEPH, BUT NOTHING ABOUT NICODEMUS

1. Near Glastonbury England there is the ruins of an old abbey- and a village in a green plain
2. Tradition tells that it was built by Joseph of Arimathea- as he finished his life in England
3. The small church was called Avalon- King Arthur buried here; King Alfred sought refuge

B.- WHY SHOULD THERE BE ANY SECRET DISCIPLES? EARTH WOULD QUIET ALL MEN OF HIS GROUP

1. We often face problems where we are embarrassed, intimidated, or frightened to be His.
2. If you have any friends, recreation, or area of life where you cannot live for Him, drop it
3. Some say it is good to have secret disciples- so they can come forward at need but habit may keep them silent

C.- IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO ANYTHING FOR JESUS, DO IT NOW! OPENLY!

1. Do not take your Teacher's time, or from your job- but on your time make sure Jesus is known
2. Life is a preparation for your destiny- and maybe God has brought you for some real need.
3. Trial develops faith like a flame is fanned by a wind.- Let wind blow- make you for Jesus

IF YOU HAVE BEEN A SECRET DISCIPLE, IT IS ABOUT TIME FOR YOU TO START SPEAKING FORTH FOR HIM

1. Confess Christ publicly- take a stand and practice standing at every opportunity
2. Let your light shine before men that they might glorify your Father in heaven
3. The time you might want to remain silent and secret -just might be the time the Lord needs you.