1. Joseph (38)

Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Jewish council. He had carefully kept his belief in Jesus a secret because he feared peer pressure. But now he came forward. In asking for the body of Jesus, he was identifying himself as a follower of Jesus. He was no longer a secret believer. He had taken his stand.

2. Nicodemus (39-42)

This is the third time Nicodemus appears in this gospel (3:1-10; 7:50) He also was a member of the ruling council. He had come to Jesus by night and heard Jesus' words, 'You must be born again.' Jesus had told him that the Son of Man would be lifted up, and those who believed in him would have eternal life (3:14,15). He had tried to remain in the middle, but his fellow council members only got angry. He saw the Son of Man on the cross, and finally came forward to serve Jesus with his hands and money. Jesus' burial is important, because it prepares the way for the empty tomb and the resurrection.

Application: Lord, help me to serve you without fear and to be clear as your disciple.
One Word: Jesus was buried