1. JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA (A Secret Disciple)
(John 19:38-42)

2. Secret 1a. “kept from knowledge or view; hidden” (Webster)
Hidden (krupto, to hide), English crypt, cryptic, etc. used in passive vice “having been hidden” (Vine)

3. Disciple Webster A follower of Jesus Christ in his lifetime;
1a: one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrine of another
1b: a convinced adherent of a school or individual

4. Disciple
Vine’s
“One who follows one’s teaching, not just a pupil but an imitator.”
Observations
Contradictory terms
Like “fried snowballs”
Cannot last long

5. A Secret Disciple (John 19:38-42)
Concealed his discipleship
“Secret” implies concealment
Motive was fear (John 9:22)
Others were fearful
Would not confess (John 12:42)
“Came by night” (John 3)

6. A Secret Disciple (John 19:38-42)
There are secret disciples today
Hide it at work or school (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:16)
Ashamed (1 Peter 4:16)

7. Disagreed with Sanhedrin (Luke 23:50-56)
Background
70 members (Luke 22:66)
Paul helped them (Acts 22:5)
Had a police force (John 18:3)
Plotted to kill Jesus
Found help (Luke 22:3-6; 22)
Joseph dissented (Luke 23:50, 51)

8. Disagreed with Sanhedrin (Luke 23:50-56)
Must “disagree with Sanhedrin.”
Doctrine (2 John 9)
Moral issues (Romans 12:2)
Different conduct (Titus 2:11-14)

9. Gathered Up Courage (Mark 15:42-47)
Waiting for the kingdom
Like Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
Righteous and good (Luke 23:50)
Of such are the kingdom

10. Gathered Up Courage (Mark 15:42-47)
Carefully cares for Jesus’ body
Courageous though prominent (Romans 5:7; Philippians 1:14)
Considered a “criminal” by some (John 19:39; Mark 15:47)
Placed the body in his new tomb (Matthew 27:57-60)

11. Gathered Up Courage (Mark 15:42-47)
Openly served Him
Must openly confess Him (Matthew 10:32, 33)
“Good men” won’t stand idly by forever (3 John 9, 10)
Become problem (Obadiah 10-12)
Cannot be silent (Ephesians 5:11)

12. HIGH NOON
“People have to talk themselves into law and order before they do anything about it. Because deep down they just don’t care”
(Retired Marshal’s comment)

13. Conclusion Are you a secret disciple?
Are you willing to come out into the open?