Jesus always describes discipleship in this way, as an “either/or” proposition.
Joseph and Nicodemus were good men – righteous men even – but until this moment, they were trying to have both. They wanted to remain on the Sanhedrin Counsel and with the approval of the other Pharisees and Sadducees…At the same time, they wanted credit for following a Messiah that the rest of the Counsel despised and wanted to kill. But there was literally no way they could have both…one allegiance would always win out over the other.
This is the challenge facing every disciple of Jesus…we are called out of the world by our faith, and yet we remain in the world for a time. Jesus said we must be willing to “lose” this world so we can serve the interests of the next, and that means making different decisions, living differently, and having kingdom priorities, not worldly priorities, it means putting Christ first, His Word and His local Church first, over the priorities of the world and entertainment and rest.
Following Jesus may mean losing a few friends, losing promotions, or your job…it may even mean losing your life. That is the dilemma Jesus places in front of all His disciples…which is why Jesus asked us to count the cost of following Him.
Matthew tells us Joseph was a rich man, so we would understand the great sacrifice he was making by stepping forward. He would likely lose his position on the council, his place in society, the respect of his peers, and his means of support.
So, Joseph does, finally publicly side with Jesus, and as He does, he fulfills Scripture. Isaiah 53:9 says the Messiah dies among criminals and He is buried in a rich man’s tomb.
Covetousness, Contentment & Confidence (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Our Expectations & God's Answers to our Prayers (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The Doctrine of Creation - Part Two
The Doctrine of Creation - Part One
The Mission (Matthew 28:9-20)
The Resurrection of Christ (Matthew 27:62-28:8)
The Death of Christ (Matthew 27:45-50)
Refuse Not God (Sunday AM 3/10/24) - Hebrews 12:24-29
The Two Beasts Part 2 (Revelation 13:4-12)
The Two Beasts Part 1 (Revelation 13:1-3)
Sunday AM (4/23/23) - Enduring Faith (Hebrews 10:32-39)
Sunday AM (4/16/23) - The Only Options: Christ or Judgment (Hebrews 10:26-31)
Sunday AM (4/9/23) - Turning Tragedy Into Triumph (John 20)
Sunday AM (4/2/23) - Behold the Man (John 19)
Same Sex Relationships in Light of the Bible
Transgenderism & a Christian Response
Sunday AM (3/26/23) - Four Witnesses in Darkness - John 18
End Times # 13 - ”The Days of Noah” (Matthew 24:36-39)
Sunday AM (3/19/23) - ”For if We Sin Willfully” - Hebrews 10:26-27
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