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.
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
End Times # 12 - The End of the Tribulation & the Fig Tree Time Clock
Salvation 101 #2 - The Doctrine of Sin & the Fall of Man
End Times #11 - A Glimpse of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:9-26)
Sunday AM (3/5/23) - Let’s Get Busy ”Let Us”ing - Hebrews 10:1-25
Sunday AM (2/26/23) - The Source, Force & Course of Temptation - James 1:13-15
End Times #10 - Signs of the End of the Age & the Temple (Matthew 24:1-8)
Sunday AM (2/19/23) - Out with the Old, In with the New - Hebrews 9:24-28
End Times #9 - Human Bewilderment & Divine Warnings (Matthew 24)
Sunday AM (2/12/23) - Purification & Victory Through the Blood - Hebrews 9:14, 22-24
End Times #8 - Questions & More Questions (Matthew 23 & 24)
Sunday AM (2/5/23) - Death, Blood & Redemption - Hebrews 9:15-22
End Times #7 - The Dark Side of the Love of God Part 2
Sunday AM (1/29/23) - Covenant & Conscience -Hebrews 9:1-14
Salvation 101 #1 - The Fall of Man (Genesis3)
End Times #6 - The Dark Side of the Love of God Part 1
End Times #5 - The Plotline of Bible Prophecy Part 3
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