Walking by Faith: Joseph of Arimathea – Quiet Courage in the Shadows

He didn’t preach to crowds. He didn’t perform miracles. His name shows up only at the

darkest moment in the Gospel story. 

But Joseph of Arimathea made one bold request that revealed a quiet, costly kind of faith: he asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. 

This was no small gesture. Jesus had just been executed as a criminal and enemy of the state. Publicly associating with Him could damage Joseph’s reputation, his position, even his safety. And yet, when the moment came, Joseph stepped forward. 

Walking by faith doesn’t always look like public ministry or visible impact. Sometimes it looks like courage behind the scenes—when no one else is willing to stand up. 

A Risky Decision 

All four Gospels mention Joseph of Arimathea. They tell us that he was a respected member of the Jewish council (Mark 15:43), a man of wealth (Matt. 27:57), and a “good and righteous man” who had not consented to Jesus’ death (Luke 23:50–51). 

He was also a disciple of Jesus—but secretly, because he feared the Jewish leaders (John 19:38). 

Joseph believed in Jesus. But he kept his faith private. He stayed quiet during the trial and crucifixion. As Jesus suffered, Joseph remained in the shadows. 

That’s what makes his request so striking. When even the loudest disciples had fled, Joseph came forward and used his influence to honor Jesus in death. 

He approached Pilate, asked for the body, and laid it in a new tomb he had prepared for himself. He wrapped Jesus in linen. He provided the burial spices. He did what needed to be done when no one else would. 

When Faith Costs You 

This act was not only compassionate—it was costly. 

By claiming Jesus’ body, Joseph publicly aligned himself with a condemned man. He risked losing his position on the council. He likely faced backlash from his peers. But in that moment, Joseph stopped hiding. 

His courage came not on a stage, but in a tomb. And it mattered. 

The disciples were scattered. The women watched from a distance. But Joseph showed up. And because he did, Jesus received a burial of dignity instead of disgrace. 

Sometimes faith asks us to do something small and unseen—but hard. To give something up. To speak when we’d rather stay quiet. To step into risk because it’s the right thing to do. 

Partnering with Nicodemus 

John’s Gospel tells us that Joseph wasn’t alone. Another secret disciple, Nicodemus, joined him. Nicodemus brought an enormous amount of myrrh and aloes—about seventy-five pounds worth (John 19:39). Together, they prepared Jesus’ body for burial. 

Two men who had once followed Jesus from a distance now came out of hiding. They didn’t run. They didn’t hesitate. They stepped forward, not knowing what would happen next. 

They didn’t act because they knew Sunday was coming. They acted because they loved Jesus—even in death. 

God Honors Quiet Faithfulness 

Joseph of Arimathea reminds us that God uses people in all kinds of ways. Some are called to lead publicly. Others are called to follow faithfully in quieter ways. 

Joseph didn’t preach on Pentecost. He wasn’t part of the early missionary journeys. But his moment came, and he stepped into it with courage. 

Your faith may not put you on a platform. But it matters just as much. God sees the late-night phone call to a hurting friend. The quiet acts of generosity. The firm but gracious word at work. The decision to stand for truth in a room that doesn’t want it. 

And when the moment comes to step forward, even if it costs you—He gives you the strength to do it. 

What Joseph’s Journey Means for Ours 

You may feel like your faith isn’t bold enough or visible enough. Maybe you’ve stayed quiet when you should have spoken up. Maybe fear has kept you on the sidelines. 

Joseph of Arimathea reminds us that it’s not too late to step forward. 

God doesn’t shame those who’ve followed Him imperfectly. He invites them to act in faith now. Your past silence doesn’t disqualify you from present courage. And when you show up—especially when it’s hard—God uses it. 

Final Encouragement 

Joseph of Arimathea teaches us that faith doesn’t have to be loud to be real. It just has to be willing. 

So don’t underestimate the impact of quiet obedience. Don’t dismiss the importance of hidden faithfulness. When the moment comes, be ready to act—even if it’s behind the scenes. 

Because walking by faith sometimes means stepping out of the shadows to do the right thing, at the right time, for the sake of Christ.