Who were Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, and why do they matter?

John 19:38 says Joseph was a disciple of Jesus “but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders.” After the crucifixion he asked Pilate for Jesus’ body, and Nicodemus, who first met Jesus at night, joined him with about 75 pounds of spices. The message says both risked their reputation and security to follow Jesus publicly.

Why is it so hard to be open about my faith?

The message names real fears: losing relationships, security, status, or control. It defines courage not as having no fear but as pushing through fear and acting anyway, which makes it a choice between fear and faith. The cost may be small or large, but the message says it is always worth it.

What does Matthew 5:14-16 mean about not hiding your light?

Jesus tells his disciples, “You are the light of the world,” and compares them to a city on a hill and a lamp on a stand, not under a bowl. The message says the goal isn’t to make us look impressive but to point people to Jesus. It also notes that it’s easy to shine inside church and much harder to do it in daily life.

What are some practical ways to be bolder this week?

The message suggests praying, “God, help me to be bold in the way that I live for Jesus,” then inviting someone to church, starting a spiritual conversation, or offering to pray with someone going through a hard time. It says few people turn down an offer of prayer. It also encourages baptism as a public step, and digging into the Bible.