Where is the hope? This day is after all Good Friday. What is really Good about a day where the one who we thought was the Messiah is crucified, killed on the cursed tree? The worst type of death known to man. What is so Good about this?
The hope is in 19:39 – Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came… And where is the hope in Nicodemus coming at the end of Jesus’ death to help get him off the cross and put him in his tomb? It shows devotion to Jesus, and a following of his teachings that is where the hope is. Nicodemus came to Jesus in chapter 3 of the gospel of John under the cover of darkness. This is because he was a Pharisee and did not want to be seen talking to Jesus. Yet he knew Jesus was a great teacher, and so he went to him. He questioned Jesus and went away pondering. Then later in the gospel of John, Nicodemus defends Jesus in front of the Jewish High Council. He makes a stand for Jesus, all be it a weak one, he makes a stand. And here on Good Friday the day of our Lord’s death, Nicodemus comes out in broad daylight, and helps remove Jesus body from the cross and place it in the tomb. Not worried about what any one will say, but doing what he knows is right. Throwing all caution to the wind, he comes and pays respects to Jesus, and shows to be a follower of the Way he taught. That is the hope, which is the gospel, where the seed is planted and then it grows over time. Nicodemus did not get converted in a moment, and that is the hope each of us has in our weaknesses. Jesus is still working in and through us to bring us to the hope, of stepping out in our faith in a radical way that will make our friends heads turn and see what is up.
Bearer of all hope, fill us as you did Nicodemus and guide our lives to be ever devoted to you, that we will throw caution to the wind and serve you regardless of the consequences. Amen
aSacredRebel 