Mark 15:42-16:8

“Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.” (Mark 15:43, NKJV)

Last night was our last dinner together as a missionary team in Romania. We went around the table and each shared their highs and lows for the entire trip. Everyone had several highs, but one of my favorite moments was seeing our young adults boldly present several mimes in the city squares of Bucharest and Brasov. After their performances, a couple of them shared their testimony of how Jesus had changed their lives. They were unafraid to be identified with Jesus in a public place. I believe their witness not only impacted people who don’t personally know Jesus, but also those who do. This was an inspiration and challenge to Christians to be more overt about their faith.

Joseph of Arimathea was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin. He was present during the trial of Jesus but did not agree with their verdict. He was “waiting for the kingdom of God.” He was looking beyond this passing world to the kingdom that endures forever. Joseph mustered his courage and went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. This would have identified him as a follower of Jesus and would have almost certainly incited criticism or persecution from his fellow Jewish leaders.

There are some places in the world where people must be discreet about their Christian faith because of severe persecution. And yet the people I know who are in such countries are more proactive in sharing their faith than most Christians in America. The reason? People who live under a totalitarian regime are often responsive to the good news of grace and freedom in Jesus Christ.

Secret agents have their place in espionage, but not in the body of Christ.

“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32–33, NLT)

I would love to see more Christians boldly sharing their faith in the States. We don’t have to wait to go on a mission trip to do this! I pray that we all have a missional mindset. Whenever we head out our doors, we step into the mission field. Let's courageously seek opportunities to tell others about our Savior. He is the only One who died for our sins and who is risen from the dead. He is always faithful to those who call upon His name. God does not want us to be covert Christians but open followers of Jesus, eager to share why.