Gather Up the Courage and Do What Is Right

Note from today’s Bible reading: Mark 15-16

Joseph of Arimathea was “a prominent member of the Council” (Mark 15:43). This body of Jewish leaders coerced Pilate into having Jesus crucified. However, Luke noted in his account that Joseph “had not consented to their plan and action” (Luke 23:51). John indicated that this man was “a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38).

By the time Jesus was dead, it may have seemed like the opportunity to do right was over. Yet there was still something good Joseph could do for Jesus – he could make sure His body was buried properly. However, by doing this, he would run the risk of others finding out and identifying him as a disciple. At that point, no one knew what consequences might come for those who were found to be followers of Jesus.

Yet Joseph did what he knew was the right thing to do. He “gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus” (Mark 15:43). Rather than being paralyzed by guilt for not doing something before, Joseph did what he knew was right at that moment. We may have fallen short like this in the past, but we cannot allow that to stop us from doing what we ought to do in the present.

So gather up the courage and do what is right. It is tempting to let past mistakes and failings convince us that it is too late now to do any better. Yet it is always the right time to do the right thing if we will just have the courage to do it.