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The disciple after death of Jesus Christ

Joseph of Arimathaea was a rich man, an honorable counselor, a good and just man. He had not consented to the counsel and deed of those who conspired to put Jesus to death. Above all, he was a disciple of Jesus Christ. He came to Pilate and requested the latter to hand over the body of Jesus to him for burial according to the manner of the Jews. According to John’s gospel, he approached Pilate “secretly for fear of the Jews”. He took His body down, wrapped it in linen and laid it in a sepulcher hewn in stone where no man was laid earlier. (Matt.27:57, Mark 15:43, Luke 23:50-52 and John 19:38-42). All the disciples of Jesus Christ had forsaken Him when He was crucified. But John, the only disciple was standing by the side of His Cross. After His death, none of the eleven disciples approached Pilate for taking over the Body of Jesus. A true disciple is supposed to follow his master up to the place of the burial of the latter’s dead body. Even John, who called himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, also did not claim the body of Jesus. The disciples who walked, ate and slept with Jesus did not make their debut after His death on the Cross. Though Joseph was afraid of the Jews, yet he came forward and approached Pilate “boldly”. What happened to the beloved disciples of Jesus Christ who were given all the authority and who were trained by Jesus to do the ministry?

Here comes a disciple who was a counselor of the Jews. He was a secret disciple indeed. But he made his debut before Pilate and claimed the body of Jesus Christ when the eleven disciples disappeared from the scene.

Even today there are many such disciples of Jesus Christ who love their Master through their secret services though they may not be openly proclaiming their association with Jesus in the public eye. They are the ones who sacrifice their money for ministering to the saints. They are the hidden stones in the Body of Christ. In pictures, we find many ministers proclaim the gospel to the thousands. But there are many disciples of Jesus Christ who follow their Master secretly (not in the public glare). You may not find their names or photos on any pamphlet or on any magazine or on any website. Like Joseph of Arimathaea, they serve their Master secretly by giving their money and by praying for God’s ministers. Their talents are varied but not recognized. Without their help, the ministers cannot carry on their work in His vineyard.

The eleven disciples were serving Jesus when Jesus was alive. But the unknown disciple, who made a debut only after His death, is worthy of honor because He served His master after His death. The unknown does a work which is better and greater than the known.

- Job Anbalagan