Acts Worthy of Imitation
By Uriah Smith
AMONG the many narratives set forth in the Gospels are two beautiful courses of action which are prominently presented for our contemplation and for our emulation as we study the lessons they are calculated to impress upon our minds. These are the courses of action pursued by Joseph of Arimathæa and by Nicodemus. They were cautious, conservative men, naturally thought to be timid through the fear of men and regard for their reputation, but manifesting before the close of their career a clearness of faith, a boldness of conviction, and a fidelity of character, which believers of the present day will be called upon to imitate before the end of their own experience. Nicodemus is made conspicuous in the records of the evangelists as the one who “came to Jesus by night.” John 3:2; 7:50; 19:39. This secret visit to the Saviour by night is generally attributed to fear of the Jews. Nicodemus was a ruler in Israel, a man of influence and education. He was an earnest man; and as he came to Jesus by night, let us look at the circumstances of the case. This was at the time of the passover (John 2:23), and it was very difficult to have an interview with Jesus at that time. In the first place, Jesus was very busy from early morn till night, teaching and healing the people. It was no easy matter to press through the crowds that then thronged him. But Nicodemus was determined to see Jesus, and to make known to him his difficulties, and receive from his lips an answer to his queries. He was looking for truth; and this interview gave occasion for one of the most beautiful and practical lessons to be found in the whole New Testament, as recorded in the third chapter of John. Nicodemus acknowledged Christ, not yet as the Messiah, but as a divine teacher sent from God; and being a member of the Sanhedrin, his time would be fully occupied with his official duties, so he would have had no opportunity for such an interview with Christ except in the way in which he secured it, by a night access to his presence. Nicodemus, as we learn from “The Desire of Ages,” related the whole interview between himself and Christ to John, and John made a full record of it in the third chapter of his Gospel. Christ’s teaching opened the eyes of Nicodemus, and showed him how far he was from the light as the Lord viewed him. He got a view of his own heart and his pharisaical shortcomings. And when his colleagues were clamoring for the life of his Master, Nicodemus stood up for him, and with a few well-chosen words effectually blocked their angry efforts and arguments. John 7:51. This drew upon him the reproach that he was one of Christ’s disciples. The interview of Nicodemus with Christ, though cutting to his natural pride, was an evidence of his desire for instruction. He waited for the darkness of night, when he could see Jesus alone and unobserved; and though there were obstacles in the way, he searched him out on the Mount of Olives, such was his desire for an interview with him, in order that his queries might be solved by the wonderful wisdom which he was then convinced that Christ possessed as a divine teacher. Two years passed away before the interview recorded in John 7:45–52. It is clear that the seed was taking root. The officers were sent to apprehend Jesus. They returned without him, saying, “Never man spake like this man.” The Pharisees replied, “Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?” Nicodemus could no longer keep silence. It was no very lengthy remarks he made, but it required no small degree of courage to make them. And when at last Christ was crucified, Nicodemus went with Joseph of Arimathæa, and boldly begged the body of Jesus, and prepared linen and spices for its burial. In the history of Nicodemus we discern a noble candor, a simple love of the truth, and finally a genuine faith and a holy boldness in its maintenance, besides a generous offering in caring, as a last act of kindness, for the Lord. He had lacked a view of true conversion, as revealed by the words of Christ. See the comment upon the circumstances, and the import of the words of Christ, in “The Desire of Ages,” pages 167–177. In view of these facts, it is easy to accept the tradition that, after the resurrection of the Lord, Nicodemus became a full convert to the faith, and was baptized by Peter and John. Connected with Nicodemus, in the last offices of respect and tenderness performed for the Lord, was Joseph of Arimathæa. He is called “a good man, and a just” (Luke 23:50), and, bearing in mind and believing the ancient prophets, was himself waiting for the kingdom of God. Mark 15:43, etc. The character of this man shines out also in connection with the burial of our Lord. He was a disciple of Jesus, but kept this secret till after Christ’s death. It is not said that he protested against the wicked machinations of the Jews who were conspiring to put Jesus to death; but it is said of him that he “had not consented to the counsel and deed of them.” Luke 23:51. His faith was not lessened but increased by the sufferings and shame of the death of the Son of man. He went boldly unto Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. The body which the governor gave up had been supposed to be that of a malefactor, a criminal, whom Pilate had condemned to the shameful death of the cross. The request of Joseph was, therefore, a reflection upon Pilate’s course in this matter. In the next meeting of the Sanhedrin, what greeting might he expect from them? They would probably reproach him as follows; “There is the man who took the body of that malefactor from the cross, and gave it an honorable burial in his own tomb.” What efforts to degrade and humble him he had to face! There was the cruel title, meant for a reproach, still fixed upon the cross. The soldiers at the foot of the cross were parting Christ’s garments and casting lots upon his vesture, the wicked, taunting Jews were still saying, “He saved others; himself he cannot save!” Mark 10:31. Still in the face of all this, this friend of Jesus conveys away his form, on which earth and hell had poured their contempt, and bestows upon it an honorable and costly burial. How can we entertain for such a man other than feelings of respect and reverence? The love of Christ constrained him; and here was the secret of his courage. The sufferings and contempt heaped upon his Lord had not lessened but increased it, raising it to the highest pitch; and he bestowed upon the dead body of his Redeemer the utmost proofs of his love. He had prepared for himself a family tomb. No member of his family had yet occupied it. He had no doubt often thought, Who will be the first to rest there? and if a stranger had made application for the tomb, he would have revolted at the request. But the first occupant of that tomb is taken from what would have been called a scaffold; for between two thieves the crucifixion took place, amid the execration of a great city, and with every form of contempt which men could devise. What love and faith must have controlled him in this act! Joseph and Nicodemus no doubt5wondered at themselves, and may have said to themselves, Can it be that we, once so reserved and cautious, are the only men in Jerusalem who dare to bury Jesus? So we, if we walk according to the light we have received already, may be permitted to do some act of love for the Saviour which will fill us with wonder and joy. U. S.