It’s late Friday afternoon.

Jesus has breathed His last breath on the cross.

His body still hangs there, and the Sabbath is approaching quickly.

According to Jewish law, His body needed to be taken down before the Sabbath began.

So a man named Joseph of Arimathea went to Pontius Pilate and asked for permission to take the body of Jesus.

Another man joined him—Nicodemus, a Pharisee who had once come to Jesus quietly, searching for answers about faith.

Together, they carefully took Jesus’ body down from the cross and prepared it for burial.

When you pause to consider what they did, it’s clear—it took courage.

Both men were respected leaders. Joseph was part of the Sanhedrin—the very council that had condemned Jesus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, known and respected in the community.

To publicly associate themselves with Jesus at this moment came with risk.

It could cost them their reputation.

Their influence.

Their standing.

And yet—they stepped forward anyway.

They chose to honor Jesus when it wasn’t popular.

When it wasn’t safe.

When it could cost them something.

And their example speaks directly to us.

Because we all face moments of decision.

Moments when we have to choose between what is easy… and what is right.

Between what is popular… and what is faithful.

So the question is simple:

Will we follow what is popular… or will we follow Jesus?

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus remind us of this truth:

Following Jesus—even when it’s difficult—is always the right choice.