The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 442

Vera. 38-42.-Secrct discipleship. Notice-- I. THAT JESUS JN EVERY AGE HAB BO'ME SEORF:T DJAOIPLEB. There are two mentioned hcr~-J oscph and Nicodemus. Why were they secret? 1. Ber,a,use of the danger with whicl1 tliey were surrounded. "For fear of the Jews." Whe.t were the influences which excitc<l their fear? (1) The influence of position. Thr,y were in 11, high worl<lly position, members of the chief council of the nation, 11,nrl to confess Jesus meant the loss of this. (2) The influence of caste. Caste feelings were very strong among the Jows; as they o.ro, indeed, specially strong among all nations, Christian aR well a3 heathen. These councilmen would be outcasts from society if they acceptc<l J csus as their 'l'cnchcr. (3) The influence of wealth. They were wealthy men, and their puLlic C?nfession of Jesus would mean the loss of this. 2. Their natural timidity of disposi- tion. We may well assnme that the na.tural disposition of Joseph and Nicodemus was modest, thoughtful, cautious, timid, a.nd retiring; and this naturally influenced their public conduct. Their disposition was the very reverse to Peter's, an<l their temptation would lie in an opposite direction. On account of natural disposition it is no effort, and consequently no virtue, in one to be brave and heroic; while in the other it is the difficult ta.sk of life. 3. The essential incompleteness of their faith. Faith in Christ at this time, in the best, was weak and imperfect. It was so in the disciples, who had all the advantages of Christ's ministry and miracles. What mnst it have been in these more distant and secret disciples? They had not enjoyed the advanta:~es of religious education, and therefore their faith wat1 naturally incomplete. 4. Nevertheless, they were genuine disciples. The fear of the Jews, although it had some influence with them, was not really predomfoant. Publicity of profession is not a guarantee for sincerity; neither is secrecy a barrier to it. Every true discipleship commences in secret, and has much that is secret throughout its career. The trne moral force of man is in the secrecy of his heart. II. THAT GENUINE DISCIPLES, ALTHOUGH SECRET, ONLY REQUIRE BUITABLE CIRCUM- STANCES TO DRAW TlIEM OUT. 'fhese were drawn out; and what drew them? 1. .Additional evidence to faith. (1) The evidence of (Jhrisfs conduct. His meek, patient, submissive, and dignified conduct in the most tried circumstances, and the most excrn- ciating sufferings and provocation, was highly_calculated to inspire faith in him. (2) The false and mad conduct of his enemies. Their perjury, their e:dreme and mail cruelty in relation to such a character, would naturally tell in his favour, aud would recoil upon themselves. (3) The evidence of Pilate. Whatever the character of that remarkable governor, he most decid~clly pronounced judgment against the Jews and for Jesus. He only delivered him up to them at last under a protest. This, to any reflective and well-disposed person, must have been very significant and even convincing. (4) The evidence of nature. The rending of the veil and rocks, the q uakings of the earth, the opening of graves, and the darkening of the sun at noontide when Jesus hung on the cross, spoke mightily to faith in his favour. There was such a concurrence of evidence from beginning to end which would naturally bring faith out wherever it was, and even produce it _where it was not. 2. The death of Christ, in itself, was cal- culated to draw out latent love and courage. Death is a circumstance which has a tendency to lessen mau's faults and magnify his virtues. Of the former Jesus had none, and through the gloom of death the latter shone with Divine brilliancy. In the timid breast they would naturally inspire conscience with regret, and with a desire to make amends, and would fan the smoking flax of love into flame. Only at the death of a dear one we and others come to know how much we loved him in life. Joseph and Nicodemus never knew that they loved Jesus so much till he was crucified and had passed away. 3. Latent love and courage were brouglit out by example. Joseph came out first, and his example was inspiring. Nicodemus caught the contagion, being the most timid of the two, and he came also; probably he watched the movements of Joseph. He was almost dying to show his respect and love to the crucified One, but felt too weak till he saw the decided action of his stronger brother. This at once decided his course aud he came also. Joseph and Nicodemus doubtless held many a secret converse orl the object of their common love, and one encouraged and inspired the other. III. THAT SECRET BUT GENUINE DIS0IPLES, DRAWN OUT BY SUITABLE CIRCUMST.!.NCES, A~E OFTEN VERY 11ER0,~c AND BENEVOLENT. These qualities are manifested here in: 1.  450 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. .tOllN. (on. xn.. 1-42,