Bible Study With The Bishops: Coming Out

Reading Plan Text for June 26: John 19:35-42

The Disciples, with the exceptions of Judas and the "one whom Jesus loved," are nowhere to be found. Jesus is dead. The one disciple is comforting Jesus' mother, not to mention trying to deal with his own grief and shock. The Jewish leaders still hover--they asked that the crucified men's legs be broken to hasten their deaths. This is not a particularly safe time to be identified as one of Jesus' followers.

Yet two who have remained hidden to a great extent come forward.

Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. (19:38)

In spite of that fear, Joseph approaches Pilate. For whatever reason, he has decided that he can no longer remain hidden. It is time to declare himself publicly.

And then

Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. (19:39)

We have seen Nicodemus speak up for Jesus at a meeting of the Jewish religious officials, but he did not exactly declare himself a follower. Yet now he comes openly to assist Joseph with the burial of Jesus.

As a gay man--an Out gay man--I understand what it took for these two men step out into the open and publicly identify themselves as followers of Jesus by word and action. I know the feeling of liberation when the hiding is over. And like these two, I learned that not every reaction to Coming--and being--Out is negative or violent. Pilate gives Joseph permission to take Jesus' body for burial. Joseph and Nicodemus prepare the body and place it in the tomb unmolested. That is not to say that others will not experience the violence and hatred, as we see when we read about the stoning of Stephen in Acts.

Joseph and Nicodemus have entered a new life, and not because Jesus died, and will rise, for them and all of us. They have entered a new life of freedom in part because of their own actions. Even as we grieve with them, I rejoice for them.

Peace,
Jeffri