The Faithless Followers

Summary

The Jesus Podcast – "The Faithless Followers" (September 9, 2025)

Host: Pray.com
Theme: Tender Care Amid Doubt – The Story of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus on Holy Saturday

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Overview of the Episode

This episode of The Jesus Podcast immerses listeners in the aftermath of Jesus’s crucifixion, focusing on Holy Saturday—a day marked by confusion, despair, and faith in the shadows. The narrative zeroes in on the little-told stories of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, religious leaders who risked their reputations and comfort to honor Jesus in death. Through dramatic storytelling and thoughtful theological reflection, the episode invites listeners to grapple with themes of failure, shame, silent faith, and the essential, caring role each person plays within the Church—the body of Christ.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Darkness After Crucifixion

• Despair Among Followers:
  • “In the beginning, the hearts of Christ’s followers were losing faith. Like the faint heat radiating from forgotten coals, all of them had scattered when Jesus was arrested.” (Narrator, 01:19)
  • The disciples hide in fear, and Judas faces crushing remorse, signaling a community fractured by doubt and grief.

2. Joseph of Arimathea’s Secret Faith and Courage

• Joseph’s Request to Pilate:
  • Joseph, a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council, approaches Pilate to request Jesus’s body for proper burial, acting out of both reverence and regret for his earlier silence:
    • “I just want to honor him. I. I didn’t honor him in life, so perhaps I can in death.” (Joseph of Arimathea, 06:14)
  • Pilate, himself troubled by guilt and strange events following the crucifixion, grants the request with caution (05:25-06:28).

3. Regret and Redemption

• The Weight of Missed Opportunity:
  • Joseph is portrayed as burdened by his timidity during Jesus’s ministry:
    • “How could I have been so faithless, so afraid?” (Joseph of Arimathea, 07:17)
  • This emotional vulnerability echoes the confusion and regret among all the believers, drawing a universal connection to listeners’ own feelings of doubt (07:22).

4. Nicodemus Joins in Compassion

• Nicodemus’s Offering:
  • Another Pharisee, Nicodemus, appears with a costly gift of myrrh and aloe, symbolizing his belated devotion (08:07).
    • “To Nicodemus, it was his alabaster flask, his cross to carry... the shame of losing faith when it mattered most and gaining it when it seemed pointless.” (Narrator, 09:00)
  • Together, Joseph and Nicodemus, despite former secrecy and shame, unite in tenderly preparing Jesus’s body and placing it in the tomb (09:30-10:58).

5. Profound Imagery and Application for Today

• Linking Care of Jesus’ Body to the Church:
  • The host draws parallels between the literal care for Jesus’s physical body and the figurative care for the Body of Christ—the Church:
    • “Our theme for today’s episode is tender care towards the body of Christ. Joseph and Nicodemus put a great deal of respect, love and resource into the burial of Jesus… And this is an image of what you and I are called to do with the body of Christ, the Church.” (Host, 11:35)
  • Biblical metaphors from Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12 emphasize the church as one interconnected body with many unique, vital parts (12:05-13:42).

6. Overcoming Shame and Finding Belonging

• Encouragement for Listeners:
  • Two main takeaways are offered:
    1. Each listener is a “vital and important and unique member of the body of Christ…you serve a specific function that nobody else can.” (Host, 13:54)
    2. “You’re a part of something greater than yourself. And that gives us a lot of purpose.” (Host, 14:31)
  • The church is acknowledged as imperfect—a place for “hypocrites and sinners”—but that's precisely the point: Church, like a hospital, is for the spiritually sick and broken (15:00-15:23).

7. Invitation Toward Community and Continued Faith

• Call to Action:
  • “Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, cared for the body of Christ. They gave his body special time and attention. Even in the midst of doubt, confusion and grief, they were faithful. And that's our call.” (Host, 15:51)
  • The episode closes by encouraging listeners to seek support and renewal within the community of believers, especially during times of confusion and grief, with Easter (and hope) on the horizon (16:45-17:10).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Missed Opportunity and Redemption:
  “If he could somehow pay Jesus this last respect, it might atone for his cowardice.” (Narrator, 05:44)

• Roman Recognition:
  “That man was not of this world… Truly, he was the Son of God.” (Roman centurion to Joseph, 08:07)

• On Church as Hospital for the Broken:
  “To not go to church because it's filled with hypocrites and sinners is basically saying, well, I'm sick and I need to go to a hospital. But there's a lot of sick people there. It's a place for sick people. It doesn't really make sense. The church is for hypocrites. But we're all hypocrites, aren't we?” (Host, 15:00)

• The Universal Call:
  “We are all called to care for the body of Christ with the same tenderness and love that Joseph and Nicodemus did.” (Host, 15:51)

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Key Timestamps

• 00:00 – Opening prayer and setting the somber scene after Jesus’s death
• 02:43 – Host introduces the episode’s focus on Holy Saturday and Joseph of Arimathea
• 04:08-06:28 – Joseph asks Pilate for Jesus’s body and reveals his regret
• 07:17-08:07 – Joseph’s internal struggle; arrival and testimony of the Roman centurion
• 09:00-10:58 – Nicodemus brings offerings; both prepare Jesus’s body for burial
• 11:35-13:42 – Host applies the burial story to Christian life; teaching from Ephesians and 1 Corinthians
• 13:54-15:51 – Practical applications: unique purpose and community for each believer
• 15:51-17:10 – Final encouragement and invitation towards community, looking ahead to Easter

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Conclusion

This episode of The Jesus Podcast reimagines the aftermath of the crucifixion with empathy and cinematic storytelling, elevating Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus from silent, faithless followers to icons of tender courage and restorative care. Listeners are encouraged to see themselves not as outsiders, but as essential members of Christ’s body—called to love, serve, and belong, even in seasons of doubt and regret.

Transcript

[Narrator]

There is one body and one spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in us all. Ephesians 4:4 6 Dear Lord, today I'm mindful of the sacrifice it took to redeem mankind. You forfeited the throne and exchanged it for a cross. All so I could be saved. That's a heavy truth that's not easy to forget. Keep your cross on my mind all day today. I want to feel the gravity of your work on that hill. Let it affect me deeply today so I might fully experience Easter's joy. In Jesus name, Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, sagas from the Gospel told like never before. Remain here to immerse yourself in the drama and wonder of Christ's story. Follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Doing so will keep you updated, but but also help us get discovered by more people. We want the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world. Thanks for making that possible. It was as if creation had gone backwards. The light faded away, giving way to some chaotic darkness that loomed over the void. In the beginning, the hearts of Christ's followers were losing faith. Like the faint heat radiating from forgotten coals, all of them had scattered when Jesus was arrested. They all watched the death of their hero from different angles. Unable to move or rescue him, the eleven disciples hid, fearing that they would meet the same fate as their master. Judas, with his purse of silver weighing heavy on his ravaged soul, hanged himself over a canyon. All the faithful were gone, yet Jesus Body remained. Their rabbis, tattered and broken. Remains still needed attention. But none of the 12 were able to be there with him. Jesus Body remained in the custody of Pilate until a loved one claimed it.

[Host]

Have you ever questioned your role in the community of God? Have you ever felt like an outsider wondering how you could possibly contribute to the church or God's kingdom? You aren't alone, but here's the good news. There's a place for you in the family of God. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. Today is widely known in church history as Holy Saturday, the dark day between Jesus death and resurrection. The this was a confusing time for the disciples who had just witnessed the death of their king and hero. Today we dive into the often untold story of a man named Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph was one of the many religious leaders who actually believed in Jesus. However, due to fear and pressure, he remained silent about his faith. However, he was able to honor Jesus in his death by giving him a proper burial. As Joseph pays homage to Jesus, another familiar figure emerges. This short story is packed with a few kernels of wisdom for anyone who has wondered about their place among God's people. Let's explore their story together and learn from their regret and faith.

[Narrator]

Torchlight illuminated an unlikely figure approaching the court of Pilate. His blue fringed robes and leather amulet suggested he was a Pharisee. But he did not approach Pilate like one. His demeanor was humble and broken, and there was a deep pain behind his eyes.

[Joseph of Arimathea]

Honorable Pilate, my name is Joseph of Arimathea and I have come seeking a favor on behalf of Jesus of Nazareth.

[Narrator]

Pilate's conscience had been tormented since giving up the so called King of the Jews. Something about him compelled him, although he couldn't quite describe it. And the events that followed his death certainly added to this intrigue. The skies shut out the sun, the earth shook, and the veil in the temple cut straight through the middle. There were even rumors of people witnessing their dead loved ones walking among the living. Pilate was compelled to give whatever Joseph wanted.

[Pilate]

What is your request?

[Narrator]

Pilate asked, feigning passivity.

[Joseph of Arimathea]

I would like to give him a proper burial according to our customs. It is only right that he receive.

[Narrator]

A proper burial, Joseph replied.

[Joseph of Arimathea]

I have a gravesite secured. All I need is the body.

[Pilate]

There is nothing right about what happened.

[Narrator]

To Jesus, Pilate thought to himself. He looked down at Joseph and gestured to his leather amulet.

[Pilate]

The Jewish rulers are afraid his followers may steal the body. Your robes suggest you are one of them. This wouldn't be a ploy to steal his body before they do, would it?

[Narrator]

Joseph bowed his head to Pilate.

[Joseph of Arimathea]

No, your excellency, no. I. I just.

[Narrator]

Joseph bowed his head to Pilate. The words were caught in his throat. His shoulders began to feel the weight of his grief. Joseph was a rich and influential man and followed the Rabbi from Nazareth from afar. He hid his devotion out of fear and deeply regretted it. Joseph thought if he could somehow pay Jesus this last respect, it might atone for his cowardice.

[Joseph of Arimathea]

I just want to honor him. I. I didn't honor him in life, so perhaps I can in death.

[Narrator]

Pilate looked away, doing his best to remain apathetic.

[Pilate]

Very well, he said, clearing his throat. I will grant your request. Go to the crucifixion site with my seal. My men will let you have the body. Be advised, the Jewish rulers will want gods by his grave.

[Narrator]

Joseph gave a final bow and left with A letter sealed by Pilate. He held it tightly and rounded the path to the mount where Jesus had been crucified. Joseph followed the blood stained rocks leading up the hill called skull. Flashes of his brutal death came rushing back into his memory. He wished he had jumped to help. He wished he had said something to the Sanhedrin before they persecuted him. He could have done something, but instead he chose to remain silent.

[Joseph of Arimathea]

How could I have been so faithless, so afraid?

[Narrator]

Joseph thought to himself. He was not the only one. Even Jesus closest followers were unable to move to his aid. Now they were all paralyzed, suspended somewhere between regret and confusion. Joseph of Arimathea arrived at the peak of the mountain. Blood and water soaked the floor beneath the cross. In shock, Joseph placed a hand on his mouth. When he saw Jesus lifeless body cradled in burlap, Joseph gestured to the soldiers and placed Pilate's note in the hand of the centurion in charge.

[Joseph of Arimathea]

I have come to give him a burial according to our customs, he said.

[Narrator]

The centurion looked over at Jesus body and pursed his lips. That man was not of this world, he said, pondering whether he could open up to Joseph or not. Truly, he was the Son of God. The words were surprising to hear from a centurion. But then again, Joseph was a member of the Jewish Council. Both of them should have been Jesus enemies. Yet they both found themselves unable to deny who he was. Joseph approached the body with his servants. Before he could kneel down, another unlikely person made his way up the hill. The man wore the same amulet and blue fringed robe as Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish Council, a ruler in his own right, and a renowned Pharisee. Nicodemus. Nicodemus was another secret follower of Jesus. Ever since his meeting with him, Nicodemus was compelled that Jesus was who he said he was. Nicodemus was not as wealthy as Joseph of Arimathea, but he had come to pay his respects to Jesus body. He appeared with an offering of myrrh and aloe. The offering was slung over his back, weighing over 75 pounds. To Nicodemus, it was his alabaster flask, his cross to carry. It was an offering to set at the feet of the God he should have recognized from the beginning. Nicodemus was also a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish Council. He wore the same robes as Joseph and the same shame. The shame of losing faith when it mattered most and gaining it when it seemed pointless. The two men knelt down and carried his body to the tomb Joseph had purchased. It was A large grave hewn on the side of a cliff near Golgotha. Around the grave was a well kept garden. An array of flowers blossomed along the path leading to the entrance. Together the two men carefully tended to their Lord's body. They cleaned his wounds and meticulously wrapped every inch of his body according to the law. His linen grave clothes had been mixed with spices and the fragrant smell of myrrh filled the air around them. They crouched down and carried his body gently into the tomb where her bed was made from stone and wood, a fitting burial for a stonemason and carpenter. A large circular stone was next to the grave. The men and their servants pushed the front of the entrance with great labor and sorrowful effort. Guards were charged to stand near the tomb. They would report anything suspicious to the chief priest and Pilate. Yet no stone or guard could thwart what would happen in that grave just a few days later.

[Host]

I want you to listen to these words spoken by Paul in Ephesians 4:15 16 rather speaking the truth in love we are to grow up in every way into him, who is the head into Christ, from whom the whole body joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Now you may be wondering what this has to do with the burial of Jesus. Here's the kernel of wisdom that we can find in this story. Our theme for today's episode is tender care towards the body of Christ. There's profound imagery in this story. Joseph and Nicodemus put a great deal of respect, love and resource into the burial of Jesus. Although people shamed him and his death as he hung on a cross, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus assured that he got a respectable buried. They tended to his body meticulously out of reverence and worship. And this is an image of what you and I are called to do with the body of Christ the Church. The Bible describes the church as the body of Christ consisting of many members with different functions. The type of tender love and care that Joseph and Nicodemus had for Jesus body is the same tender love and care that we're supposed to give one another as fellow members of the body of Christ, the church, the community of God. Paul continues with his metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12 when he says, for just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body through many are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one spirit we were all baptized into one body. Jews or Greeks, slaves or free. We are all made to drink of one spirit. For the body does not consist of one member, but many. If the foot should say, because I am not a hand, I don't belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. Here are two encouraging truths for you. One, you are a vital and important and unique member of the body of Christ. Not only are you necessary with all of your quirks and unique gifts, but you serve a specific function that nobody else can. Wishing you have the same gifts or skills as somebody else is a waste of your time and the God given talent within you. God has made you unique and crafted you for a purpose. The unique and authentic you submitted to the Spirit of God can accomplish great things. Be encouraged by that. The second thing here is that you're a part of something greater than yourself. And that gives us a lot of purpose. There's a body of Christ moving and marching towards a greater thing. Don't neglect that community. Listen, I get it. Church can be weird and the people in church can be weird. The community of God can be messy and broken, judgmental at times. But Christ died for all of us. We're all face planning through this life, stumbling upwards towards our Savior. To not go to church because it's filled with hypocrites and sinners is basically saying, well, I'm sick and I need to go to a hospital. But there's a lot of sick people there. It's a place for sick people. It doesn't really make sense. The church is for hypocrites. But we're all hypocrites, aren't we? So let's dive in. Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, cared for the body of Christ. They gave his body special time and attention. Even in the midst of doubt, confusion and grief, they were faithful. And that's our call. We are all called to care for the body of Christ with the same tenderness and love that Joseph and Nicodemus did. Easter is just one day away and the resurrection of Christ is upon us. However, for the disciples, it was a dark day. They were scattered, afraid and without hope. Do you feel this way? Do you feel aimless, confused or frightened? Find care in the presence of God's people this Easter and join us for one final day through Passion Week, following Jesus out of the grave and into the light, and for more inspiration and knowledge to last a lifetime. Be sure to download the pray.com app. This is an iHeart podcast.