March 14th, 2026 Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP

Matthew 27:57-60 “As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.” 

Christian discipleship takes many forms. First, you need to understand that your discipleship is not a one-time confession of faith or a specific activity. It is instead a way of living. Christ’s disciples’ lives revolve around serving Him in thought, word, and actions. 

Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, not one of the twelve, but one who believed and trusted in Jesus, quietly went to Pilate to gain permission to remove Jesus’ body from the cross and place it in his personal, never used tomb that he had had cut out of rock. This doesn’t seem to be an action that is noteworthy, yet Matthew, Mark, and Luke record this act by Joseph.   

By your confession of faith in Jesus, you identify yourself as a disciple of Jesus Christ. What, beyond your “words” identify you as His disciple? Discipleship is living out your faith in acts of service such as what was done by Joseph or the women who went to the tomb on Easter morning to complete the entombment of Jesus’ body. It also includes witnessing the Gospel to those around you. Jesus said it this way, “Whatever you have done for the least of these My brothers, you have done it unto Me.” (Matthew 25:40)   

Joseph providing his tomb for Jesus’ body and personally doing the entombment was his act of discipleship. The opportunities you have in your daily life to show your love for Jesus abound. Giving a cup of water to a thirsty person in the name of Jesus, giving up your seat on a crowded bus, visiting a sick friend and praying with them are all ways in which you witness your relationship with Him.   

Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide me in my life of Christian discipleship. In Jesus’ name. Amen.   

“Come follow Me,” the Savior spake,
“All in My way abiding;  
Deny yourselves, the world forsake,
Obey My call and guiding.  
O bear the cross, whate’er betide,
Take My example for your guide. 

“I am the light, I light the way,
A godly life displaying; 
I bid you walk as in the day;
I keep your feet from straying.  
I am the way, and well I show
How you must sojourn here below. 

“My heart abounds in lowliness,
My soul with love is glowing;  
And gracious words My lips express,
With meekness overflowing.  
My heart, My mind, My strength, My all,
To God I yield, on Him I call. 

“I teach you how to shun and flee
What harms your soul’s salvation,  
Your heart from ev’ry guile to free
From sin and its temptation.  
I am the refuge of the soul
And lead you to your heav’nly goal.” 

Then let us follow Christ, our Lord,
And take the cross appointed  
And, firmly clinging to His Word,
In suff’ring be undaunted.  
For those who bear the battle’s strain
The crown of heav’nly life obtain.

"Come Follow Me," The Savior Spake // LSB 688

Public Domain