DISCIPLESHIP OF DISAPPOINTMENT (MATTHEW 27:57-66)

REFLECTION

The theme of this reflection is the “Discipleship of Disappointment.” To understand this, we must first look at what these words mean. Discipleship is the journey of following Jesus Christ, learning from His teachings, and becoming more like Him every day. Disappointment is that heavy feeling of sadness or frustration we experience when our hopes are not met, or when things do not go the way we planned. The “Discipleship of Disappointment” teaches us a vital lesson: following Jesus is not only about the miracles and the victories; it is also about staying faithful when life feels like a failure and God seems silent.

In Matthew 27:57-66, we find the followers of Jesus at their lowest point. Their Master, whom they believed would save Israel, was dead and buried. The key lesson here is that true discipleship is proven in the “tomb moments” of life. It is the ability to honour God even when our expectations have been shattered.

The background of this passage is somber. Jesus had just been crucified. His body was taken down from the cross, and for His followers, it seemed like the end of the story. The atmosphere was filled with grief, confusion, and a deep sense of loss.

One of the first lessons we learn from this text is that disappointment requires us to show “Devotion in the Dark.” Most people find it easy to follow Jesus when the crowds are cheering and the sick are being healed. However, Joseph of Arimathea shows us a different kind of faith. The Bible says, “As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus” (Matthew 27:57).

Joseph chose to identify with Jesus at a time when it was dangerous and socially shameful to do so. Jesus was dead; He could no longer offer Joseph a position in a kingdom or perform a miracle for him. Yet, Joseph went to Pilate to ask for the body. This teaches us that our discipleship must not be based on what we can “get” from God today, but on who He is. When you lose a job or a loved one and feel disappointed with life, do you still claim to be a disciple? Like Joseph, we are called to serve the Lord even when the “sun has gone down” on our plans.

Secondly, the text shows us the importance of “Investing in the Midst of Loss.” Joseph did not just take the body; he gave something precious. “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” (Matthew 27:59-60). He gave his best to a situation that looked hopeless.

In our lives, we often stop praying, stop giving, or stop serving when we are disappointed. We think, “What is the point?” But the discipleship of disappointment calls us to keep investing our time and love in God’s kingdom, even when we cannot see the harvest yet. We are reminded of the promise in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Joseph invested a tomb, not knowing that a resurrection was coming.

Finally, we see that disappointment often involves “Waiting through the Silence.” While Joseph was mourning, the enemies of Jesus were busy. The chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate, saying, “Sir, we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again’” (Matthew 27:63). They were so afraid of Jesus that they tried to lock Him in. “So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard” (Matthew 27:66).

From the disciples’ perspective, Saturday was a day of silence. God was not speaking, and the tomb was sealed shut. Practical examples of this today include when we pray for healing, and it does not come, or when we work hard for a breakthrough that remains blocked. We must remember that a sealed tomb is not a sign of God’s defeat, but a setting for His greatest move. Discipleship means trusting that even when the world tries to seal our hope away, God is still at work in the silence.

In summary, the Discipleship of Disappointment reminds us that following Jesus is a commitment that goes beyond our feelings. Joseph of Arimathea showed us that we can be disciples in the dark, give our best in the midst of loss, and wait faithfully when the tomb is sealed.

My call to action for you today is this: Do not let your current disappointment be the end of your faith. If you are in a “Saturday” season where everything feels dead and silent, do not walk away. Like Joseph, continue to handle the things of God with care and devotion. Trust that the same God who was in the tomb is the God who brings the Resurrection.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You that Your love is constant, even when our lives feel broken. We confess that it is hard to follow You when we are disappointed and hurt. Give us the courage of Joseph of Arimathea to serve You even in the dark seasons. Help us to trust Your silence and to believe that no stone is too heavy for You to roll away. Strengthen our faith so that we may remain Your true disciples, come what may. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.