After these things, 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. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
John 19.38-42
Somehow, through this crisis, Nicodemus (and Joseph too) is learning to integrate his two worlds. His public life as a Pharisee, and his private life as a follower of Jesus, now come together. He adheres to all the cultural expectations, while at the same time, throwing caution to the winds and identifying with his beloved teacher, he takes care of Jesus’ body.
Integrity of behaviour and belief.