How is God's mercy demonstrated in the story of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea?

The accounts of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea exemplify God's mercy in that He transforms individuals who may initially struggle with faith into bold witnesses for Christ. Both men, who were part of the Jewish council—Nicodemus as a Pharisee and Joseph as a wealthy member—could have feared for their reputations yet chose to publicly honor Jesus by taking down His body from the cross and preparing it for burial. Their actions demonstrate that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace, and their eventual courage serves as a testimony to the compelling power of Christ’s love and sacrifice. It shows that even those who are initially hesitant can become powerful proponents of the gospel.