Being different, making a difference by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                   

Text: Luke 23:50-53

Topic: Being different, making a difference

 

This will be done with the following sub headings:

Background

Biblical records of Joseph of Arimathea

How to make a difference

Conclusion

 

Background

The gospel according to Luke chapter number twenty three (23) starts out with the attempt by council to legitimize their evil/notorious/dastardly intention/plan/ploy by either saying statements that he didn’t say or switching the meaning of what he said, little wonder they initially had three baseless/thoughtless accusations:

ü  He told people not to pay tax Vs.2, against what he said Matt.22,Mark 12,Luke 20:20

ü  He said He is a king Vs.2

ü  He causes uproars and riots Vs.5

 

Even the earthly rulers didn’t agree or see any reason to kill Him:

ü                        Pilate   Vs. 4

ü  Herod   Vs.15

However against reason and for a reason Jesus was killed, making Him the saviour who was killed, making Him the savior who was killed without a legal reason except the mob shouting vs.23-24, was killed in company of two criminals Vs.32, A saviour whose killer does not know the real reason for His death, Jesus Christ of Nazareth the saviour of the world.   May God continually bless us via His word/son Amen.

Biblical records of Joseph of Arimathea 

The bible had the following to say about him:

1. A good and a righteous man Vs.50

2. A member of Jewish high council

3. He didn’t agree with other members of council on decision to kill Jesus Vs.51

4. Waiting for the kingdom of God to come Vs.51

5. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body, took it down from the cross wrapped it and put it in a tomb carved out of a rock. 

How to make a difference

 

ü  Know Jesus (The source and sustainer of real and lasting difference)

ü  Carry a different spirit, like David, Daniel, Joshua and Caleb

ü  Have and keep heaven focused, Jesus centric, difference making friends and mentors

Conclusion

Writer of Luke was the Greek physician named Luke Col.4:11-14 the focus of Luke was to give an accurate information about the life of Christ the biggest difference maker of all time by all standard but let us look at the very few out of the immeasurable things he changed: 

ü  He stopped: the dominion of sin, physical/bloody and expensive sacrifices, eternal separation from God our God father and creator. Rom. 6:14-23 

ü  His departure was greeted with the gift of the Holy Spirit, power for the now and over darkness and all allied forces not found in God. John 16:7

ü  A Hope for heaven. John 3:16,1 Cor.15:19

Have you met Jesus, without Him we are normal, artificial and Synthetic. He is waiting and knocking the door of your heart. Rev.3:20