1. WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN WILLING TO DO WHAT JOSEPH DID?

2. Would you have been willing to bury jesus?
Luke 23:50-55

3. Am I willing to invest everything for Jesus?
(v.50b) “a council member”
Joseph’s example of investing:
--his influence
--his resources
--his time
--his energy
Joseph’s exhortation to us—invest everything for Jesus…He is worth it
**Are you willing to invest everything for Jesus?

4. Am I willing to have my reputation attacked for Jesus?
(v.50c) “a good and just man”
Joseph’s example for us—his reputation as a man who benefitted others and lived righteously was likely attacked to discredit him (vulnerability)
Joseph’s exhortation to us—be willing to risk character assassination for Jesus
--like Jesus
--like Paul
**Are you willing to have your reputation attacked for Jesus?

5. Am I willing to stand against the majority for Jesus?
(v.51a) “He had not consented to their decision”
Joseph’s example of standing in the minority
--”they all condemned Him to be deserving of death” (Mark 14:64)
Joseph’s exhortation to us—be willing to stand for Jesus even if it’s unpopular
--hopefully you have a “Nicodemus”
**Are you willing to stand against the majority for Jesus?

6. Am I willing to wait on God’s timing in Jesus?
(v.51b) “who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God”
Joseph’s example of patience
--”the kingdom of God”—the realm in which God’s right of rule is recognized and embraced
Joseph’s exhortation to us—wait on God’s program with anticipation, while staying busy in God’s program with activity
Waiting = watching with expectancy
**Are you willing to wait on God’s timing?

7. Am I willing to go public with my commitment to Jesus?
(v.52) “This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus”
Joseph’s example of boldness
--he had become a disciple (Mat.27:57), but secretly for fear of the Jews (John 19:38)
--But, in spite of the fear, he approaches Pilate
Joseph’s exhortation to us—willingly and boldly identify with Jesus
**Are you willing to go public?

8. ARE YOU WILLING to invest everything for Jesus?
to have your reputation attacked for Jesus?
to stand against the majority for Jesus?
to wait on God’s timing in Jesus?
to go public with your commitment to Jesus?

9. Would you have been willing to bury jesus?
Are you willing to live for Jesus??