Who Is This Miracle Worker Any Way?
First Scripture Reading: Acts 2:22-36
This is a synopsis, or quick review, of the sermon for Sunday morning, June 9, 2024. I am only hitting the highlights of the message, not reproducing the entire sermon.
When I was an elementary school kid, a joke was going around that an “old person” was one who could hear the William Tell Overture, and not think of The Lone Ranger. Now a days, an “old person” is one who remembers the Lone Ranger when he/she hears the William Tell Overture. I was very young when the masked ranger took on all the “bad guys” of the “Old West.” But I did see the reruns. Every episode ended with the question, “Who is that masked man anyway?”
Last time we were together, it was Pentecost. We heard the strange heavenly wind filling the upper room, and saw the tongues of fire resting on those gathered for prayer. Then we heard the disciples speaking accurately in languages they had never learned. Peter began a sermon that this was a sign that the Christ had come, and salvation was now offered to anyone who “called upon the name of the Lord” (2:21).
We had to leave Peter half-way through his sermon that Sunday. Today we will pick up where we left off. No doubt the majority of Jews knew about this miracle-working prophet Jesus. He was in the “Jewish News” of His day. But who was (or better stated, “is”) this Jesus? How do we know He is indeed the Christ. This question was indeed on the minds of many of Peter’s listeners on this first Christian Pentecost. Peter clearly tells us that: 1) Jesus was sent from God; 2) Jesus had been killed by these very listeners in accordance with Gods plan; 3) King David predicted that Messiah (Christ) would die, but He would not be left in the grave; 4) Jesus arose from the dead and was seen by His disciples; 5) Therefore God, by Jesus’ resurrection, has made Jesus both “Lord and Christ” (2:36).
Let’s take a closer look at the details. First, “Jesus of Nazareth” (2:22) was a “man” that God “approved” by His miracles, signs and wonders that He did indeed come from God. This was common knowledge to any Jew at this time, especially those who would have traveled to Jerusalem to the feasts.
However, point two, “they” (“you,” 2:23) handed Him over to be killed. The “you” is significant. All mankind handed Jesus over to be killed. We are all sinners. Adam & Eve started this curse by disobeying God’s command. But any other couple would have done the same. With the death of Christ, yes it was a Jewish mob aroused by the Jewish leaders, that turned Jesus over Pilate and Herod Antipus, and then to the executioners. But we all are culpable, first because we are sinners by nature and secondly, had we been there, we would have done the same. If Jesus showed up in Washington, DC during the 2020 pandemic, we would have executed Him in the cruelest manner possible outside Washington DC itself, because we (mankind as a whole, and each as individuals) “do not want Him to rule over us.”
At the same time, this was done by the plan of God the Father Himself. By the Second Person of the Godhead becoming a “man,” He was able to die. No one else, in the universe, could save the world. In so doing, He paid the price for the sins of “the whole world” (1 John 2:2). Now salvation is offered to all who would accept it on faith.
Point three. Peter, uses the Psalms of David to show that King David predicted that “Messiah” would not be left in “Hades” or the “abode of the dead.” Quoting Psalms 16:8-11, Peter notes that King David realized the existence of a “Messiah” helping him even before Jesus became a baby. This “Messiah” would not be kept in the “abode of the dead,” nor would His body “decay” in the grave. Peter says David cannot be talking about himself, since he died and his grave was right there in Jerusalem. Therefore, David predicted that Messiah would rise from the dead (2:31).
Peter also explains something that many had heard concerning Jesus. He had risen from the dead and been seen by his disciples.
Point four, Jesus had risen by the power of God. This proves, point five, that Jesus was indeed the “Lord and Christ.” God had predicted, all the way back in Genesis 3:15, the “Seed of the Woman” who would be bruised on the heal by Satin (the serpent), but Satin would be crushed on the head by the Seed.” God has indeed seated Jesus Christ the Lord next to Him while we eagerly wait for His return when He will rule the world (Psalm 110:1 & Acts 2:36).
Many in the crowd responded, “What must we do?” Peter called on them to repent, or turn around and believe in Jesus, for “all who call upon the Lord will be saved” (2:21). This “calling out” is a call for help and deliverance. But Peter adds the comment in 2:39, that God is also calling to the sinner to come.
Are you one who has called to God for salvation? That is great. But to any who are not sure about this, today is a great day to call out for salvation. Please don’t rest till you have done so.
God Bless.
CH Jim Odell
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