SUNDAY October 16, 2022
Jesus of Nazareth
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—”
Acts 2:22
Peter began his sermon with a simple summary. He gave a defense for what the Jews were hearing and seeing and refuted those who mocked the miraculous events on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-15). He then spoke to them scripturally, backing up the experience of wind, fire and speaking in tongues––different languages––with the fulfillment of prophecy spoken by the prophet Joel (Acts 2:15-21). Peter continued his sermon giving a solid explanation about Christ (Acts 2:22-39).
Peter’s audience was Jewish, not Gentile, so he used Jewish terms. Within his sermon he made known to them that they had crucified both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). Jesus is their Messiah, the Christ, Lord of Lords and King of Kings. The word Messiah means “the Anointed One.” The Jews were awaiting their Messiah, but even though He worked many miracles, wonders and signs and fulfilled prophecy, they rejected Him.
Peter first introduced Jesus by using one of His many titles––Jesus of Nazareth. This title referred to the place where he grew up until he reached the age of 30 years old. Nazareth was a very dirty place, full of worldly drunkards. It was such a gloomy town. Jesus was raised by a humble Carpenter––Joseph.
God the Father was a divine witness of His Son. Jesus was a Man accredited by God. Jesus said to the Pharisees who opposed him: “I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me” (John 8:18). Jesus was accredited by God, not man.
Consider the mission for which the Father sent the Son. It was so that people like us, sinners, could escape eternal death to receive eternal life.
Only by being both deity and humanity could Jesus Christ bridge the gap between where God is.
~David Jeremiah~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
