Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Acts 2:36 WEB
With these words, Peter preaches in Jerusalem that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. Having witnessed Christ after his crucifixion, Peter shares the gospel truth that Jesus was the Messiah. He shares this to convict hearts of sin and give repentant Jews hope in their own resurrection and eternity in heaven.
In proclaiming the truth of Jesus as Lord and Christ, Peter follows the command Jesus gave to share the gospel message with the world. In the first sermon of the Christian age following the ascension of our Lord, Peter preached the gospel in Jerusalem to the very people who called for the death of Christ.
After his resurrection, Jesus met with his disciples many times over a period of forty days. On one of these occasions, Jesus spoke of the authority our heavenly Father gave him. In addition, Jesus gave the command to spread the truth of the gospel throughout the world. We read Jesus’ words in Matthew 28;18-19 as he said, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. WEB”
Established Forever
As Lord and Christ, our Father in heaven made Jesus ruler over all things in heaven and on earth. With the authority given to our Lord, God eternally established Jesus’ throne fulfilling biblical prophecy. 2 Samuel 7:16 records this prophecy of the Messiah saying, “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever. NIV”
Peter’s bold statement professing the crucified and resurrected Jesus as Lord and Christ serves to convict the hearts of his listeners. Upon learning of the injustice Jesus endured only for God to restore him to life, many Jews repented from sin and placed their faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ. As we read in Acts 2:41, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were about three thousand souls added that day. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of the gospel message. Thank you for your grace and patience. Lead me away from the errors of the past. Guide me into your will always and forever. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: A Child
