Proclaiming the Crucified Christ

This passage speaks to your life because:

1.   It reminds you that Jesus' life and death were part of God’s deliberate and loving plan, offering us salvation and hope.
2.   It shows you the divine credentials of Jesus marked by miracles, echoing His authority and lordship over all creation.
3.   It calls you to share this transformative gospel boldly and with urgency, recognizing the eternal impact it carries.

Imagine gathering amidst a crowd, standing among the Israelites as Peter speaks. Visualize the fervor in his call, “Listen to these words.” The air is thick with anticipation and conviction as he recounts the life of Jesus, attested by divine miracles—tangible signs of God’s approval. Feel the weight of his words as he declares that Jesus’ crucifixion was no accident but a foreknown purposeful act of love and redemption. Hear the divine heartbeat of a relentless God drawing humanity back to Himself through Christ's sacrificial love. As participants in this unfolding story, we find our place, called to carry forth the mission of sharing this good news.

The life of "Jesus of Nazareth" is crucial. Nazareth, His human hometown, captures His earthly humility. The term "attested" from the Greek *ἀποδείκνυμι* (apodeiknumi) means “to show forth” or “to prove.” Christ’s miracles (*σημεῖον* - sēmeion), wonders (*τέρας* - teras), and signs (*θαῦμα* - thauma) are divine signatures authenticating His ministry, echoing the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 35:5-6). The New Testament affirms these miracles as indicators of the inbreaking kingdom of God, portraying Jesus as the greater Prophet, Priest, and King.

Acknowledge Jesus as the God-confirmed Messiah. His life is a testament to His role as Savior and Lord, deserving reverence and faith. Living with this reality transforms our trust in His promises and His power over life’s challenges.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your life, marked by power and proof of God’s endorsement. Help me recognize your authority in my life and grant me the courage to share your miracles with others. Amen.

Embracing the authentic life of Jesus leads us into deeper reflection on His intentional death. Let’s explore how His crucifixion was both a divine design and a product of human sinfulness, prompting us to respond to and share this profound truth.

The phrase "delivered up" derives from the Greek *ἔνδοτος* (endotos), meaning surrendered or handed over, indicating divine orchestration. "Determined plan"—*ὡρισμένῃ βουλῇ* (hōrismenē boulē)—means preordained counsel. This echoes prophecies like Isaiah 53:10 that prophesize Christ’s purposeful suffering. The "foreknowledge"—*πρόγνωσις* (prognōsis)—points not simply to God’s foreseeing but His active planning in redemption's history, demonstrating His sovereign love.

Recognize that you are part of God’s eternal plans. His sovereignty assures us that every circumstance fits within His loving redemption narrative, inviting us to trust fully in His divine purpose.

Sovereign Father, I’m grateful for Your eternal and loving plans. Help me trust Your purpose even when life is unclear, and lead me to share Your undeniable peace with others. Amen.

Understanding the profound intersection of divine plan and human action draws us to the crucifixion—highlighting humanity's sin against God’s grace. Let’s engage with how this divine act serves as a timeless testament calling us into transformation and proclamation.

The narrative of Jesus’ life and death isn’t merely history—it’s the foundation of redemption and the climax of God’s love story with humanity. As part of the Church, you’re called to live dynamically in this reality, bearing the message of the crucified, risen, and exalted Christ. Embrace your identity in Christ as an ambassador, living boldly for His kingdom, and proclaiming the gospel that transforms lives and destinies. Let your story be an echo of His eternal glory. Live and breathe the gospel for the world is yearning to hear this story—God’s story.