As Peter delivered his first sermon, he spoke with unshakable confidence. In the past forty days, Peter’s journey had been intense: he had denied Jesus at His trial, witnessed His crucifixion, seen the risen Christ, and experienced the Holy Spirit’s arrival. Now, he boldly preached what he had seen. His message on the resurrection wasn’t feeble; it came from one who had spent time with the risen Lord.
He states that “Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. For David says concerning him, “‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence'” (Acts 2:23-28).
Peter established that Christ’s crucifixion was part of God’s divine plan, not an afterthought. He then addressed the resurrection, explaining that God had raised Jesus, releasing Him from the clutches of death. Death had no chance against the Son of God. The passage told the story of the Father’s faithfulness and the Son’s faith—two forces that had rendered death powerless.
The Faithful Father
- The Father’s plan was a testament to His love for His Son. He promised to raise Jesus and seat Him on David’s throne—a promise documented in the Bible centuries before Christ’s arrival. God’s faithfulness to this promise resounds; He stood by His Son.
- The resurrection wasn’t optional—it was a necessity. The Son couldn’t remain in the grave. His own words emphasized this inevitability. He knew He would go to Jerusalem, suffer, die, and rise. He understood that death had no power over Him, despite the agony He faced. Psalm 16 underscored this assurance.
- Peter references Psalm 16, which was the Father’s promise to the Son. He declared that the Son’s body would not decay, and He’d be filled with gladness. Imagine Jesus embracing this Psalm, quoting it to the Father and death itself. This unshakable faith led Jesus to face death with confidence.
The Faith of the Son
- Jesus had unwavering faith in the Father’s promise. He embraced His purpose—to defeat death for us. His authority over His own life was evident. He knew death couldn’t have the final word, as God promised it wouldn’t. Psalm 16 was a wellspring of confidence.
- Psalm 16: Picture Jesus quoting this Psalm to both the Father and death itself. Despite initial fear and trembling, He emerged from His wrestling match with God confident. He confidently proclaimed, “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” His reliance on Scripture fortified Him.
- Christ the Victor: Death stood no chance. The Triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—triumphed over death. Jesus overpowered death, emerging from the tomb. This victory marked the end of death’s reign on Earth.
Reflect on the divine double-team, the faithful Father and the faith-filled Son. Through their unity, they conquered death, the ultimate enemy. One day, Christ will return, and we will all conquer death as well. Imagine boldly taunting death, saying, “Oh death, where is your victory? Oh death, where is your sting?” Trust in our faithful God, just as Jesus did. Rest in our Champion’s triumph, for death won’t have the last word. Let’s mimic His resilience, facing challenges with rugged faith. Like Him, joy awaits us beyond sorrow.