Testimony of the Crucifixion & Spear

Something struck me as I was reading the Crucifixion/Resurrection accounts this weekend.

It came after reading John 19:34-35—“Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.  The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.”

John often refers to himself in an anonymous fashion or third person, known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” or “the other disciple” so many interpreters and commentaries suggest this is John talking about what he saw since he was there (see 19:25-27).  That’s how I’ve always thought of it, but this time, reading it to my family, it struck me as a different person.

Even the NIV text note suggests “either John himself or someone he regarded as reliable.”

But who would be such a close and reliable witness who could see the detailed separation of blood and plasma/fluid? It would take someone close to the action with a knowledge of what happens at death to pick up on that point.

John lets us know the person’s motive for testifying about this moment—the one that verifies that Jesus was actually dead and not just fainted—“he testifies so that you ALSO may believe.”

One thing we can say for sure is that this person was a believer in Jesus and told his story for other people to believe as well.

What if it is the character in the story that John just introduced; the soldier who pierced Jesus’ side.  He would have known exactly what came out of Jesus, he knew to test those being crucified in this way and would have seen it before.

The Synoptic gospels—Matthew, Mark & Luke all record a soldier, a centurion commenting on the extraordinary events of the crucifixion saying something to the effect of—“Surely this man was the Son of God” or “a righteous man.”

This centurion would have been the one overseeing the execution, the one responsible for making sure the order was carried out.  It makes sense to me that he would be the one to use the spear to verify Jesus’ death.  His own life would be at stake if he reported those he executed as dead when they really were not.  If the centurion did not thrust the spear himself he would have been close giving the order and watching carefully.  He would be the one reporting what happened when they came to verify Jesus’ death.

What happened to this soldier/centurion after these events?  Could he have become a believer?  Of course he could have!  History records that the Gospel spread well in the Roman legions.  The testimony of a soldier there that day would be a powerful witness. 

So while this statement may be referring to what John himself saw, there are reasons to suggest that the testimony referred to in 19:34-35 is from the soldier that pierced Jesus or the centurion that over saw the execution. 

After becoming a believer himself, he wanted everyone to know that Jesus actually did die on the cross and thus only by the power of God could Jesus be brought back from that condition.  No fainting or swooning is possible.  The Romans were too good at executing and very familiar with death. 

His statement, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” could be his first step in a journey of faith that at least became known to the Disciples who preserved his testimony.

Just thought I would share a new (for me) thought on the life/death/life of Jesus.

In the battle of Life and Death—Death Loses!

Passover and the events of Good Friday - Partial

Many people are confused by the events of the Last Supper and the night that Jesus was arrested.


What cups are they talking about and what do they mean?

Why is Jesus so hard on His disciples who are tired?

Why did they come to arrest Him at night?

How did the leaders get so many people together for a rowdy crowd during the trials?

Why would they conduct a trial at night and violate normal judicial procedure?

Much of these can be understood if you take into account the practices during the Jewish Passover.



The Jewish days start at 6 PM, so the day the Passover meal is eaten continues through the night until 6 PM the following day. All of the events of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion happen on the same “day” in the Jewish mind.

I’ve always wondered about these questions until my wife and I found something to explain the custom of the Jewish people on the day of Passover. It stems from Exodus 12:42—“If was a night of vigil in honor of the LORD, because He would bring them out of the land of Egypt. This same night is in honor of the LORD, a night vigil for all the Israelites throughout their generations.”

After the Passover meal, they were supposed to stay awake all night. So when Jesus comes back from prayer and finds the disciples sleeping, they are supposed to be awake, not just because He had asked them to, but because of the Passover. Incidentally, Peter and John were the ones sent ahead to prepare the Passover meal so they had been working through the day to get it ready—I’m sure they were wiped out.

The fact that they were supposed to be awake explains in part why the guards were there to arrest Jesus and they expected to find him awake. It explains how the Jewish leaders were able to rouse a sympathetic crowd at such unusual hours since they were supposed to eat the meal, not in their pajamas, not ready for bed but with their clothes on, their belt tightened, their shoes on. They were symbolically ready to move out and leave, but it also meant they could go and be anywhere at a moment’s notice.

It explains why the leadership would be able to hold a trial at night—all of the people necessary would be awake and available. Normally, it would not be proper to conduct such a trial at night, many people unavailable, many others still sleepy and not ready for the day, but this was not an ordinary night. Enough people were awake and present to conduct these events—the normal routine beginning at dawn—all giving enough time to have Jesus up on the Cross by 9 am. He was taken down off the Cross not long after the 9th hour (according to Mark) which is 3 pm. That makes all these events of Messiah occurring on the same day as the Passover (by Jewish reckoning).

The Jewish Passover ceremony with it’s four cups is also why Jesus was praying about “cups” in the Garden of Gethsemane. The cup of Sin & Judgment and Wrath was the cup that was about to be poured out on Him. It was this cup that makes the next cup of the feast, the Cup of Redemption possible. Jesus’ blood was poured out to cover over, to atone for our sin. The wrath passes over us when the Blood is seen.

There are several other points that I may make about the Passover at in a later post

When God Tore His Robe?

Why do people tear their robes in the Bible?

In the Jewish world, when a man hears blasphemy, he is supposed to tear his robes. You see this in the actions of the high priest during the trial of Jesus who believed He was hearing blasphemy from Jesus when He spoke of returning in power.

But that’s not the only reason a Jewish man would tear his robes. In Job, when he heard the barrage of news of his children’s deaths, Job tore his robes in grief. Typically, at least as I imagine it and have seen it depicted, the man would grab the top of his robe, the collar area, where his head sticks through, and pull, thus tearing the fabric and breaking the pattern of woven cloth. Eventually, the whole thing would fall apart, the tear would worsen.

When a man tore his robe it was to demonstrate or protest or convey the magnitude and impact of what has just happened before them. It was symbolic—his life would never be the same because he could never wear that particular clothing again—it would be forever ruined, a testimony to that moment, and was then useless for its intended design.

Now, I’m playing with an idea that I haven’t even quite worked out with. It’s the idea that there is a moment when figuratively speaking, God tore His robes. And it’s a new take on a passage that is very familiar with us and may be very ingrained into our thinking.

That moment is the tearing of the veil from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus’ death. I understand the traditional way of looking at this passage and I love it. I even wrote a song about it. The idea that through the death of Christ a way was made into the Holy of Holies—the veil that separates us from God is removed from top to bottom, by His hand. Our sin is atoned for and so we are granted access to the Almighty, most Holy God of the Universe.

What I’m proposing here shouldn’t take away from that understanding at all. It’s just adding a different angle to it. Figuratively speaking—the veil in the temple was a covering, a barrier protecting the holiness of God’s presence, preventing eyes from seeing what was not meant to be seen.

The veil was torn from top to bottom, as if, the hands of God had grabbed the top and pulled—ripping the fabric to the bottom. It was now useless for that purpose. The veil could never be used again.

What would God have seen in that moment that would have caused Him to “tear His robe”? A great tragedy and loss—the death of His One and Only Son. Even though it was the Father’s will to crush Him, even though it was pleasing to lay the sins of the world upon Jesus because it purchased our redemption—it was still a great and painful moment. The weight of sin, the forsakenness of Jesus, the wrath of God poured out on One who is Innocent and undeserving. Upon hearing the death of His Son, God tore His robe—the veil was torn from top to bottom never to be used again.

Thoughts?

Sermon--What is it about Jesus that Sent Him to the Cross-- Mark 1:9-14

Listen to the audio of this message here.


When tragedies strike, one of our first reactions is to ask, “Why?” We want to have explanations for tragedy—did they leave a note, were there any warning signs that were missed. It’s natural to seek a reason for our experience.


We’ve just come out of the Easter Season when Jesus was crucified, buried, but raised to life. It was one of the most tragic moments in human history. Last week we looked at those who were confident on Easter Saturday but were confused after Sunday. Those who were confused on Easter Saturday became Confident on Easter Sunday and beyond. All of this was due to the conquering power of Jesus—His ability to conquer sin and death, conquer the power of Satan . It was tragic—Jesus was crucified—but also a week of hope—Jesus is Risen.

Why did it ever come to that?
Why was Jesus crucified? What was it about Jesus and His message that so threatened the leaders and so warranted His crucifixion? On a human level, why did their deception cause them such hatred?

There are, I believe some indicators found in Mark 1:9-15.

1. A Message Shared with a Prisoner

a. Mark 1:14—“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee.” Do you hear how scandalous that sounds?

b. The local authorities had just thought that they had taken care another troublemaker responsible for big crowds, insulting local officials. John the Baptist was now in jail, but someone else is right there to step into those shoes—someone who could cause a whole lot more trouble. The leaders, the teachers of the law were already primed to deal with trouble. But they didn’t know what to make of John or his message, just that he was a threat.

c. During Jesus’ last days in Jerusalem, He asked these teachers of the law—Mark 11:30--“John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Tell me?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘from heaven,’ he will ask, ‘then why didn’t you believe him?’ but if we say, ‘from men’… ‘we don’t know,’” they eventually answered.

d. Jesus met with John, was baptized by John, and the first message Jesus gave parallels John’s own message—“Repent and believe the Good News!” sharing that same message doesn’t get Jesus started on the right foot.

e. I can understand this sentiment. What would you think if all of the Presidential candidates started getting their speeches from convicted felons? Would it change the way you view the candidate? I would think so.

f. But this message is the truth—shared with one who was speaking with the inspiration of God. It’s not the first time someone speaking the truth in love ran afoul of the authorities—Jesus is part of a long tradition of rejected spokesmen. It’s no wonder that Jesus is still one of the most divisive figures in the world—dividing history, nations, families, even households. He is not someone you can honestly take a fence riding position on—Jesus offends, Jesus forces a decision—the Kingdom of God is Near—Repent and believe the good news.”

g. In reality—Jesus was the One who was free—free from the curse of sin—while the rest of humanity was imprisoned—held captive in the Kingdom of Darkness—we were ones who have embraced our cage, accepted our prison bars—and Jesus is opening the door and inviting us to leave our captivity—Jesus shared His message with a prisoner, but was truly inviting freedom.

2. A Message of Fulfillment

a. Feeding the great messianic expectation, many had come in the past claiming to be the One promised, but they came and went usually in defeat and death at the hand of the ruling powers, not only for themselves, but also suffering for those who followed them.

b. But Jesus was different—Jesus claimed to be the fulfillment of all that John was pointing to. John himself denied being the Christ when he was asked about it in John 1. John said that he was preparing the way for one was coming after him that was greater than he was, one who’s sandals he was not worthy to untie, the One who would baptize, not just with water, but with the Holy Spirit. The Messiah is Coming—as the Scripture has promised. And many of the leaders thought they had the Messiah all figured out.

c. The Messiah of their understanding and expectation was someone they could understand, who had the same goals and someone they could predict or control. They had a Job Description, they had Profile Criteria with 7 areas of Compatibility—they put E-Harmony to Shame in their desire to Match the Messiah with a Candidate.

d. Jesus claimed to be that fulfillment—Luke 4:16-21—“He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
LK 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

e. Jesus claimed to be that fulfillment, but He didn’t fit the Profile of what the ones who put John in jail wanted or what they thought He should do. The Actions and Teachings of Jesus did not meet the expectations. What started out as curiosity—soon turned to opposition—this frustration eventually turning to the cross. This is more than just a bad break up—this is a bitter dysfunction and divorce.

f. Has Jesus fulfilled your expectations? Do you have a profile of wants and desires of what you think Jesus is supposed to do in your life? Did you sign up for some miracles, a perfect marriage, a satisfying, well paying job—then you need to know that Jesus is probably not a good match for you. He leads you to count the real cost of following Him, He leads you to the Cross of suffering. Jesus is not the cure-all, Mr. Fix-It—genie in a magic Lamp and He does not come into your life or mine to fulfill your expectations, my expectations—He comes into your life and mind with a Kingdom Agenda—to live fully and completely in and for this Good News and to be about Sharing this Good News with those who are still in prison. One of the first is that of Repentance.

3. A Message of Repentance

a. Mark uses the phrase, the Kingdom of God is near, “at hand” which means to be brought near to you. What’s interesting is that in order to make it into this kingdom, to be set free, you have to change your direction.

b. To repent means to change one’s mind—to turn around—what was once perfectly fine and acceptable is now wrong—the direction in life that was once so right and good needs a course correction.

c. To make it to the Kingdom of God—you need to change the direction of your life—and believe. This is a Road sign to the Kingdom--Detour

d. Imagine on your next flight that as you are coming in for a landing, the pilot comes on to the speaker and tells everyone—“ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning our final approach onto runway 476. I just wanted to let you know that the Air Traffic Controllers and the Tower have been hounding me to alter my approach vector for the last 5 minutes—that I’m in danger of missing the runway and crashing in the lake—but they don’t know what they’re talking about—so sit back, relax and enjoy the remainder of the flight.”

e. What kind of confidence would you have at that moment?

f. If you’ve listened to Christian radio lately, you may have heard a commercial for a comedian making light of the bumper sticker that says—“God is my co-pilot” by pointing out that you’ve got to be a great driver if God calls shotgun when you drive.

g. The idea of God being the co-pilot appeals to us b/c it still implies that I’m driving. I’m the one in control, I’m the one choosing the destination and deciding the route to get there.

h. How many of you, when you’re driving, hate constant instruction and criticism of your driving? “you should turn here,” “slow down,” “don’t get so close,” “you’re going the wrong way”

i. You need to understand that is exactly what a message of Repent is—“You’re going the Wrong Way!” God needs to get out of your Co-pilot seat and get into the Driver’s Seat and put you in the back seat! God is offering to be your chauffeur and let you enjoy the ride.

j. As hard as it is for you and me to accept and receive directions from someone else—you may already know this about yourself, but there is little more difficult for a good and decent and committed religious person to hear than “you’re going the wrong way. It’s not just the sinners who need to repent—you need to repent. You’re not as good as you think you are—you don’t have it all together like you think you do.


k. The Kingdom of God is Near—it’s close by—but you’re not going to get their on your own by your own strength or by your own power. You are not good enough—you are going in the wrong direction, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God—still locked in your own prison—the direction of your own life, the strength of your own efforts to earn God’s favor, to earn God’s blessing of eternal life may seem right, but leads only to death.

l. That is not a popular message, but it is the message of Jesus—and the way of the Kingdom of God led Him not to military victory—not to a luxurious palace—not to worldly power, but to the Cross.

m. Repent—turn and believe the Good News

4. A Message of the Good News

a. Jesus’ message and His good news is this—Repent—stop going your own way, Stop trying to earn your way to heaven—stop trying to bear the burden of Sin and let Me bear it for you—stop living in uncertainty, stop living in fear of messing up—stop being afraid that you can never be forgiven—stop trying to hold on to God and let Him hold on to you. The Good News is the Gift of God—the gift of God is eternal life through-because of, by means of, by the power of Jesus Christ our Lord—He is holding you in His hand and no one can take you out..

b. As long as you try to live with God as your co-pilot, you are not trusting and believing and living in the truth of the Good News.

c. Ephesians 2:1-9—“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”

d. You may find this hard to believe, but the message of Grace, the Good News was just as responsible for sending Jesus to the Cross as anything else.

e. For those religious authorities who draw their power by insisting that others live your way—perform certain duties under a code of legalism—the last thing you want getting spread around is the doctrine of Grace—that God’s love is Generous and Free—that while the price for forgiveness is High—that God will pay the price with His own blood.

f. They wanted to make the hoops for you to jump through to be right with God—it’s not about your efforts—it’s about His efforts and Work on the Cross. Trying to do it yourself is a form of bondage—trying to free yourself from a straight-jacket you yourself have tied. Grace and Forgiveness set , the Prisoner free.

g. Turn from your own way—believe—actually believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life—and you will be given the forgiveness that invites you into the presence of Almighty God for eternity.

Sermon -- Christmas 2007--Mission Accomplished

Mission Accomplished

Kings leave their Throne Rooms for various reasons—self-indulgent vacation time, conquest of other territories, treasures—Great Kings, Great Leaders have a bigger vision--leave their throne on great quests—some noble or impossible mission

Why would a King such as Jesus leave His throne? Give up everything,
Lay Aside eternity and be bound by Time
Lay Aside Omnipresence—and be bound within a body
Lay aside Omnipotence—and be born as a powerless baby
Lay aside Invulnerability and become Vulnerable—able to experience death

Jesus had a reason for coming—He didn’t just look at this world as the best vacation spot for a life of relaxation—there was no territory for Him to conquer b/c it really already belonged to Him. Jesus had a greater Vision. He had a reason—we’ll see where He describes His Mission, more into that reason next week—when He speaks to those reasons Himself. But He hoped to accomplish something

Today we’ll be looking at that Mission and How it was Completed—how it was Accomplished—

Christmas is the beginning of the earthly mission of a great King—but it happens in a most unusual way.
A small child is born in a small town, to parents who won’t be recognized on the nightly news and who wouldn’t ever have a red carpet laid out for them. This Coming must be understood in light of where Jesus is going.

Crucifixion—Mission Inspired--The Plan of Old—Fulfillment of Prophecy
• One of the tv shows I used to watch—that has now attained societal cult like status—is McGyver—no matter what situation he found himself in—he could always improvise an explosive, a distraction or some other superior strategy using a pocket knife, a stick of gum still in the wrapper, a ball point pen, duct tape, soda, paperclips, household cleaning products—among other items you either have around the house or carry in your pocket on a regular basis.

• One of the lessons you can get from the program is that You can never plan for all contingencies—so be prepared to improvise with what you’ve got. Always have a backup plan.

• I am thankful that God does not take this approach. He doesn’t have to. Nothing in this world from eternity past, to creation, to any point until now has taken God by surprise. So even before the creation of humanity, God already knew that we were going to turn away from Him, but also knew exactly what it would take to restore us—the Sacrifice of His Son

• The Crucifixion of Jesus was not Plan B—it was not an Accident—God was never wringing His hands, looking around thinking—“what do I have to do to fix this—hmmm, let me see if I take one of these and a little bit of that and throw in Jesus—that way I’ll save humanity!”

• God’s plan was in motion from the beginning—in Genesis 3—God promised there would be One who’s heel the serpent would strike, but who would in turn crush the serpents head—

• The setting aside of a Chosen People—starting with Abraham—was for the purpose of bringing this Messiah into the world. Who Jesus is, and what Jesus had to endure was prophesied about hundreds of years before the events took place.
• During the lifetime of King David—the late 900’s BC--Psalm 22-describes what would happen to the Messiah-PS 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.
16 Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
PS 22:18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

• During the lifetime of Isaiah—the 7 & 600’s BC, God revealed this about the Suffering Servant--Isaiah 534 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

• These are but a small demonstration of the fact that the Crucifixion was a part of God’s plan from the beginning. All of it, according to 1 Corinthians 15 takes place, “according to the Scriptures”

• Galatians 4:4 says that “when the time had fully come, God sent His Son”--When the time had fully come means—when the time was right, when all the preparations had been made.

• Now, don’t take any of this to think that the Father knew what it would take but He had been holding out on Jesus, keeping Jesus in the dark—no

• Luke 9:22—“"The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."

• Luke 18:31-33—“Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. 33 On the third day he will rise again."

• For a Purpose—Died for our sins—1 Cor. 15:3—“ For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures

• Out of Love—John 3:16—“For God so loved the world that He gave or sent His only Son.”—This sending is a demonstration of just how much God seeks to reconcile and restore our relationship with Him

• John 15:13—“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

• Romans 5:8—“s

• The Crucifixion is About Accomplishing the Mission He had been sent for—From the Cross—Jesus said several things—

• Today You will be with Me in Paradise—apart from what Jesus was doing right then and there—it was impossible for that man to be in Paradise at all—paradise had been denied—humanity had been expelled—the presence of Holy God would not allow a sin stained individual before Him—and yet, because of the Cross—Paradise is Restored—it is now possible—

• Father, into Your hands, I commit My Spirit—Jesus felt the weight of sin and the separation it causes but you and I need to know that He was not rejected by God—Psalm 22:24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.”

• He says—“It is Finished”, to bring to a close, to finish, to end passed, finished to perform, execute, complete, fulfil, (so that the thing done corresponds to what has been said ordered or commanded)

• The Crucifixion is the moment of Mission Accomplished—for the Christmas Mission to earth

• And just in case there is any doubt about the Acceptability of the sacrifice—The Resurrection is Proof that the Mission Accomplished in Mission Accepted.

Resurrection—Mission Acceptable
• If the Mission ended in Dying—it’s doubtful I’d be talking about it today. It’s doubtful much of anything would have been written, it’s doubtful our western civilization would be anything like what we’ve got.

• If it ended in death—with Jesus still in the grave—there would be nothing for you and I to be here worshipping about—because ultimately, it would mean that what Jesus did was not good enough, was not acceptable—is of no significant help to you and me to reconcile us back to God.

• Hebrews 8:3—“Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.”

• Heb. 9:11-14-- When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

• Demonstration of God’s Acceptance
• Romans 3:25-26-- God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-- 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
• 1 John 4:10—“ This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

• If the Sacrifice of Jesus was not enough, not good enough, not effective—then there would be no reason to resurrect Him. But by claiming resurrection—God is saying that the Mission was a Great Success

• Proof that sin & death were defeated
• Proof that we have been reconciled to God
• Proof that we have been rescued from the dominion of darkness—Colossians 1:13-14—“ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

• His eternal life is Proof of our eternal life—because He lives
• Mission accomplished

Ascension—
Acts 1:9
• Mission on earth completed, but it’s not like He’s doing nothing in the mean-time

• Mission in heaven continued—Jesus is continuing to get things ready for the Mission Victorious—the Second Coming.

• He is continuing to Call people to Him
• Continuing to intercede for us,
• Continuing to granting us access,
• Continuing to defend us from accusation when we are covered by the Blood
• The Mission Victorious is Waiting—awaiting the word from the Father to go and Finalize—vs. 10-11

• In the Meantime…the earthly mission can be described as

• Mission Delegated—Acts 1:7-8—“ He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
• to You and Me—you will be my witnesses—go and make disciples.—go tell it on the mountain.
• Jesus Mission is Accomplished—accomplished by the Cross—it becomes real for you by receiving the forgiveness He Provides.