Jesus Is Lord And Christ - Acts 2:14-36

Peter’s Sermon (Acts 2:14-36)

As I sat down to write this message I got some really incredible news.

To put that news in context, let me go back over 6 years ago to when our youngest child was still in the womb.

During one of the ultrasounds they found out that his kidneys and bladder were significantly swollen.

We monitored this during the pregnancy and then every few months after his birth.

His condition continually improved, but there was still some swelling.

Then, 2 years ago we moved, changed doctors, insurance, and everything and hadn’t been able to have things checked out.

Recently, we were able to have an ultrasound done and my wife just told me the news.

Everything is fine!

Let me tell you, I wanted to just go out into the hallway at work and yell out “my son doesn’t have any kidney issues to worry about!”

I didn’t, but I wanted to. :)

That level of excitement is almost what we see in our passage today.

The nation of Israel has been waiting for the Messiah to come and Peter gets to be the one to announce the good news of what Jesus has done!

The book of Acts began with the disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit.

In the beginning of chapter 2, the Holy Spirit has come and they all miraculously speak in foreign languages.

They are accused of being drunk.

Peter begins his message to the crowd that gathered as a result of the earlier miracle by clearing up that they are not drunk at 9 o’clock in the morning.

He then launches into an explanation of what is taking place.

First, Peter connects these events to the prophecy of Joel quoting Joel 2:28-32.

Peter tells those gathered that the signs and wonders Joel talked about were being fulfilled right there in front of them.

The quotation wraps up with these words, “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Using this as a launch point, Peter explains the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

He points out in v. 23 that all of these things were done “according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.”

Peter then ties the prophecy of Psalm 16:8-11 to the resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus was not left in the grave!

His flesh did not face corruption!

God raised Him from the dead!

Jesus has been exalted to the right hand of the Father and sent the Holy Spirit to indwell believers!

That’s why people are speaking languages they have never learned.

That’s why all this is taking place, because of Who Jesus is.

After another quotation, this time from Psalm 110, Peter ends his message with these words recorded in Acts 2:36.

Acts 2:36 ESV

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

With this statement Peter is unmistakably clear.

Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah. He is the Christ! He is Lord!

Just for a moment, think with me about what Peter does.

He starts by connecting with his audience, a little bit of a joke.

“We can’t be drunk, it’s only 9 am.”

Then he takes something his audience would be familiar with, the prophesies of Joel and King David, and connects them to Jesus.

He is inviting them in, getting their interest and engaging them in the story.

He wraps up by demonstrating who Jesus is, Lord and Savior.

For those wondering how to share the gospel, this is a good template!

Connect with your audience, take a culturally familiar concept and connect it to Jesus, then explain who Jesus is and what He has done.

I want to challenge each of us to pray for an opportunity to do in our own lives what Peter does here.

Along with that, sit down and write out some ideas on how to connect with someone and what culturally familiar concepts you can connect to Jesus.

Peter told his audience that the story of Jesus happened according to God’s plan and foreknowledge.

That is just as true in our lives.

God can and will bring people into our lives that we can share with.

Our responsibility is to be ready when He does.