The Silent Parade

Introduction

Old Settlers Parade - 1997.

Penny-Farthing Bike Pic

Learning how to ride one the night before the parade

This parade was part of the festivities to commemorate the land run in western oklahoma.

Parades often are used to commemorate things. Championships. Holidays.

The long history of parades - military victories.

As the king and his army come back into the capital city, the citizens would go greet them.

Amongst the soldiers would be any captives they had freed from their enemy, re-entry into the kingdom.

Scripture describes a victory parade:

Ephesians 4:8 ESV

Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”

Who are these captives and where did Jesus lead them to?

Helpful to consider another passage where Jesus talked about what’s happening after death:

Luke 19:19-31.

Easter Egg

The Triumphant Death

vv. 18-19

This suffering - specifically His crucifixion, that we looked at last week, the brokenness of Jesus.

This moment might have destroyed the hope of many people. Expectations. Restoration of Kingdom of Israel, faith, both.

Yet now their revolutionary rabbi was hanging on a cross, breathing his last gasps, their faith dying along with his body.

But, we know…

His death was the victory.

His death was sufficient (once for sins) unlike the sacrificial system.

His death was exponentially valuable (the righteous for the unrighteous), so much more value than the blood of goats and bulls.

Suffering leads to restoration.

His death was restorative. Removing the barrier of sin and placing us in the presence of God and God in the presence of us.

And this death to the body of Jesus led to His spirit’s freedom to do some work.

As the body lay in the tomb all day Saturday, His spirit was active.

V. 19 - He went and proclaimed.

Restoration leads to proclamation.

To proclaim / preach / herald. The one who makes public announcements. Often of victories in battles or wars.

Jesus is being described as one who is going to announce this triumph.

To whom? Two audiences. Those who rejected and those who received.

The Sinners Lament

v. 20

Here in 1 Peter, to those who rejected. Reminds us…

Rejection of Jesus has eternal consequences.

This is why he mentions a notable instance of rebellion - the generation of Noah.

But remember, some were saved! The other audience here.

And in Ephesians, we find the other audience:

Ephesians 4:8 ESV

Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”

A host of captives. This audience that has been awaiting the triumph of the Savior.

Jesus empties out the place of the dead. He descended and then He ascended, but not alone!

Acceptance of Jesus has eternal consequences.

But, we are on this side of the resurrection!

Jesus led them from Abraham’s side to heaven.

And now we get to join Him.

Late comers, but none the less a part of that victory parade.