Easter 2026

Philippians 2:5–11 (NIV84)

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Today marks the third part of a short sermon series on the events in the life of Jesus that we commemorate in connection with his death and resurrection.

On Maundy Thursday we noted that Jesus was very aware of what his mission was (It was his Father’s will that Jesus offer up himself as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world and that this would be done by his death on the cross).

Hebrews 5:7–10 (NIV84)

7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

This was highlighted by his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane.

On Good Friday we observed how Jesus willingly endured the cross, scorning its shame and FINISHED the Mission he had been sent to do. We noted then that today we would rejoice in what was accomplished by this completed work and its impact on Jesus and also on us.

The impact on Jesus. In Hebrews it says, “And once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be a high priest in the order of Melchizedek.”

“He was made perfect.” The Greek word translated as “perfect” has the impact of being complete. When Jesus is quoted in Greek as saying “It is finished,”, it is the same Greek verb. He who completed his mission is described as being complete. He is an accomplished person.

Illustration. The idea is that Jesus carried out his mission and that having completed it, he now received a reward from God which benefits himself and those he came to save. Philippians 2:8–11 (NIV84)

8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Acts 2:31ff Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’ 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Under normal circumstances we can compare it to these examples.

An apprenticeship is an "earn-while-you-learn" model combining paid on-the-job training ($>$K average starting salary) with classroom instruction to prepare for high-skilled careers, lasting 1–6 years. Apprenticeships offer structured mentorship, progressive wage increases, and portable, nationally recognized credentials upon completion, often leading to 93% retention.

Enlisting in the Armed Forces and receiving basic and then more specialized training.

In our educational system, our pastors and teachers receive extensive classroom and practical training to become eligible for a call and then are “rewarded” with a call once those qualifications has been met.

Baseball players are called up to “The Show” and awarded contracts and special awards.

From a human standpoint, the Bible does describe Jesus as someone who endured great suffering and perfectly obeyed God and became exalted. According to the Mormons, this is also attainable for us.

Latter-day Saint (Mormon) theology teaches that faithful members can achieve "exaltation" or deification, becoming like God and participating in His work. This doctrine, rooted in the belief that humans are spirit children of divine parents, suggests that people can develop divine attributes, receive a fullness of joy, and potentially create worlds. Wikipedia +4Core Beliefs and Key Teachings

Exaltation (Deification): The highest state in the afterlife, where righteous individuals become like God, living in His presence and continuing as families, according to Wikipedia.

"As man now is, God once was": This famous couplet (and its second half: "As God now is, man may be") articulated by Lorenzo Snow encapsulates the concept that God was once a mortal, and that human spirits can evolve to become divine.

"Gods in embryo": Joseph F. Smith described humans as "gods in embryo," implying a potential to fully grow into that state, according to a Reddit post.

The Goal of Becoming Like God: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that individuals can achieve godhood through the grace and atonement of Jesus Christ, as described in this YouTube video.

But this teaching ignores an important truth about Jesus. When he is described as being exalted because of his humble submission, that is not accounting for the bigger picture that the Bible teaches concerning the uniqueness of Jesus.

True God from all eternity.

Humbled himself at his incarnation.

Did not make full use of his divine attributes.

Carried out his work as our substitute. “A body you prepared for me.”

Because he completed his work, he returned to his original state of exaltation — made full use of his divine attributes again.

So now as both God and Man, Jesus has been exalted and has taken up his original st

atus which is described as being “at the right hand of God”. Which means

esus standing at the right hand of God, famously witnessed by Stephen in Acts 7:55-56, symbolizes Jesus as an active advocate, judge, and welcoming Savior for believers, rather than his typical seated position indicating finished work. It represents a posture of honor, divine authority, and readiness to help in suffering. Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange +4Key Meanings and Significance

Active Advocacy & Sympathy: While "seated" implies finished redemptive work, Jesus "standing" (Acts 7:55-56) indicates his active support for his people, particularly in times of suffering or persecution.

Divine Defense & Judgment: Standing depicts Jesus rising to defend his servant (Stephen) and act as the judge of those opposing him.

Position of Authority: The "right hand" is a metaphor for supreme power, equality with God the Father, and supreme honor.

Welcoming the Martyr: The scene suggests Jesus stands to welcome his faithful witness, providing a foretaste of final glory. YouTube +6

Usage Examples in Scripture & Theology

Acts 7:55-56: The only passage where Jesus is specifically described as standing at the right hand of God rather than sitting.

The Apostolic Creed: References Jesus sitting at the right hand of God, which is the position of reigning, presiding, and governing.

Hebrews 1:3 & 1 Peter 3:22: Describe Jesus sitting down, emphasizing the completed work of salvation.

Therefore, Jesus deserves all honor, praise, and glory for who he is and what he as accomplished to save us.

And what does his completed work mean for us.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to Christian faith, providing justification, the hope of eternal life, and victory over sin and death. It validates his divinity, guarantees the future resurrection of believers, and offers immediate spiritual power to overcome challenges and live a new, transformed life. Grace Evangelical Society +3Key benefits of Christ's resurrection include:

Justification and Forgiveness: The resurrection serves as proof that Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted for the atonement of sins, declaring believers righteous before God.

Victory Over Death: By rising from the dead, Jesus broke the power of death and Hades, ensuring that those who believe in him will also rise to eternal life.

New Life and Power: Believers are empowered to walk in "newness of life," overcoming the enslavement of sin and accessing the same divine power that raised Jesus.

Living Hope and Comfort: The resurrection provides a solid hope for the future, helping believers cope with grief and face trials with the knowledge that death is not the end.

Intercession: A living Savior continues to act as a mediator for believers, ensuring their ongoing relationship with God.

Guaranteed Resurrection: Christ is the "firstfruits," guaranteeing that his followers will also receive transformed, incorruptible bodies in the future. The Gospel Coalition +10

The resurrection transforms daily life by providing purpose, spiritual strength to overcome issues like fear and despair, and the promise of a heavenly inheritance.