I am a Jesus pusher!!! As Peter explains the experience of Pentecost, he highlights Jesus of Nazareth, a Man (Acts 2:22). The concluding statement of his presentation is “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ,” (Acts 2:36). The sentence begins with the Greek word (asphalos) translated assuredly. It means safe, secure, or unshakable. This certainty rests upon the fact that God has made. This puts it beyond question or suspicion. The position of Jesus as both Lord and Christ is as secure as God.
The verb “has made” comes from the Greek root word “poieo.” It is the Greek word used to describe the action of trees as they bring forth fruit (Matthew 3:10; 7:17; 13:23, 26). It is the picture of an artist whose creative, artistic nature is flowing through his brush to produce a masterpiece on the canvas. Jesus is the result of the creative flow of the inner heart of God. Jesus is an expression of His nature. Paul shared the mystery of the ages was hidden and revealed according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished (poieo) in Christ Jesus our Lord (Ephesians 3:11). The Greek word translated accomplished is the same word and grammar form as “has made.” Paul said that we have become ambassadors for Christ. It is as if He is pleading through us. The foundation of this is for He made (poieo) Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). Again Paul used the exact same word and grammar form as before. Everything occurring in Christ is a result of the certainty of the nature of God. Jesus is the sure expression of God’s nature. Jesus is God speaking, embracing, and caring for you. I am a Jesus pusher!!!