I am a Jesus pusher!!! There is a distinct contrast between Peter’s opening and closing statement in his sermon explaining Pentecost. He begins by presenting Jesus of Nazareth, a Man to over three thousand Jews (Acts 2:22). He strongly speaks to this group alone. He refers to them as you yourselves. This is a translation of the Greek word “autoi’ which is a reflective pronoun. It is a stronger focus than the normal pronoun. This message is directed to this specific group. The closing statement of his sermon is directed to all the house of Israel who must know Jesus is both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). He has moved from a specific group of Jews to every Israelite in all generations. Abraham, Moses, and all the prophets must know the truth about Jesus. This is verified by the far reaching extent of the promise (Acts 2:39). It reaches to the future generations of Israelites and to those who are afar off (Acts 2:39). They are the group who are as many as the Lord our God will call which includes us. We must know what God is doing in Jesus.
This informs us of the immensity of what is taking place in Jesus. This is not an issue to be dealt with only on Sunday morning. It demands the attention of everyone every moment. No one is to be left out; no situation must be experienced without its influence. No one can exclaim, “This does not apply to me.” The world must know what the Father is doing in and through Jesus. Those of us who do know must dedicate all our energy, time, and money that those who do not know may know. “Know” is the key word! If one truly knows Jesus, how can he not be a Jesus pusher?!!!