Overview
This sermon explores the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the perspective of the angels, reflecting on their roles, emotions, obedience, and eventual celebration as witnesses to humanity's redemption.
The Nature and Role of Angels
- Angels are powerful, intelligent beings fully loyal to God, not the cherubic figures often depicted in art.
- They have served as worshipers, protectors, messengers, and observers throughout biblical history.
- While knowledgeable, angels do not know everything and experience curiosity and learning.
Angels During Jesus’s Earthly Life
- Angels worshiped Jesus as the eternal Son before his incarnation and joyfully announced his birth.
- They witnessed Jesus’s upbringing, ministry, miracles, and parables, always ready to serve but constrained by God's instructions.
The Crucifixion: Angelic Restraint and Suffering
- In Gethsemane, only one angel was sent to strengthen Jesus, despite hosts yearning to intervene.
- Angels experienced anguish watching Jesus' suffering and the injustice he endured but were forbidden to act.
- Their obedience was tested as they witnessed the Son of God humiliated, scourged, and crucified.
The Crucifixion: The Silence and Suffering of Heaven
- Angels heard Jesus’ words of forgiveness and saw the fulfillment of ancient prophecies in real time.
- They witnessed the darkness, the separation between Father and Son, and the agony of the cross.
- Jesus' voluntary sacrifice became the ultimate demonstration of love and mercy, transcending angelic understanding.
The Resurrection: Angelic Joy and Proclamation
- Angels waited through the “silent Saturday,” knowing God’s plan would unfold, yet unaware of all details.
- At the resurrection, an angel rolled away the stone—not to free Jesus, but to reveal the empty tomb.
- Angels announced Jesus’s resurrection to the women and became heralds of the greatest victory in history.
Appearances and the Great Commission
- Angels observed Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, his confirmation of his identity, and the transformation of his followers.
- Jesus commissioned the disciples to spread the gospel, launching a mission angels would support.
The Ascension and Ongoing Mission
- Angels celebrated the ascension, seeing Jesus exalted with a glorified body, his scars as eternal testimony.
- They now minister to believers, assist the church, and prepare for Christ’s promised return.
- Angels rejoice over every repentance and look forward to accompanying Christ at his second coming.
Key Takeaways
- Angels were commanded not to intervene during Jesus’ suffering but proclaimed his victory at the resurrection.
- Through the cross, angels learned firsthand the boundless extent of God’s love and mercy.
- The plan of salvation is so profound that even angels seek to understand its full depth and meaning.