1. The words of the prophets fulfilled (26-29)

The message of salvation starts with what seemed to be a tragic mistake. The people of Jerusalem did not recognize the Messiah whom God had sent to them. They condemned Jesus to death. They had no power to kill him legally, so they asked Pilate, the Roman governor, to execute him. In condemning Jesus, the Jews unwittingly fulfilled the prophecies of Scripture. God's sovereign hand was in these events, and God doesn't make mistakes. He had sent his Son to die for sinners.

2. God raised him from the dead (30-31)

So Jesus was crucified. His body was taken down from the cross and put in a tomb. Then, an amazing thing happened, an event that revealed God's redemptive hand working in history. God raised Jesus from the dead. He accepted him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Many witnesses saw the risen Jesus. This is the gospel--the good news.

Application: I praise you, Lord, the Sovereign God, for you are working to carry out your redemptive purpose.
One Word: Jesus died and rose from death