• Jesus was a man.

“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene….” – Acts 2:22

Here Jesus was described as Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man. Many in our society today think that Jesus is just an idea, or some kind of a philosophy or theology that is made up by man. The truth is and will always be this: Jesus was a human being who lived in the 1st century. He lived for around 33 years and did ministry publicly for 3 years. Jesus was a man — in the flesh, a man who felt pain, emotions, hunger, and exhaustion, and was even tempted by the devil (yet, He did not give in to any temptation). He went through the normal day to day life of a human being and felt all the struggles of being in the flesh.

• Jesus has unchallenged credentials

“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know.” – Acts 2:22

Wherever Jesus went, signs and wonders broke out. Jesus performed countless, undeniable miracles that could not be challenged, questioned, nor disproved, even by the religious people. His credentials were unchallenged. He gave the lame man the power the stand and walk, He caused the blind men to see, dead people were raised from the grave, He multiplied food causing the five fish and two pieces of bread to feed a huge crowd of over 5,000 people with 12 basketfuls leftover, He walked on water, He caused the mute to speak, and even drove out demons.

• Jesus died.

“But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.” – Acts 2:23

During His time, people were debating whether Jesus really died or not. But the Word of God is our source of TRUTH. Jesus did actually die and in verse 23 in Peter’s sermon, Jesus’ suffering and death was a part of God’s plan all along. Jesus is NOT a man who was just caught up in some political problem back in the day and loved some people the wrong way. God knew what would happen. It was all planned. And God’s prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed, and with the help of lawless Gentiles, they nailed Him to a cross. Why would God do such a thing? To send His Son to die for sheep who would reject Him and go on their own way? Because Jesus’ suffering was all part of the plan.

• Jesus receives total victory over death.

“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this.” – Acts 2:32

Death was not the end of God’s plan for Jesus because He received total victory over death and was glorified. Peter said in verse 32 “God raised Jesus from the dead.” There’s no tomb to visit. Jesus actually rose from the dead! Jesus is alive and He defeated death and the powers of hell forevermore! This is good news to every believer who receives Jesus.

• Jesus is God.

“Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.” –  Acts 2:33

Jesus of Nazareth was not just a man. He is also God. He’s a God-man! A true God and true man. In verse 36, Peter said, “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Jesus is not just a good teacher. He is not just a prophet. He is Lord and Messiah! What a powerful truth!

This is the SIMPLE GOSPEL. These are the words that will equip us to share the Gospel message of Jesus to all. It is our prayer that as you read these five truths about Jesus, the simple Gospel will stand on its own and that you will let the Spirit of God work through it and through you. May the Holy Spirit empower you to share the Gospel in all its truth and simplicity so that others may come to know Jesus, our good and faithful Shepherd.