“he Is Exalted Forevermore” - Part Two Series

“The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity - hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory - because at the Father’s will Jesus became poor, and was born in a stable so that thirty years later He might hang on a cross.” - J.I. Packer

We have seen how Christ obeyed, trusting the Father to bring victory through Him and vindication to Him. Through the obedience of His one and only Son, the Father brought victory through His crucifixion over sin and hell; and through His resurrection over Satan and death.

Now, let’s consider how the Father has worked . . .

B. To bring vindication to Him.

“They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right.” - 1 Peter 2:23 (The Message)

Jesus was told obeying the Father’s plan was a mistake by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11); His family (John 7:2-5); and His disciples (Matthew 16:21-22). But He obeyed the plan of the Father and trusted that He would be vindicated as everyone would realize the Father’s plan was right. This is what Paul talks about in verses 9-11.

1. What the Father has done - v. 9

A. He has glorified the person of Jesus - v. 9a

As amazing as is the incarnation - God humbling Himself to take on flesh; it is equally amazing that after paying the price for the sins of the world, this God-man remains God in the flesh!

“After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” - Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)

“The type of human nature that each of us possesses is not pure human nature. The true humanity created by God has in our case been corrupted and spoiled. There have only been three pure human beings: Adam and Eve (before the fall), and Jesus. All the rest of us are but broken, corrupted versions of humanity. Jesus is not only as human as we are; He is more human. Our humanity is not a standard by which we are to measure His. His humanity, true and unadulterated, is the standard by which we are to be measured.” - Millard Erickson

Unlike the first Adam, Jesus remained uncorrupted by sin and has, through His sinless sacrifice, undone the power of sin. Having fully paid the penalty for the sin of the entire human race, He has been raised from the dead, and in His humanity, He has been exalted!

“He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” - Colossians 1:18 (NIV)

Jesus is the beginning of the remaking of the human race and the One who leads the way in all creation being made new. Therefore, He holds the position of highest honor in heaven, at the right hand of the Father.

Just what does it mean when the Bible says that Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father? Well, as we have already mentioned, it means that He has the honored place in heaven. But it also means something else. Have you ever heard the expression, “Right hand man?” If someone is your “right hand man” it means that people need to go through him to get to you. This is who Christ is to the Father.

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6 (NIV)

God the Father acknowledged the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice by raising Him from the dead! He has now ascended to heaven and reigns on high as the sole mediator between God and men.

“For there [is only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.” - 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (Amplified)

If you want to have a relationship with the Father you must come to Him through Jesus Christ - the unique person of the universe, the God-man, the one and only Son.

B. He has magnified the name of Jesus - v. 9b

The angel who appeared to Joseph, said about Mary:

“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21 (NASB)

The name “Jesus” means the same in Greek as the Hebrew name “Joshua.” “Joshua” means “God is salvation.” So the angel’s message to Joseph was “You shall call His name ‘God is salvation,’ for He will save His people from their sins.”

His name tells us of Jesus’ purpose in the Father’s plan - that it is through Him and Him alone that you and I can be saved.