What does "He descended" reveal about Jesus' mission and purpose on earth? Setting the Scene in Ephesians 4 • Paul is urging believers to walk “worthy of the calling” (4:1). • Verses 7-10 explain how Christ’s work grounds every spiritual gift. • Central to that explanation are two linked events: His descent and His ascent. Unpacking the Words “He descended” Ephesians 4:9: “But what does ‘He ascended’ mean except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth?” • “Descended” is literal. Jesus truly left heaven’s glory and came all the way down to us. • “Lower parts of the earth” points first to His incarnation—real flesh, real time, real space (John 1:14). • It also encompasses the grave itself, including His time in the realm of the dead after the cross (Acts 2:31; 1 Peter 3:18-19). • The descent is purposeful, not accidental; it sets up the triumph of resurrection and ascension. What the Descent Reveals about His Mission • Identification: He took on human nature to stand in our place (Hebrews 2:14-17). • Humility: The infinite Son chose the lowest position (Philippians 2:6-8). • Substitution: He went to death’s darkest depth to bear sin’s penalty (Isaiah 53:5-6). • Proclamation: Having paid the price, He declared victory even in the realm of the dead (1 Peter 3:19; Colossians 2:15). • Liberation: By entering death, He shattered its power and freed those held in fear (Hebrews 2:15). • Preparation for Gifts: His descent qualifies Him to ascend and “give gifts to men” (Ephesians 4:8), equipping the church for ministry. Scripture Connections • John 3:13 — “No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man.” • Matthew 20:28 — “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” • Psalm 68:18 (prophetic source) — “When You ascended on high, You led captives; You received gifts from men…” • Acts 2:24 — “God raised Him up, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held by it.” From Descent to Ascent: The Flow of Redemption 1. Heaven → Womb (incarnation) 2. Cross → Tomb (atonement) 3. Grave → Hades’ gates (proclamation) 4. Empty tomb → Clouds of glory (ascension) 5. Throne → Church (Spirit-given gifts) The downward steps make the upward victory possible, and every believer now shares in that triumph. Key Points in Brief • “He descended” proves Jesus’ mission was deliberate rescue, reaching the lowest point of human need. • His literal humanity and literal death anchor our literal salvation. • Descent and ascent are two halves of one redemptive movement, resulting in spiritual gifts and eternal hope for His people. |
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