Christ was Seen by Angels
The Breakdown: Angels were actively involved throughout Christ’s earthly ministry, and that’s why the church confesses that He was “seen by angels.” Angels announced Jesus’ birth (Lk. 2:9-14), ministered to Him at His temptation (Matt. 4:11), and strengthened Him in Gethsemane (Lk. 22:43). And likewise, at His death and resurrection, He was “seen by angels,” both by the fallen and the holy angels. The fallen angels saw Jesus because He “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame,” (Col. 2:15), and therefore “went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison” that He triumphed over them (1 Pet. 3:19). The holy angels saw Jesus because they rolled away the stone at His tomb (Matt. 28:2), appeared to the women (Lk. 24:4-7), and were present at His ascension (Acts 1:10-11); and they looked with great interest (1 Pet. 1:12)!
Activate: The fact that angels were heavily involved in Christ’s early ministry shows that there was a divine approval on Christ as the incarnate Messiah. The angels were ready and able to serve Him and to serve for Him, which is why Jesus could call on them to come (Matt. 26:53).
A Thought: Because angels were active and present in Jesus’ life, as His followers, we can be sure that they will be present in ours as well, for they are “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14); so be aware of them (Heb. 13:2)!
