I have a granddaughter who loves to dress up and pretend. Some time ago, as a part of a school project, she dressed up as Abraham Lincoln, with beard, top hat and all. Then she quoted part of the Gettysburg Address, pretending she was Abraham Lincoln. She was “showing off” and we all loved it!
Showing off can sometimes be a matter of pride and ego – but not always. Sometimes it’s simply exhibiting an ability or product. Companies do this all the time. They go to trade shows and exhibit their products.
In Acts 2, as Peter begins his sermon on the day of Pentecost, he tells the people of Israel that the Jesus they had crucified was really God. He proved it to them by exhibiting His credentials. In verse 22, Peter said, “Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs…”
“Approved” is a word that literally means “to show off.” It is the Greek verb “to show,” with the preposition “off” attached to the front of it. Now to “show off” is to exhibit or display, and in that sense, to demonstrate and set forth what is being shown. In other words, when Jesus did the many miracles, wonders, and signs of His ministry:
- He was exhibiting His credentials
- He was demonstrating who He was
- He was “showing off” His divine abilities
- He was displaying that He was “approved of God”
There are many today who deny the deity of Christ. But they need to once again walk down the exhibition hall of the Gospels and ponder the marvelous displays of His wondrous deeds and miracles. This is, indeed, the Son of God – the Savior of the world – “a man approved of God…by miracles, wonders, and signs.”
Now you know the real meaning of the word.
Hey — Take time to read the Gospels again. It is God’s exhibit of his Son, Christ – and the exhibits are incredible!