The theme of Peter's Pentecost sermon is clear: You crucified Jesus of Nazareth, the man whom God sent, whom God raised from the dead, who ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God, who poured out the Holy Spirit.

Peter made that accusation in verse 22. He said: “Men of Israel, hear these words … You crucified and killed [Jesus of Nazareth] by the hands of lawless men.” He ended his sermon with the same accusation: “Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (verse 36).

That is a frightening accusation. It is especially frightening when we come to understand that the Word of God accuses us of that crime as well.

Most of Peter's audience were no where near Jerusalem when the awful deed had been done. Jesus of Nazareth was murdered fifty days earlier, at Passover. The pilgrims who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost had observed Passover in their own homes, throughout the Roman empire, as the law demanded. Yet Peter said that they too were responsible for the death of Jesus of Nazareth. The entire house of Israel was responsible.

This accusation comes down through the centuries and confronts us as well. Does not Paul call us Gentiles “the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16)? We belong to the Twelve Tribes of Israel of Revelation 7, do we not?

There's no escaping it. When Peter says that all the house of Israel must know something assuredly, our ears had better perk up as well.

Our sins killed Jesus Christ. Our sins drove Him to the cross. That is the accusation which comes to us. Frightening! The one whom we killed is now alive. God raised Him up. It was impossible for death to hold the sinless One. He sits at the right hand of God as King and Lord over all. Are we going to end up under His feet, as His footstool?

It cuts us to the heart. It leads us to cry out with all the house of Israel: “Brethren, what shall we do?” When we realize that our sins drove an innocent man to the cross, we are horrified. When we realize that this innocent man was also the eternal Son of God, we are terrified. What shall we do? That is the heartbroken question brought out of us by the terrible accusation.

But there is also a comforting answer: Repent, be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

We crucified the Lord. But He was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God (verse 23). Jesus of Nazareth was not the victim of a terrible tragedy. The Son of man went as it was written of Him.

The Word calls us to repent. Turn away from sin. Turn to the Lord. Receive from Him the free remission of all your sins. Receive the free gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will work in your life. He, the purifying fire of God, will burn sin out of your life and present you as a spotless bride to Christ on the great day.