Supernatural
November 15, 2020 • Chris Reighley
Supernatural:
What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World—And Why It Matters
by Dr. Michael S. Heiser
Uncover the Supernatural in the Bible
Introduction: A Plan Concealed from the Powers
If Jesus was the promised Messiah, why didn’t the spiritual powers of darkness recognize it? Why didn’t they stop the cross?
In this final chapter, Dr. Michael Heiser explores the paradox that God’s redemptive plan was hidden in plain sight. The Scriptures were filled with clues—shadows and prophecies of a suffering Savior, a resurrecting King, and a Messiah who would reverse the curses of Eden. But these clues were spiritually veiled, not only from humans but from the unseen rulers of this world. As Paul wrote, “If they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Cor. 2:8).
Heiser shows how the mission of Jesus fulfilled three core supernatural objectives:
- Redeem Humanity – by defeating death.
- Reclaim the Nations – by launching the gospel.
- Revive Eden – by creating a new family-temple in Christ.
Even the demons recognized Jesus—but they did not fully comprehend the plan. The disciples themselves struggled to understand the necessity of the cross. Only after the resurrection, with eyes opened by the Spirit, did the truth become clear.
This chapter reminds us that the enemy was outwitted, not by force, but by humility and sacrifice. What looked like defeat was actually the greatest victory. The gospel was God’s secret weapon, hidden in Scripture, fulfilled in Christ, and now entrusted to us.
Chapter Outline: Hidden in Plain Sight
I. God’s Wisdom Was a Mystery
- 1 Corinthians 2:6–9 – The rulers of this age did not understand God’s plan.
- If they had, they would not have crucified Jesus.
- God’s wisdom was concealed—yet right in front of them.
II. What Kind of Messiah?
A. Not the Messiah They Expected
- The Old Testament contains no verse that plainly depicts a dying and rising Messiah.
- The idea of a crucified King was scandalous to both Jews and Greeks.
B. Luke 24:44–45 – Jesus opens the disciples’ minds to understand the Scriptures.
- His identity was foretold—but spiritually veiled.
III. God’s Three-Part Plan
1. Redeem Humanity – Reverse the Fall
- Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death.
- Genesis 3:15 / Romans 16:20 – The seed of the woman would crush the serpent.
2. Reclaim the Nations – Reverse Babel
- Deuteronomy 7:2–4 – Israel’s conquest was theological.
- Matthew 28:18–20 – Jesus reclaims the nations through His disciples.
3. Revive Eden – Create a new dwelling place of God
- Jeremiah 31:33 – New covenant, written on hearts.
- 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:19–20 – We are now the temple.
IV. Jesus the New Joshua
- Joshua and Jesus share the same name: “Yahweh saves.”
- Joshua conquered giants and Canaanite strongholds.
- Jesus conquered spiritual strongholds and death itself.
V. The Spiritual Realm Recognized Jesus
- Matthew 8:28–29 – “Have you come to torment us before the time?”
- Luke 4:31–35 – Demons cried out, “You are the Holy One of God!”
- The demons knew who He was—but they didn’t grasp His purpose.
VI. The Disciples Didn’t Understand
- Matthew 17:22–23; Mark 9:30–32 – Jesus predicted His death and resurrection.
- But they were confused, even resistant (see Peter’s rebuke in Matt. 16:21–23).
VII. Reviving Eden Through Resurrection
- 1 John 3:1–3 – We will be like Him when He appears.
- John 3:1–21 – Jesus teaches about new birth and entering the Kingdom.
- Through Jesus, the curse of Adam is reversed. Resurrection brings restoration.
VIII. The Pattern of the Son of God
| Figure | Adam | Israel | Moses | Messiah |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Son of God | Son of God | Son of God | Son of God |
| Mission | Rule creation | Rule nations | Lead people | Redeem all |
| Status | Servant | Servant | Servant | Servant |
| Result | Exile/death | Exile/death | Death | Death/resurrection |
| Legacy | Lives through children | Lives through Judah | Lives through story | Lives forever, raises others |
IX. Why This Matters
- God’s Strategy Was Hidden in Open View
- The Scriptures contained the plan—but it required spiritual discernment.
- Jesus’ death wasn’t a surprise—it was a masterstroke.
- The Powers Were Outwitted
- The rulers of this world—both human and divine—fell for the trap.
- The crucifixion was their greatest failure.
- Our Role is the Continuation of the Plan
- We are now tasked with spreading the gospel—the tool that reclaims nations and revives Eden.
- The church is God’s new sacred space, advancing into enemy territory.
Key Scriptures
- 1 Cor. 2:6–9 – Wisdom hidden from rulers
- Luke 24:44–45 – Fulfillment of Law, Prophets, Psalms
- Gen. 3:15; Rom. 16:20 – Crushing the serpent
- Jer. 31:33; John 3:1–21; 1 Cor. 3:16–17 – New covenant and temple
- Matt. 8:28–29; Luke 4:31–35 – Demons recognize Jesus
Reflection & Discussion Questions
- Why did God veil His plan of redemption?
- What does it mean that we are part of a spiritual strategy?
- How should this shape your view of the gospel and your role in the world?
Key Takeaway
The gospel is God’s supernatural rescue mission—hidden from the powers, revealed in Christ, and entrusted to us.
What was once concealed has now been unveiled—and we are the messengers of that mystery.
This study was taught by Chris Reighley to the Sunday Night Bible Study at Rolling Hills Community Church in Lago Vista, Texas in 2020