We all probably tend to behave in a way similar to “pre-Galileo” times, in that we act as if the universe revolves around us. In Christian terms then we think of Jesus’ death and resurrection as all about ourselves. In one sense that is true, ‘For God so loved the world, (and that includes each one of us) that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.’ John 3:16 But a bigger more cosmic purpose was also taking place. God was revealing not only his love, mercy and grace but also his wisdom and he was doing so to the entire spiritual world. The salvation of people across our world and how God has achieved that displays his wisdom to all the heavens. Before Christ’s birth David had wondered at God, that he should even consider mankind given the vastness and beauty of the created universe. ‘What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him.’ Psalm 8:4 Now we see God’s character, compassion and wisdom demonstrated even more clearly through Jesus and it was always part of God’s eternal purpose. All of this brings glory to God, evident to all the angelic world. ‘So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and authorities in heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purposes that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ vv10,11 It is greatly humbling to realize that the church we are part of has this great purpose in God’s plan and we are to share in his glory. The NIV study bible makes the point that in this way God is sharing his redemptive plan with angels as well as showing evil powers God’s plan to unite everything under Christ and that their defeat is imminent. (Ephesians 1:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 15:24).