Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. Acts 3:8
Two sisters from India were born blind. Their father was a hard-working provider, but he could never afford the surgery that would give them sight. Then a team of doctors came to their region on a short-term medical mission. The morning after their surgery, the girls smiled wide as the nurse unwrapped their bandages. One exclaimed, “Mother, I can see! I can see!”
A man who had been lame since birth sat in his usual spot at a temple gate, begging for money. Peter told the man he didn’t have coins, but he had something better. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6), he said. The man “jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went . . . jumping, and praising God” (v. 8).
The sisters and the man appreciated their eyes and legs more than those who were never blind or lame. The girls couldn’t stop blinking in amazement and celebration, and the man “jumped to his feet.”
Consider your own natural abilities. How might you enjoy these abilities more, and how might you use them differently, if you had been miraculously healed? Now consider this. If you believe in Jesus, He's healed you spiritually. He’s rescued you from your sins.
Let’s thank the One who made and saved us and dedicate all that He gave us to Him.
Peter Heals a Lame Beggar
3 1 One day Peter and Johnh were going up to the templei at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.j 2 Now a man who was lame from birthk was being carried to the temple gatel called Beautiful, where he was put every day to begm from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,n walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping,o and praising God. 9 When all the peoplep saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful,q and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
INSIGHT
- How might you use your natural abilities for Jesus?
- How might you enjoy serving with whatever abilities you have?
- Thank Him for the pleasure they bring.
Early in their training, Jesus sent His disciples “out two by two” (Mark 6:7). It seems that Peter and John thrived in this pattern since they’re often seen working together (Luke 22:8; John 20:3–4; Acts 3:1; 4:1; 8:14). In Acts 3:1–10, we see them together at the temple. The Jews had three daily times of prayer: 9 a.m., 12 noon, and 3 p.m. (see Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10; Acts 10:30). The temple would’ve been crowded with Jews who’d come to offer their prayers. As devout Jews, Peter and John may have come to the temple to offer their evening prayers too. Additionally, and more likely, they might have come to tell the crowd gathered there about Jesus (Acts 3:11–4:2; 5:20–21, 42). Beggars were apt to gather at the temple because devotees who came to seek God’s blessings were more willing to give alms in the hope of impressing Him with their generosity.
PRAYER
Father, thank You for ears to hear You, mouths to praise You, and hands and feet to serve You. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: Acts 3:1-10 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Psalm 31-32 ; Acts 23:16-35
