January 8, 2016
Scripture Reading: Acts 3:1-10
1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6Then 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, walk.” 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Questions for Reflection:
Let’s begin today by just reviewing the facts of the story you just read. It’s always helpful to make sure you have clarity about what you’ve read when studying Scripture. Where were Peter and John headed when they encountered the lame man? How long had the man been lame? What was he asking for? What would the money have done for him? How did Peter and John respond to this man’s request for alms? What did Peter (and John) offer the man instead of money? What followed? How did the people who witnessed this respond?
Within the early church, Peter and John seemed to be a team. Over and over again, we see them doing ministry together. Why do you think that they did ministry together so often? Think back to what you have learned about their relationship over this past week. Peter and John didn’t just do ministry together; they had lived life together. They were from the same town. They had been business partners. They had followed Jesus together. They had seen incredible things happen with Jesus together. At One Life, we believe that the “it” in life is doing God’s will with people you love. Who are you doing life with right now? Who are you serving God together with?
While John and Peter were leaders within the church, under whose authority did they perform the miracles? It’s important to remember where the power for our ministry comes from as well. Jesus is the source for the grace that we have experienced. His love fuels our ability to love. When we live in the power of Jesus, our lives and ministry will inspire others to worship Him. Spend time today, asking for Jesus to be glorified in your life. Spend time in prayer praying for those with whom you are doing life. Ask God to grow your relationship and trust in Him.