The Name of Jesus
Acts (To Be Continued...) • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Please turn to Acts 3. Acts 3…beginning at verse 1.
Pastor Logan preached on the prior passage—that talked about the early church life.
and in it, we saw this verse—Acts 2:43.
43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
We are about to see an apostle do a miracle, followed by a sermon about Jesus.
This will be miracle #1 of 14 in Acts.
and as we read this story—there are 3 main characters:
the man who is crippled from birth...
Peter and John
and most of all Jesus
so as we read—I want you to think and listen from the perspective of the lame man...
Here we go:
Acts 3:1–10 (NIV)
1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.
2 Now 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.
(now this is the Jewish temple—a huge temple complex—it is estimated may have been 1/6th of the size of the city of Jerusalem at the time…just massive footprint…)
and even though Peter and John are followers of Jesus—they feel it is important to still go to the Jewish time of prayer...
look at the 2 pictures from ESV Study bible
—zoomed out
—zoomed in...
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, 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, and praising God.
9 When all the people 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, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Let’s keep going...
11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.
12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.
14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.
15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.
16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.
we will stop there for now...
Let’s think from the perspective of the lame man...
can you imagine what it is like to live life from this man’s perspective...
we read that he was lame from birth.
we read in chapter 4—he was over 40 years old. Life expectancy was not very long back then. so he probably expected he would continue to be crippled. He probably thought “This is the way life will be forever.”
he had to depend on others—they carried him there to the temple gate…this is probably how he made his money, relying on compassionate, religious people—and giving to the poor was considered a high value.
he would be put there and then taken back.
he was very dependent on others.
I know in our Swiss community here—in Adams County—we have a high value of independence. of self-sufficiency.
I ain’t asking for help, even if it kills me at times. some of us can’t relate to us—or don’t want to.
but some of us know—that due to life circumstances that are hard or physical challenges now—or just getting older—we have to ask for help. that’s not easy. we are losing independence.
i know for me—whenever I run or play basketball or simply because it is Tuesday—I have to stretch and warm-up. I have to. I didn’t have to in my 20’s as much.
I notice when I play basketball—I can tell who the people are over 30 vs. those younger. Those over 30—they are stretching.
so some of us can sympathize with this lame now.
it’s also possible to that if he is at the temple gate—he ain’t going to the prayer meeting. he is not really participating in the life of the social community. he is not a full blown member of the community...
in some ways he is an outcast...
and here is the first lesson we learn from this passage for those of us who need to relate to the lame man.
The Lame Man Lesson #1: Jesus can bring complete healing to people like the lame man.
this is great news!
Jesus wants people like the lame man in his family and on his team.
are you here today and life is out of control like this lame man—Jesus wants you on his team!
feel like you are struggling physically—or emotionally---or relationally—perfect—Jesus wants you on his team!
feel like you have screwed up you life? Jesus wants you
feel hopeless and desperate, like you have nothing to contribute—Jesus wants you!
in fact, Jesus—through the apostles used this lame man—for Peter to preach another powerful sermon all about Jesus—inviting people into his kingdom.
God’s kingdom is filled with people like the lame man.
many Biblical scholars note that this passage reminds us of a couple things:
it is a similar miracle to what Jesus did in Luke 5. so Jesus is still working
the OT prophet Isaiah looked forward to this day when all kinds of people are invited to be a part of God’s kingdom:
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
this is absolutely beautiful....
the lame man is a picture of all of us before God.. Before God, all of us are crippled. All of us are sinners—we have offended a wonderful God who loves us—and we are dead in our sins. unable to do anything. we need outside intervention. we need grace…and Jesus—He offers it to the lame man…not just physical healing—but complete healing—socially/relationally back in the community and most of all spiritually—He has a relationship with God b/c Jesus paid for his sin.
can you relate to this lame man? what’s keeping you from receiving Jesus’ invitation to be a part of his team?
verse 16 and 19 tells us how.
verse 16—faith in Jesus
vs. 19
19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
faith and repentance—not works. all of us are beggars and crippled before a holy God—Jesus offers his gift of salvation and a relationship with him—when we believe He paid it all-his life, his death in our place, his resurrection, and we turn from a me-centered life—to a He-centered to Jesus.
and we get complete restoration—we are made whole and new in Jesus and His kingdom. it’s incredible!
the 2nd lesson is the Peter and John lesson. (Jesus empowers people like Peter for his ministry.)
before I explain it—look back at verse 1.
Peter and John are going to the temple—expecting to pray.
and they are interrupted on their way to prayer. they could have said “how rude.” “I got to get to prayer mtg.”
but they stop.
vs. 4- they look him.
and then verse 6 happens
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, walk.”
I wonder what many of us would have done in that place. how often do you and I turn away from the needs in our lives, in our community, in a hurry…maybe we notice them but think “somebody else will do something about that.” or my favorite expression that can drive me nuts… “the church should really do something about that...”
I say that…but when people tell me that about our church - I will admit that sometimes yes we as a church overall should do something, but I like to say— “remember you are the church!”
sometimes we feel like we don’t have the resources---Peter didn’t have resources.
he just had the name of Jesus Christ...
names represent a lot...
I remember how much time it took my wife and I to name our children. you look through books. you get suggestions (sometimes unsolicited ones) you think about important family names; someone in our last church suggested we should name one of our kids “unique-a” so they could be unique; you look in the Bible; it has to pass the public school test—can’t rhyme with anything inappropriate...
but more than that—having a good name represents your character, your essence. If I need your John Hancock—what am I saying? If someone calls you a Judas or Benedict Arnold—what are they saying—their name represents betrayal?
when Jesus’ name is mentioned…what does it mean? whenever the name of Jesus is mentioned—it represents His personhood—his power, who He is in His very essence. His authority—his very self. there is power in Jesus—that He is the one who is all-powerful, all-gracious and compassionate—all-perfect.
Peter and John are acting on behalf of the authority and power of Jesus Christ—that’s all He had—and that’s more than enough.
That empowers Peter for Jesus to do this miracle through Him.
so this man instantly becomes strong—no physical therapy needed.
now, it’s important to realize a tension here whenever we see miracles in the Bible and in the book of Acts.
think of this question—does God still do miracles today? absolutely? He does—some of you know that and have experienced that?
but think of this question—does God have to do miracles and heal every time we ask—(I am thinking mainly of physical healing?) and I think we know the answer is “no.” He doesn’t always heal. the Apostle Paul—the thorn in the flesh knew.
here in this particular passage—one thing that Luke who wrote is Acts is showing us is that the same Jesus who acted on earth—is now acting through his apostles by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is continuing to work. The apostles had a unique role as the early witnesses of Jesus.
so part of this miracle’s purpose—is not just physical—the man would die—but to point to the ultimate spiritual need he had.
the physical pointed to the complete spiritual healing.
like all the miracles Jesus did—they actually pointed to King Jesus as the King and His coming kingdom—and the reality that Jesus can truly save us—and forgive us.
so depending where you are at—we can be equally challenged. some of us forget that Jesus still does miracles—we need to pray and ask God in Jesus’ name for healing—not just physically, but emotionally, relationally—don’t stop asking God to do big things—b/c He can.
and we also have to trust Him that even if He doesn’t answer like we want—He is still a good God who has got a plan.
but not only does Peter trust in Jesus’ name.
and then it empowers him to preach a very bold sermon.
look at verses 13 - 15 again
13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.
14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.
15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.
Peter is bold. one of our staff members said that if he had been there hearing this sermon—he probably would want to punch Peter in the face. Peter doesn’t hold back.
but this very pointed “you…you…you...” it’s true. some of them would have been present.
additionally, we should read this today—and feel like this applies to us....b/c ultimately Jesus died on the cross—for my sin. My sin put him there. My rebellion against God put the holy and righteous one who never sinned, the author of life—I killed him. I am responsible—Jesus had to pay for my sin…and until you realize that—you don’t fully understand how amazing the grace of God is…my sin is horrible…even if feel like… “well i am not as bad as those people…the Sprungers…whoever...” the Bible says— “no, you are.” in fact, pride is the worst of sins, worse than any! by that standard alone, most of us in Adams County are pretty bad sinners.
and so Peter is not afraid…in fact ignorance is no excuse for sin
17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.
but Peter offers hope
18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer.
19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.
21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.
23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’
Peter knew the grace of God.
having royally screwed up, denying Jesus 3x when Jesus went to the cross. and yet Jesus restoring him to himself and to ministry.
he knew what it was like to admit sin and also to repent—that is turn from yourself and your sin to Jesus.
do you know that?
do you have the kind of confidence and boldness now like a Peter—to ministry to those like the lame man in need?
to tell honestly, boldly, and compassionately about Jesus?
so not only does Jesus bring complete healing to the lame man...
but also empowers people like Peter for ministry
Peter trusted completely in the name and power of Jesus—for his life.
do you? what are you and I trusting in? what do we base our authority or life on? our resume? our education? our accomplishments? Our wealth? our power? our last name? those things have no authority and power—compared to the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
the 3rd lesson is the Jesus lesson. Jesus is absolutely amazing (not only to use people like the lame man and Peter)…but that He continues to work today. He fulfills all of our hopes and dreams and longings (in different ways than we expect)
it must have been hard for the crowd to hear some of these things about Jesus.
remember—it is Jewish audience—they knew their OT well.
when Peter says in verse 13--
13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.
they knew Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…God had made a big promise to bless Abraham and his descendants.
look at Acts 3:24-26
24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days.
25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’
26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
through your offspring—that is a reference to Jesus—Peter is saying. Jesus is the one that God the Father glorified—he is the ultimate offspring that would bring true blessing to the whole earth.
he is also the prophet in the line of Moses—look at verse 22 again
22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.
Jesus is a better and greater Moses. Just like Moses went up on the mount to meet with God and get the 10 commandments—Jesus went up on the Sermon on the Mt. and redefined them ultimately.
just like Moses led his people out of slavery…the exodus—Jesus leads his people out of slavery—from sin and death and the devil
just like Moses delivered his people from a harsh master—Pharaoh—Jesus delivers us from a harsh master—the devil and our idols
the prophets like Isaiah, and Jeremiah and Ezekiel all looked forward to Jesus.
18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer.
this amazing Messiah—all powerful—the offspring of Abraham and prophet like Moses had to suffer.
4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
this is that same Jesus—all part of God’s plan...
this is the Jesus lesson—that He is absolutely amazing—not only is He the all powerful Son of God, at the right hand of God, doing miracles…but He is the suffering Son of God who gave His life for you — all part of God’s plan...
Acts 3:19 tells us why
19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
so that sin may be wiped out
refreshment may come from the Lord— “I mean is your sin weighing you down—or even the sins of others…take them to Jesus. have your sins wiped out—and experience refreshment—what a great image! the image of refreshment is breathing space—times of relaxation
conclusion — Jesus is absolutely amazing—b/c He invites people like the lame man on his team…He empowers People like Peter to bold ministry…and He can do the same for you.
He continues to work...
He continues to work in and thru you today writing a new story...
there is power in His name.
Take a moment to response...
are you like the lame man? call on Jesus’ name
are you like Peter with a past - trust in Jesus’ name, live by it...
do you simply need to gaze on Jesus today...
I want to