The Unexpected proof Of Jesus’ Power
To the ends of the earth - acts 3:1-10 (esv) - Pastor Tim Kroeker
Ephesians 3:20-21:
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
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When my boys and I used to shoot around the basketball, we would play a game called Horse. Perhaps you’re familiar with the game. Each player takes a turn shooting the ball. If the person before you makes a basket, you must replicate that same shot. If you miss, you get a letter. When a player accumulates all the letters, he’s out. But we had a rule. If you missed your shot on the last letter, you could either take a second attempt or have the other player prove it.
On the Day of Pentecost, Peter and the other apostles made some sensational claims about Jesus, especially about his resurrection from the dead. They claimed to be his witnesses, powerfully calling people to repentance and to publicly profess their faith in Jesus, the exalted Christ. For devoted Jews in Jerusalem, that would be a pretty tough shot. “Hey Peter. Prove it.”
Acts 3 begins with the miraculous healing of a man who had been lame from birth. He was unexpectedly, instantaneously, and completely healed in the name of Jesus. The man went leaping into the temple, praising God. Luke’s description is full of Messianic significance as the miracle pointed to an even greater spiritual reality. All the people recognized what had taken place and were amazed. The healing provided proof that Jesus was alive and that his ministry continued on through the apostles and in the church.
People today are more skeptical than ever about any sort of truth claim, not the least of which are the claims of Christ. Be living proof of Jesus’ power.
