Imagine if non-Christians reacted to the Church with wonder and amazement, instead of with fear and contempt. It happened in the early church, and it can happen with us. (Healing the beggar, Acts 3:1-10)

Wanna get philosophical this morning? Every human must answer a few existential questions. Things like:

• Who is Gamora?

• What is Gamora?

• Why is Gamora?

Ok, never mind. That’s for another universe.

Instead, we have to answer questions like:

• Who are we?

• Why are we here?

• What’s the problem?

• What’s the solution?

There are more, but these are some of the biggies. Every one of you has an answer to these questions, whether you realize it or not. You have to answer because these questions shape what you believe, what you value, and what you pursue.

Today’s passage from the book of Acts answers some of these questions. We’re going to look at chapter 3 today.

Remember, if you’ve been joining us in-person or online, then you’ve heard the major theme in Acts – being filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered for God’s ministry. Well, chapter 3 continues this theme.

It begins with Peter and John going to the Temple for their afternoon prayers, and they encounter a disabled man at the gates begging.

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. 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.”

And slowly, he stood up, walked around, jumped up and down, and praised God. Now, everyone who knew this guy. He was there every day. And they were filled with wonder and amazement. Sound familiar? That’s exactly what happened at Pentecost. People were astonished and filled with awe at God’s hand at work. So, like before, Peter addressed the crowd.

First, he explained what they just saw. And I want you to pay attention to the words I have highlighted in red.

12 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.

There’s something about this section that Peter knew, his Jewish audience knew, but we can easily miss. Those words I highlighted—servant, glorified, handed over, Holy and Righteous One, Author of Life—those are all taken from the book of Isaiah chapters 42-53, a section of prophecy that talked about the promised Messiah as a suffering servant.

Every Jewish listener knew exactly what Peter was saying: Jesus was this promised Messiah who suffered, was raised up, and would bring forgiveness and restoration to all people. That was the power, the “name” that healed this disabled man.

Peter continued. First, he gave an explanation. Next, he gave an exhortation, a challenge, a conviction, a call-to-action.

17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 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.

Then he connects Jesus to Moses’ teaching, Samuel’s prophecies, and Abraham’s covenant. Then he finishes with the promise that if you repent and turn to God, you will be blessed.

Remember the existential questions from the beginning? I started with “Who am I?” That’s a question that nags at the heart of every person. And this passage has a surprising answer. [18] We are the crippled beggar.

• He was born crippled. We are all born sinners, spiritually crippled.

• He could not walk. None of us, without Christ, could walk in such a way to please a holy God.

• He had to sit outside the temple. We, without Christ, sit outside of God’s presence.

• He was begging for scraps. We, as sinners, are begging for scraps of life and meaning.

We are the beggar. You are the beggar. But your story doesn’t have to stop there.

Jesus Christ is extending his hand to you, just as Peter did, saying:

• “In the name of Jesus Christ, stand up and walk.”

• “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Jesus is THE suffering servant who bore our sins. But, more importantly, he is YOUR suffering servant who bore YOUR sins. And in exchange, he gives blessings. He gives times of refreshing.

And isn’t that what you really want right now—for your soul to be refreshed? We are all tired, hurting, and grieving. God is offering you times of refreshing.

So, what’s your next step?

• Some of you need to stand up and walk. You’re crippled by your sin, your pride, your selfishness. It’s time to stand up and walk with God.

• Some of you need to jump and dance around, celebrate what God has done in your life. God has forgiven you, healed you, saved you… and you’re walking around like nothing’s happened. Stand up and celebrate. Give thanks to God and let people see it.

• Some of you need to repent and turn to God. You’ve been living your own life, giving God lip service at best. It’s time to turn to God or for some of you, turn back to God. You’ve abandoned your first love. It’s time to turn back. Get baptized.

We are the beggar. And like countless times in Scripture and throughout history, Jesus Christ is extending a healing hand to you… right now… this morning. What are you going to do with it?