Jesus & The Lame Beggar (Part 2) Series

JESUS & THE LAME BEGGAR

(Part 2)

Acts 3:9-10

(Antioch Baptist Church: Wednesday, June 25th, 2025)

One of my best friends was an atheist when I met him. Several years ago I was blessed to be present when he came to faith in Christ. I will never forget the shock on his wife’s face when he told her that he had been born again. Not long afterwards she and both of their children surrendered to Christ. Though my friend was not an exceedingly wicked man, the notable change that Jesus wrought in his life caused others to take notice of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. So much so that they surrendered to Him as Lord & Savior as well.

All who come to faith in the Savior experience an amazing spiritual transformation. The Apostle Peter speaks about Christians being called “out of darkness into his (Jesus’) marvelous light.” The Apostle Paul says, that “even when we were dead in trespasses, (God) made us alive together with Christ” The Lord Jesus said that the one who hears his word and believes in the One who sent Him “has passed from death to life”.

There are various passages in the New Testament that draw a contrast between the old life lived in the flesh and our new life in Christ. When we experience this new life and exhibit the fruits of the Spirit it will be evident to others. As a result, Jesus can use our testimony of transformation to point others to Him.

Shortly after the events that occurred on the Day of Pentecost “Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour” (3 pm). As they approached the Beautiful Gate of the Temple complex the Apostles encountered a lame beggar who would soon have a life changing encounter with Jesus Christ.

When we last gathered we examined “What Jesus Did For The Lame Man”, today I would like to continue to consider his amazing story and see “What Jesus Did Through The Lame Man”. I invite you to join me as we conclude our study of “Jesus & The Lame Beggar”.

- We will begin with a brief review of what we have seen thus far. Verse 1 describes:

A HEARTBREAKING SITUATION

Due to his physical condition this lame man was unable to work; as a result he spent his days begging for “alms”. All he wanted was a small contribution from Peter & John. They were unable to give him what he wanted, but they were able to provide him with something far greater than he could have ever imagined. The Lord’s Apostles introduced him to the One who would completely transform him.

When the Apostles arrived at the Beautiful Gate they saw this crippled man being carried to a specific place near the gate so that he could ask for “alms”. This man was placed in the same location every single day, so much so that he was a fixture at the Temple gate and the worshippers knew exactly who he was.

- Luke describes a heartbreaking situation; then he goes on to describe:

A SIMPLE REQUEST

This man lived in poverty, he did not ask for or expect an extravagant gift, all he wanted was a little money so he could buy something to eat. Verse 3 says that when he saw “Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.” Rather than granting his simple request, the Apostles pointed him to the one who would change his life forever.

- This leads us to the fact that the lame man received:

A MIRACULOUS HEALING

Verse 4 says “fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us."

Thinking that he was about to receive a financial contribution, this man looked intently at Peter and John. -So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." (v5-6)

I would imagine this man was disappointed when he heard Peter say “silver and gold I do not have”; but his disappointment was replaced with elation when he heard the words “what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." In other words, Peter said “what you want I cannot provide, but I can give you something far greater than you ever imagined”. Peter lifted this man up and he began to walk. – “he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (v7)

It cannot be overstated that this man was lame since birth. He was not a paraplegic who lost the use of his legs at some point in his life; he had never had the ability or the strength to take a single step. When Peter helped him to his feet, those previously useless feet and ankle bones received strength. Peter couldn’t heal this man in his own power, but he did possess the ability to lift him up off of the ground. After this, God took over!