TOO OBVIOUS TO MISS
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13
It is still true today, that the world can tell whether we have “been with Jesus” by the deeds we do, the words we speak and the attitude we manifest while we are doing both.
I. THE DEEDS DONE BY PETER AND JOHN COULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED.
The man, lame from birth, was made whole in the name of Jesus. The miracle was obvious and undeniable. Their motive for healing the man was not for any personal benefit: political, social or monetary. They acted out of compassion for someone in need.
Selfless service to others… with no prospect for our own gain… will call the world’s attention to the fact that our deeds are motivated by reasons far superior to our own personal benefit.
II. THE WORDS SPOKEN BY PETER AND JOHN COULD NOT BE MISSED.
Their words were honest words:
“Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee…” Acts 3:6
Their words were words of great faith:
“…in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Acts 3:6
Their words were Christ-exalting and self-effacing words. Filled with the Holy Spirit, their words were unequivocal, uncompromising and unapologetic.
“So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” Acts 3:12
“And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” Acts 3:16
III. THE ATTITUDE MANIFESTED BY PETER AND JOHN WAS “DIFFERENT”
The religious community of their time was given to proud, haughty and condescending attitudes. The Pharisee’s “prayer” an example. The Pharisees in John 8:33 boastingly told Jesus: “We are Abraham’s descendants and were never in bondage to any man. “ John 8:33.
Peter and John had for three and one-half years studied at the feet of the greatest Teacher in the history of the world but their demeanor was one of humility, grace and magnificent simplicity.
We would do well to pattern our lives after their example and, in doing so, the world will soon take note that “we have been with Jesus.”
