Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. We gather here today under the banner of a love so profound, so transformative, that it transcends our human understanding. We gather in the name of Jesus Christ, who leads us, cares for us, and lays down His life for us. Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, once said, "If Christ is not all to you He is nothing to you. He will never go into partnership as a part Saviour of men. If He be something He must be everything, and if He be not everything He is nothing to you." Let this truth resonate in our hearts as we prepare to delve into the depths of Scripture, seeking to understand more fully the all-encompassing love and care of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Let's turn to the book of Acts, chapter 4, verses 5 through 12: "The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: 'By what power or what name did you do this?' Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: 'Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.'"

In the midst of our human frailty and failings, Christ stands as our cornerstone, our refuge, our healer, and our salvation. His compassionate care, commanding authority, and committed sacrifice are the themes we will be focusing on today.

So, let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. As we open our hearts and minds to Your truth, we ask that You would guide us and teach us. Help us to understand more deeply the love and care of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. May our time together in Your Word draw us closer to You and transform us more into the likeness of Your Son. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

Christ's Compassionate Care

In the passage we've read today, we see a vivid illustration of the compassionate care of our Savior. Peter and John, two of Jesus' closest disciples, are standing before the religious leaders of their day. They're being questioned, interrogated even, about a miraculous healing they've performed in the name of Jesus. The man who was healed had been lame, unable to walk, but now he stands whole and healthy. This healing, this transformation, was not the result of human effort or medical intervention. It was the compassionate care of Jesus, working through His disciples, that brought about this miracle.

Let's consider the circumstances surrounding this healing. The man who was healed was not a person of influence or importance. He was a beggar, a man whose life was marked by hardship and struggle. He was likely overlooked and ignored by many. But not by Jesus. Jesus, through Peter and John, saw this man's need and responded with compassion. This is a powerful reminder for us. No matter who we are, no matter what our circumstances, Jesus sees us. He knows our needs, our struggles, our pain. And He responds with compassion.

Now, let's think about the nature of this compassionate care. It's not a distant, detached kind of care. It's not a care that simply observes from afar and offers sympathetic words. No, the compassionate care of Jesus is up close and personal. It's a care that enters into our pain, our struggle, our need. It's a care that touches, heals, and transforms. This is the kind of care that Jesus offers to us.

Next, let's consider the source of this compassionate care. It's not a care that originates from human effort or good intentions. It's a care that comes from the heart of God. It's a care that is rooted in His love, His mercy, His grace.

Finally, let's consider the impact of this compassionate care. It's not a care that leaves us unchanged. It's a care that heals, restores, and transforms. This is the kind of care that Jesus offers to us. It's a care that changes us, from the inside out.

Christ's Commanding Authority

As we continue to reflect on the words of Peter in Acts 4, we find ourselves drawn to the commanding authority of Jesus Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO