You killed the source of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this. By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Jesus has given him this perfect health in front of all of you. (Acts 3:15-16)
In yesterday’s reading we saw a lame man who often begged for money at the temple gate be instantly healed. Following the example of Jesus, Peter and John told the paralyzed man, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6) And he didn’t just walk, he started dancing!
Now in today’s reading, we see that everyone started running up to Peter, John, after he healed this man. Peter used this miracle as an opportunity to point these people to Jesus’ resurrection. This is the same thing Jesus did during his earthly ministry, except he pointed people to his kingdom. Jesus’ deeds (healing, miracles, exorcisms) were signs pointing to who he is and his coming kingdom.
Surprisingly, Peter begins his message by telling the people of their crimes committed against Jesus. Peter tells them “Jesus…whom you handed over and denied before Pilate, though he had decided to release him. You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer released to you. You killed the source of life…” (Acts 3:13-15). However, Peter explains that God raised Jesus from the dead, and the very proof that Jesus did resurrect is that it was Jesus who healed this former paralyzed man! Peter then tells the people that God is not condemning them for killing his Son, but instead he’s showing them forgiveness through his Son. So instead of judgment, they’re getting mercy and grace!
Peter used this miracle, this blessing, as an opportunity to show people that Jesus really is alive, true, and good (Acts 3:16). So how about us—what miracles and blessings are happening around us that show that Jesus really is alive, true, and good? As Peter pointed out through the healing of this paralyzed man, how can we tactfully point out the blessings in people’s lives to the Giver of it? May we be used today to bless those around us as pointers to show them that Jesus really is alive!