June 12
Bible Reading: Acts 3:13-16
John 3:16, “And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”
It was clear to all that the lame beggar had been dramatically healed. After all, he was walking and even leaping. But the question remained as to how it happened? The lame beggar didn’t heal himself, as he had been lame from birth and could be found day after day in his place seeking alms. Peter and John appeared to be the cause, but they readily dismissed that possibility. They then pointed in the direction of the ascended Jesus. It was “by faith in his name,” that the man was made well!
The tongues miracle opened the door for Peter’s first sermon. The healing of the lame beggar led to Peter’s second. The people wanted to know how it had happened. Peter was Spirit-led and emboldened to explain.
As mentioned in a previous post, the Spirit has the role of magnifying Jesus, and those who are led by the Spirit are guided to do the same (John 15:26-27, 16:14). Accordingly, eight different names are used of Jesus in Peter’s sermon. He is “(God’s) servant Jesus,” (Acts 3:13) which brings to mind Isaiah 52:13, which says, “Behold, my servant shall act wisely.” He is “the Holy and Righteous One” (Acts 3:14), a name that ties Jesus to numerous Old Testament prophecies. He is the “Author of life” (Acts 3:15), having proven so in His resurrection from the dead. He is “Jesus” (Acts 3:16), a name that means simply “Jesus saves,” but which encompasses both His identity and work. He is the “Lord” (Acts 3:19), having been declared so by God (Acts 2:36). He is the “prophet” spoken of by Moses (Acts 3:22). He is the promised “seed” of Abraham through which God would bless all the families of the earth (Acts 3:25).
Peter unfolded to his audience truth-after-truth regarding Jesus’ identity as the promised Christ. It was He who did the miracle. Who is Jesus? He is the long-promised, God-sent Savior, who although He lived a perfectly sinless life, was put to death for our sins, but then rose from the dead, to reign as Lord over all! In the question of “who done it?” with respect to the miracles we ourselves experience (including salvation itself), the answer is always Jesus! Thank you, Jesus, for reaching down from heaven to save my soul!
“There are two hundred and fifty-six names given in the Bible for the Lord Jesus Christ, and I suppose this was because He was infinitely beyond all that any one name could express.” – Billy Sunday
JESUS YOUR NAME
Jesus Your name, Prince of Peace;
Quiets my soul, treasures the least.
In perfect rest You will keep
All whose hope is in You.
Jesus, Your name can silence the storms;
The strivings that trouble our world.
Jesus Your name reveals you as Lord: Oh powerful name!
Jesus Your name, Counsellor;
Wonderful Way, Life’s Comforter.
Spirit of Truth defending me,
Though in me was the blame.
Jesus, Your name has stood in my place
And freed me from hopeless shame;
Jesus Your name now fathers me; With joy I bear His name.
Jesus, Your name, Mighty God;
All Pow’rful One, ruling in love.
There is a King upon the throne
Earth cannot overthrow.
Jesus, Your name, great banner of hope;
Steadies the knees of the weak.
Jesus, the name all nations will praise; Oh glorious name!
Keith & Kristyn Getty & Ian Hannah
Copyright © Thankyou Music 2004
LookingtoJesus 