1 00:00:00,360 --> 00:00:04,140 Speaker 1: Repent, therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be 2 00:00:04,180 --> 00:00:07,740 Speaker 1: blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing 3 00:00:08,039 --> 00:00:09,000 Speaker 1: from the presence. 4 00:00:08,700 --> 00:00:09,160 Speaker 2: Of the Lord. 5 00:00:09,860 --> 00:00:14,650 Speaker 1: Acts 3.19 Lord Jesus, we are grateful for the cleansing 6 00:00:14,890 --> 00:00:19,209 Speaker 1: of our past sins and the new life you offer us. 7 00:00:20,610 --> 00:00:23,150 Speaker 1: Give us the strength and courage to turn away from 8 00:00:23,230 --> 00:00:27,360 Speaker 1: our past and embrace the future you have prepared for us. 9 00:00:28,790 --> 00:00:31,170 Speaker 1: Help us to live in the freedom of your forgiveness, 10 00:00:32,250 --> 00:00:37,370 Speaker 1: leaving behind old habits and walking boldly in your light. 11 00:00:38,550 --> 00:00:43,320 Speaker 1: May our hearts remain steadfast in following you, trusting in 12 00:00:43,340 --> 00:00:48,979 Speaker 1: your guidance, and embracing the refreshing renewal you bring. In 13 00:00:49,040 --> 00:00:50,740 Speaker 1: your precious name we pray. 14 00:00:51,400 --> 00:00:51,680 Speaker 3: Amen. 15 00:00:52,600 --> 00:00:55,460 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 16 00:00:55,500 --> 00:01:01,140 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast. Dramatic stories inspired by the Bible. Remain 17 00:01:01,200 --> 00:01:04,880 Speaker 1: here for another story from our mini-series on the birth 18 00:01:04,940 --> 00:01:09,060 Speaker 1: of the church. Has this podcast inspired you? We would 19 00:01:09,140 --> 00:01:12,340 Speaker 1: love it if you left a rating and review and 20 00:01:12,410 --> 00:01:17,370 Speaker 1: shared with a friend. Despite the buzzing of worshipers passing 21 00:01:17,430 --> 00:01:21,410 Speaker 1: through the temple gates, Ira paid Peter and John his 22 00:01:21,450 --> 00:01:25,970 Speaker 1: full attention. These men had changed his life in an instant. 23 00:01:27,170 --> 00:01:31,390 Speaker 1: and hadn't asked anything in return. Ira was sure he 24 00:01:31,430 --> 00:01:34,350 Speaker 1: had never met them, and had no wealth or power 25 00:01:34,830 --> 00:01:38,610 Speaker 1: for them to abuse. He couldn't piece together the reason 26 00:01:38,650 --> 00:01:41,900 Speaker 1: for them showing him the greatest act of kindness he 27 00:01:41,959 --> 00:01:45,960 Speaker 1: had ever known. But if they were really empowered men 28 00:01:45,980 --> 00:01:49,980 Speaker 1: of God, as Ira believed them to be, maybe that 29 00:01:50,080 --> 00:01:53,880 Speaker 1: was all the motivation they needed to help a poor 30 00:01:53,940 --> 00:01:55,140 Speaker 1: beggar like himself. 31 00:01:55,980 --> 00:01:58,680 Speaker 2: Please, allow me to come with you to the temple 32 00:01:58,700 --> 00:02:02,040 Speaker 2: to worship. The name of the Lord must be glorified 33 00:02:02,080 --> 00:02:05,140 Speaker 2: for his goodness. We would be happy to have you. 34 00:02:05,780 --> 00:02:08,680 Speaker 2: Our friends should be just inside the walls. Gather your 35 00:02:08,720 --> 00:02:10,930 Speaker 2: belongings and we'll head in together. 36 00:02:12,720 --> 00:02:16,210 Speaker 1: Myra fumbled for his possessions, though he knew none of 37 00:02:16,250 --> 00:02:19,770 Speaker 1: them were necessary anymore. Those had been the tools of 38 00:02:19,850 --> 00:02:22,150 Speaker 1: a man who had lost any hope of leading a 39 00:02:22,210 --> 00:02:27,390 Speaker 1: normal life. the means necessary to simply scrape by for survival. 40 00:02:28,230 --> 00:02:32,340 Speaker 1: But his homely mat and blemished bowl were now the 41 00:02:32,419 --> 00:02:36,980 Speaker 1: mere reminders of a past that Ira was quickly leaving 42 00:02:37,040 --> 00:02:43,020 Speaker 1: behind with radical speed, only made possible by the unstoppable 43 00:02:43,160 --> 00:02:47,270 Speaker 1: force of the Spirit of God. But even his numerous 44 00:02:47,330 --> 00:02:50,740 Speaker 1: years of making the most of his situations couldn't have 45 00:02:50,780 --> 00:02:55,220 Speaker 1: prepared him for the miracle he experienced that day. He 46 00:02:55,280 --> 00:02:58,739 Speaker 1: had no plans for the future, nor ever intended to. 47 00:03:00,020 --> 00:03:03,660 Speaker 1: Allowing himself to daydream in such a way had become 48 00:03:03,700 --> 00:03:07,540 Speaker 1: more depressing than anything else. For all of his hope 49 00:03:07,840 --> 00:03:12,580 Speaker 1: in God, he never allowed himself the privilege of imagining 50 00:03:12,639 --> 00:03:17,160 Speaker 1: the immense freedom he now had. While others took the 51 00:03:17,200 --> 00:03:22,470 Speaker 1: simple act of walking for granted, To Ira, walking open 52 00:03:22,510 --> 00:03:26,220 Speaker 1: the grand expanse of the world to be explored at 53 00:03:26,280 --> 00:03:30,760 Speaker 1: his own will. He haphazardly rolled up his cushion and 54 00:03:30,840 --> 00:03:34,000 Speaker 1: balled it into his mat. He stared at the bundle. 55 00:03:34,820 --> 00:03:39,090 Speaker 1: His old life sat before him with the same stillness. 56 00:03:38,550 --> 00:03:39,690 Speaker 2: That once bound him. 57 00:03:40,350 --> 00:03:42,250 Speaker 1: He clapped his hands together. 58 00:03:42,270 --> 00:03:45,410 Speaker 2: I suppose that's it. Shall we go in? 59 00:03:48,780 --> 00:03:53,330 Speaker 3: Miracles are opportunities. When God opens people's eyes and grabs 60 00:03:53,390 --> 00:03:56,610 Speaker 3: their attention, we have to be swift to seize the moment. 61 00:03:57,170 --> 00:04:01,350 Speaker 3: Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com, 62 00:04:01,710 --> 00:04:05,240 Speaker 3: here to dive into another story inspired by the Book 63 00:04:05,280 --> 00:04:08,060 Speaker 3: of Acts. If you've been enjoying this podcast, you know 64 00:04:08,080 --> 00:04:10,640 Speaker 3: what to do. Make sure to follow on whatever platform 65 00:04:10,680 --> 00:04:13,460 Speaker 3: you listen, and it would be awesome if you rated 66 00:04:13,540 --> 00:04:16,130 Speaker 3: us and left a review as well. Today, we're stepping 67 00:04:16,180 --> 00:04:19,940 Speaker 3: into the sandals of Peter as he delivers another show-stopping sermon. 68 00:04:20,460 --> 00:04:24,220 Speaker 3: This episode is inspired by Acts 3, 10-26. And let 69 00:04:24,260 --> 00:04:26,780 Speaker 3: me tell you, Peter knows how to captivate a crowd. 70 00:04:27,339 --> 00:04:30,190 Speaker 3: Fresh off the miraculous healing of a lame man at 71 00:04:30,230 --> 00:04:33,950 Speaker 3: the gate beautiful, Peter doesn't miss a beat. He uses 72 00:04:34,029 --> 00:04:37,190 Speaker 3: the opportunity to preach the gospel. The man is clinging 73 00:04:37,230 --> 00:04:40,370 Speaker 3: to Peter and John, probably out of sheer gratitude, amazement, 74 00:04:40,390 --> 00:04:43,360 Speaker 3: and maybe a mixture of, wow, that just happened, and 75 00:04:43,779 --> 00:04:47,349 Speaker 3: please don't leave me. The crowd is buzzing. Jaws are dropping. 76 00:04:47,750 --> 00:04:51,130 Speaker 3: And what does Peter do? He seizes the moment for 77 00:04:51,170 --> 00:04:51,650 Speaker 3: a sermon. 78 00:04:52,050 --> 00:04:52,770 Speaker 2: Because why not? 79 00:04:55,830 --> 00:05:00,229 Speaker 1: The trio strode into the temple courts. Ira's eyes darted 80 00:05:00,270 --> 00:05:03,470 Speaker 1: all around, keenly taking in the sights as though it 81 00:05:03,670 --> 00:05:07,090 Speaker 1: was for the first time. He found the thought a 82 00:05:07,110 --> 00:05:10,510 Speaker 1: little silly. But the few feet and the difference he 83 00:05:10,589 --> 00:05:14,490 Speaker 1: observed the world with now gave a new perspective on 84 00:05:14,810 --> 00:05:18,950 Speaker 1: everything around him. Seas of people that used to roll 85 00:05:19,050 --> 00:05:24,080 Speaker 1: over him like waves were suddenly gentle tides to casually 86 00:05:24,180 --> 00:05:29,719 Speaker 1: wade through. Stairs seemed like anthills compared to the mountainous 87 00:05:29,779 --> 00:05:33,700 Speaker 1: terrain they once were. Whatever power had given strength to 88 00:05:33,740 --> 00:05:38,000 Speaker 1: his legs had not only changed his physical abilities, but 89 00:05:38,050 --> 00:05:42,110 Speaker 1: was changing his entire outlook on life. As they walked 90 00:05:42,170 --> 00:05:47,050 Speaker 1: through the courtyard, puzzled stares were visible all around. Several 91 00:05:47,089 --> 00:05:50,940 Speaker 1: men and women pointed in Ira's direction, frantically whispering to 92 00:05:51,010 --> 00:05:53,960 Speaker 1: one another. It was a new experience for the once 93 00:05:54,060 --> 00:05:58,100 Speaker 1: lame beggar, who had become accustomed to others simply ignoring 94 00:05:58,140 --> 00:06:01,460 Speaker 1: him after he had sunken into the margins of society. 95 00:06:02,279 --> 00:06:05,419 Speaker 1: But Peter and John were all too familiar with the 96 00:06:05,460 --> 00:06:09,780 Speaker 1: notoriety stirred up after a miracle had been performed. A 97 00:06:09,839 --> 00:06:12,490 Speaker 1: few of those who had been startled to see Ira's 98 00:06:12,529 --> 00:06:15,950 Speaker 1: sudden regaining of faculties approached the three men. 99 00:06:16,730 --> 00:06:19,450 Speaker 2: Aren't you the beggar from the gates? The one who's 100 00:06:19,470 --> 00:06:20,430 Speaker 2: been here for years? 101 00:06:21,130 --> 00:06:23,530 Speaker 4: I know it's him. I live just down the road 102 00:06:23,570 --> 00:06:25,469 Speaker 4: and I see him every day when I pass the 103 00:06:25,510 --> 00:06:26,150 Speaker 4: Temple Mount. 104 00:06:26,740 --> 00:06:30,859 Speaker 2: How did this happen? Tell us! What is your secret? 105 00:06:31,279 --> 00:06:34,099 Speaker 4: Was it these men here? Sirs, did you heal the 106 00:06:34,140 --> 00:06:34,600 Speaker 4: lame beggar? 107 00:06:35,410 --> 00:06:38,750 Speaker 1: Ira gave a polite but awkward wave as more curious 108 00:06:38,850 --> 00:06:42,830 Speaker 1: onlookers came to investigate. He hadn't considered how others would 109 00:06:42,890 --> 00:06:46,190 Speaker 1: react to his miraculous healing. If he had been honest 110 00:06:46,230 --> 00:06:51,169 Speaker 1: with himself, he had assumed most wouldn't care, let alone notice. 111 00:06:52,110 --> 00:06:55,550 Speaker 1: He wondered if the newfound strength in his legs was 112 00:06:55,630 --> 00:06:59,940 Speaker 1: worth being the center of attention. For him, attention had 113 00:07:00,040 --> 00:07:03,830 Speaker 1: never meant anything but trouble. But Peter and John knew 114 00:07:03,850 --> 00:07:06,370 Speaker 1: the people weren't coming to make a mockery of Ira 115 00:07:06,830 --> 00:07:11,130 Speaker 1: or cause him any harm. They were coming in wonder 116 00:07:11,590 --> 00:07:15,350 Speaker 1: and awe at what they were witnessing. Peter tilted his 117 00:07:15,390 --> 00:07:16,190 Speaker 1: head toward Ira. 118 00:07:16,950 --> 00:07:21,300 Speaker 2: Just stay calm and follow our lead. We've done this before. 119 00:07:22,080 --> 00:07:25,559 Speaker 1: Ira took a step behind the apostles and subconsciously gripped 120 00:07:25,580 --> 00:07:29,340 Speaker 1: their garments with his fingertips to feel some sense of security. 121 00:07:29,960 --> 00:07:32,360 Speaker 1: Peter looked at John to see if he was thinking 122 00:07:32,420 --> 00:07:35,980 Speaker 1: the same thing. John gestured forward and bowed his head, 123 00:07:36,700 --> 00:07:39,010 Speaker 1: giving Peter the cue to step up to the plate. 124 00:07:39,690 --> 00:07:43,330 Speaker 2: Fellow Israelites, why are you so surprised at what you 125 00:07:43,410 --> 00:07:46,390 Speaker 2: see here today? You stare at us as though it 126 00:07:46,450 --> 00:07:49,330 Speaker 2: was our own power or godliness that allowed us to 127 00:07:49,390 --> 00:07:52,300 Speaker 2: make this man walk. But it was not for our 128 00:07:52,400 --> 00:07:57,420 Speaker 2: sake that this man was healed. No, the God of Abraham, Isaac, 129 00:07:57,440 --> 00:08:01,140 Speaker 2: and Jacob, The God of our fathers has glorified his 130 00:08:01,220 --> 00:08:05,450 Speaker 2: servant Jesus through this sign. This same Jesus was the 131 00:08:05,470 --> 00:08:09,150 Speaker 2: man you handed over to be killed. You disowned him 132 00:08:09,210 --> 00:08:12,990 Speaker 2: from his own people before Pilate, even when the governor 133 00:08:13,010 --> 00:08:15,450 Speaker 2: had decided in his own heart to let him go. 134 00:08:16,070 --> 00:08:19,010 Speaker 1: Peter could tell that his words were cutting his audience 135 00:08:19,240 --> 00:08:22,040 Speaker 1: to the heart. Just as he had seen the people's 136 00:08:22,100 --> 00:08:26,670 Speaker 1: response to the accusation of murdering Jesus on Pentecost, He 137 00:08:26,730 --> 00:08:30,220 Speaker 1: knew that the bad news would soon make way for 138 00:08:30,240 --> 00:08:32,400 Speaker 1: the good news of Jesus' gospel. 139 00:08:33,000 --> 00:08:37,890 Speaker 2: But even worse, you disowned the Holy and Righteous One 140 00:08:38,670 --> 00:08:41,150 Speaker 2: and asked that a murderer be released to you to 141 00:08:41,230 --> 00:08:46,270 Speaker 2: join your ranks by your own hands. You killed the 142 00:08:46,390 --> 00:08:47,080 Speaker 2: author of life. 143 00:08:48,179 --> 00:08:48,400 Speaker 4: But. 144 00:08:49,330 --> 00:08:52,050 Speaker 2: As the author of life, even the grave could not 145 00:08:52,090 --> 00:08:55,910 Speaker 2: hold him, for God raised him from the dead. And 146 00:08:55,950 --> 00:08:59,410 Speaker 2: we stand here today as witnesses of this for your sake. 147 00:08:59,870 --> 00:09:02,810 Speaker 1: Ira's fist clenched tighter at the tunics of the apostles. 148 00:09:03,690 --> 00:09:06,550 Speaker 1: He was worried that his miracle worker was only making 149 00:09:06,590 --> 00:09:11,630 Speaker 1: matters worse by accusing the people of putting Jesus to death. Peter, 150 00:09:11,740 --> 00:09:14,240 Speaker 1: on the other hand, had been consumed with a peace 151 00:09:14,920 --> 00:09:19,130 Speaker 1: beyond his understanding. Peter could feel Iris' grip on the 152 00:09:19,170 --> 00:09:22,510 Speaker 1: side of his clothes. He placed his hand on Iris, 153 00:09:23,010 --> 00:09:26,360 Speaker 1: hoping that he could extend an ounce of peace to 154 00:09:26,390 --> 00:09:27,220 Speaker 1: his new acquaintance. 155 00:09:27,820 --> 00:09:30,620 Speaker 2: By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom 156 00:09:30,660 --> 00:09:35,080 Speaker 2: you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' 157 00:09:35,140 --> 00:09:37,820 Speaker 2: name and the faith that comes through him that has 158 00:09:37,860 --> 00:09:40,699 Speaker 2: completely healed him as you can all see. 159 00:09:41,320 --> 00:09:44,700 Speaker 4: So this man was healed by this Jesus, yet you 160 00:09:44,780 --> 00:09:48,600 Speaker 4: say we killed him I can't speak for the crowds here, 161 00:09:48,740 --> 00:09:51,200 Speaker 4: but I've never so much as struck my neighbor. 162 00:09:51,640 --> 00:09:55,410 Speaker 2: Please, take no offense at my words. I know that 163 00:09:55,429 --> 00:09:58,689 Speaker 2: you all acted in ignorance, just as the leaders of 164 00:09:58,770 --> 00:10:01,740 Speaker 2: our people did. But we now know that it was 165 00:10:01,920 --> 00:10:05,380 Speaker 2: God who allowed it, so that he could fulfill all 166 00:10:05,420 --> 00:10:08,819 Speaker 2: that he had foretold through the prophets, that his Messiah 167 00:10:09,080 --> 00:10:11,209 Speaker 2: would suffer for the sake of the people. 168 00:10:12,020 --> 00:10:15,689 Speaker 1: Ira was stunned that the man made no rebuttal against 169 00:10:15,730 --> 00:10:20,110 Speaker 1: the apostle's statement. In fact, nobody did. It was as 170 00:10:20,170 --> 00:10:25,229 Speaker 1: though they had been enlightened and accepted Peter's accusation as true. 171 00:10:26,050 --> 00:10:28,740 Speaker 1: Ira's suspicions were quickly confirmed. 172 00:10:29,559 --> 00:10:31,480 Speaker 4: Surely there must be something we can do to make 173 00:10:31,520 --> 00:10:35,559 Speaker 4: it right. I would never intentionally dishonor the Lord our God. 174 00:10:36,340 --> 00:10:38,880 Speaker 4: Is there nothing we can do to earn his forgiveness? 175 00:10:39,540 --> 00:10:41,780 Speaker 1: Out of the corner of his eye, Peter could see 176 00:10:41,860 --> 00:10:45,260 Speaker 1: John beaming a smile. It was the moment both of 177 00:10:45,300 --> 00:10:50,000 Speaker 1: them had been waiting for. Like clockwork, the gospel message 178 00:10:50,059 --> 00:10:54,290 Speaker 1: of their master had broken the people's hearts wide open, 179 00:10:54,730 --> 00:10:58,349 Speaker 1: and the Spirit was now planting seeds in the freshly 180 00:10:58,490 --> 00:11:03,050 Speaker 1: cultivated soil. For all of their sowing and watering, it 181 00:11:03,090 --> 00:11:05,150 Speaker 1: was God who gave the increase. 182 00:11:05,650 --> 00:11:10,180 Speaker 2: Repent of your sins. Turn to God and receive His forgiveness. 183 00:11:10,980 --> 00:11:15,220 Speaker 2: Through the blood of Jesus, He will wipe out your sins. 184 00:11:15,860 --> 00:11:19,160 Speaker 2: Be of good cheer, brothers and sisters, for in due 185 00:11:19,280 --> 00:11:23,140 Speaker 2: time the Lord will send the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to you. 186 00:11:24,080 --> 00:11:27,790 Speaker 2: And in that time you will experience times of refreshing 187 00:11:27,870 --> 00:11:32,350 Speaker 2: from him. But as for now, heaven must receive him 188 00:11:32,750 --> 00:11:36,130 Speaker 2: until the time comes for God to restore everything, just 189 00:11:36,220 --> 00:11:39,020 Speaker 2: as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 190 00:11:39,620 --> 00:11:44,550 Speaker 1: The crowd was dead silent. holding their collective breath, determined 191 00:11:44,570 --> 00:11:47,430 Speaker 1: to not miss a word of the bold preacher standing 192 00:11:47,510 --> 00:11:50,959 Speaker 1: before them. Peter felt like he was watching the scene 193 00:11:51,100 --> 00:11:54,179 Speaker 1: from outside his own body. As a boy, he had 194 00:11:54,220 --> 00:11:59,860 Speaker 1: memorized the stories of Israel's greats, like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, 195 00:12:00,260 --> 00:12:05,300 Speaker 1: and David. To picture himself, a measly fisherman, one day 196 00:12:05,460 --> 00:12:10,750 Speaker 1: moving crowds to repent, was beyond his wildest dreams. But 197 00:12:10,770 --> 00:12:14,500 Speaker 1: for all of his aspirations, it was Jesus who had 198 00:12:14,580 --> 00:12:18,480 Speaker 1: brought him thus far, and it was Jesus who would 199 00:12:18,500 --> 00:12:21,640 Speaker 1: sustain him. So long as it was the Lord's name 200 00:12:21,920 --> 00:12:25,949 Speaker 1: he lifted high before the people, Peter was confident God 201 00:12:26,030 --> 00:12:27,390 Speaker 1: would continue to use him. 202 00:12:27,890 --> 00:12:30,989 Speaker 2: For Moses said, The Lord your God will raise up 203 00:12:31,030 --> 00:12:33,790 Speaker 2: for you a prophet like me from among your own people. 204 00:12:34,360 --> 00:12:37,740 Speaker 2: You must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who 205 00:12:37,780 --> 00:12:40,900 Speaker 2: does not listen to him will be completely cut off 206 00:12:41,240 --> 00:12:45,870 Speaker 2: from their people. Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets 207 00:12:45,890 --> 00:12:49,970 Speaker 2: who have spoken have foretold these days. And you are 208 00:12:50,110 --> 00:12:53,250 Speaker 2: heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made 209 00:12:53,290 --> 00:12:58,240 Speaker 2: with your fathers. He said to Abraham, Through your offspring, 210 00:12:58,740 --> 00:13:00,760 Speaker 2: all peoples on earth will be blessed. 211 00:13:01,340 --> 00:13:05,640 Speaker 1: Peter's call to repentance at work. Dozens of men and 212 00:13:05,700 --> 00:13:09,540 Speaker 1: women who filled the courtyards had fallen to their knees 213 00:13:10,020 --> 00:13:13,760 Speaker 1: in deep conviction. They shuffled towards the feet of the apostles. 214 00:13:14,300 --> 00:13:18,110 Speaker 1: They had been inspired by Ira's miraculous healing, but it 215 00:13:18,150 --> 00:13:21,530 Speaker 1: was only the transformative power of the gospel that had 216 00:13:21,590 --> 00:13:25,430 Speaker 1: allured their hearts to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus. 217 00:13:25,970 --> 00:13:28,530 Speaker 1: Peter and John did their best to control the crowds 218 00:13:28,970 --> 00:13:32,329 Speaker 1: while keeping an eye on Ira, who was still dumbfounded 219 00:13:32,790 --> 00:13:36,310 Speaker 1: at the unexpected gathering The apostles spent the next few 220 00:13:36,410 --> 00:13:40,170 Speaker 1: hours answering the people's questions. They told them about the 221 00:13:40,250 --> 00:13:45,120 Speaker 1: multitudes of other believers gathering regularly throughout Jerusalem, that they 222 00:13:45,179 --> 00:13:49,160 Speaker 1: could now join on this new road of following the 223 00:13:49,200 --> 00:13:53,000 Speaker 1: ways of Jesus. The dimming sunlight alerted the people of 224 00:13:53,120 --> 00:13:57,250 Speaker 1: nightfall's swift approach, but nobody dared to depart from the gathering. 225 00:13:57,770 --> 00:14:01,290 Speaker 1: What they were learning was of greater importance than a 226 00:14:01,390 --> 00:14:05,319 Speaker 1: timely arrival to their homes. A woman was pressing through 227 00:14:05,420 --> 00:14:08,780 Speaker 1: the streams of people in the opposite direction. She was 228 00:14:08,840 --> 00:14:12,800 Speaker 1: doubled over and scanning the ground, calling out as she 229 00:14:12,880 --> 00:14:14,620 Speaker 1: made her way through the courtyard. 230 00:14:15,460 --> 00:14:20,260 Speaker 4: Ira? Ira! Where have they taken him? Oh, I knew 231 00:14:20,320 --> 00:14:22,780 Speaker 4: I had a bad feeling about today. I should have 232 00:14:22,920 --> 00:14:23,870 Speaker 4: never left him alone. 233 00:14:24,590 --> 00:14:27,350 Speaker 1: Ira's head perked up at the sound. He spun his 234 00:14:27,390 --> 00:14:30,930 Speaker 1: head around like an owl as he laughed back in response. 235 00:14:31,490 --> 00:14:34,660 Speaker 2: Tatsa, is that you? I'm over here! 236 00:14:35,280 --> 00:14:38,320 Speaker 1: Ira stretched his body as tall as he could and 237 00:14:38,380 --> 00:14:42,410 Speaker 1: waved his arms sporadically over his head. His face broke 238 00:14:42,570 --> 00:14:47,030 Speaker 1: out in a wide grin at this accomplishment. Terza's face 239 00:14:47,110 --> 00:14:51,590 Speaker 1: contorted in disbelief at the sight. She gasped in seeing 240 00:14:51,650 --> 00:14:56,080 Speaker 1: her beloved friend, not only well, but standing on his 241 00:14:56,180 --> 00:14:59,640 Speaker 1: own two feet. She had hoped to find Ira in 242 00:14:59,680 --> 00:15:03,600 Speaker 1: good health, but never expected to find him like this. 243 00:15:04,420 --> 00:15:06,390 Speaker 4: What? How? 244 00:15:06,990 --> 00:15:10,210 Speaker 2: You can thank my new friends here for that. Or rather, 245 00:15:10,670 --> 00:15:15,330 Speaker 2: you can thank their friend, Jesus. But please, allow me 246 00:15:15,370 --> 00:15:17,690 Speaker 2: to introduce you, Peter and John. 247 00:15:18,320 --> 00:15:20,600 Speaker 1: With a wave of his hand, the two men stepped 248 00:15:20,640 --> 00:15:26,720 Speaker 1: around Ira. Tertza could find no words. For years, she 249 00:15:26,760 --> 00:15:30,680 Speaker 1: had painstakingly carried Ira to the temple gates... out of 250 00:15:30,720 --> 00:15:34,730 Speaker 1: a devotion to care for her friend. If these men 251 00:15:34,900 --> 00:15:39,030 Speaker 1: had truly healed Ira, she considered them to be friends 252 00:15:39,090 --> 00:15:43,390 Speaker 1: of hers now, too. She scanned Peter and John up 253 00:15:43,430 --> 00:15:48,210 Speaker 1: and down. From her observations, there was nothing remarkable or 254 00:15:48,350 --> 00:15:53,320 Speaker 1: any apparent standout qualities about them. But through some force, 255 00:15:54,080 --> 00:15:58,359 Speaker 1: she had yet to discover they had indeed healed Ira. 256 00:15:59,200 --> 00:16:04,860 Speaker 1: His cheery bouncing beside the apostles made that unassailable. Peter 257 00:16:04,900 --> 00:16:08,560 Speaker 1: and John could read Terz's astonishment like an open book. 258 00:16:09,520 --> 00:16:13,310 Speaker 1: They had seen the same look many times before at Jesus' miracles, 259 00:16:14,030 --> 00:16:17,330 Speaker 1: and now they would follow in his footsteps. 260 00:16:17,950 --> 00:16:22,030 Speaker 2: Shalom. It appears we are connected through our newly upright 261 00:16:22,110 --> 00:16:26,580 Speaker 2: friend here. My name is Peter. This is John. We 262 00:16:26,640 --> 00:16:30,260 Speaker 2: are followers of Jesus. It was through faith and by 263 00:16:30,360 --> 00:16:34,820 Speaker 2: his name that Ira now stands. But I believe we've 264 00:16:34,880 --> 00:16:38,600 Speaker 2: caused enough of a commotion for you both today. Please, 265 00:16:39,240 --> 00:16:41,540 Speaker 2: go and rest and sin no more. 266 00:16:43,440 --> 00:16:45,860 Speaker 1: Terza gave a sudden and vibrant laugh. 267 00:16:46,520 --> 00:16:50,000 Speaker 4: You want us to just go? After all of this? 268 00:16:50,720 --> 00:16:53,480 Speaker 2: Absolutely. You both have a lot of life to catch 269 00:16:53,580 --> 00:16:57,320 Speaker 2: up on. Plus, the people here still have need for us. 270 00:16:58,000 --> 00:17:01,500 Speaker 4: If you ever need anything, please let us know. We 271 00:17:01,620 --> 00:17:03,060 Speaker 4: are forever in your debt. 272 00:17:03,820 --> 00:17:07,340 Speaker 2: You are in debt to no one. Now go in 273 00:17:07,359 --> 00:17:08,960 Speaker 2: the freedom of Jesus Christ. 274 00:17:09,540 --> 00:17:13,300 Speaker 1: She smiled affectionately at Peter, then turned to Ira with 275 00:17:13,420 --> 00:17:16,919 Speaker 1: tears forming in her eyes. She was still trying to 276 00:17:16,980 --> 00:17:21,479 Speaker 1: reconcile this new reality in her mind. Ira clicked his 277 00:17:21,520 --> 00:17:25,040 Speaker 1: heels and promptly bent over to secure his mat to 278 00:17:25,080 --> 00:17:28,840 Speaker 1: his back. He gestured to the group. and bound off 279 00:17:29,200 --> 00:17:33,179 Speaker 1: out of the temple courts. Terza hesitated. This was the 280 00:17:33,240 --> 00:17:36,590 Speaker 1: first time in ages she would be leaving the temple 281 00:17:36,910 --> 00:17:41,050 Speaker 1: without a stretcher over her shoulder. She took a step forward, 282 00:17:41,869 --> 00:17:46,250 Speaker 1: then another. There was an unfamiliar air of lightness to 283 00:17:46,310 --> 00:17:50,490 Speaker 1: her steps, as though God himself had lifted her weariness 284 00:17:51,290 --> 00:17:54,899 Speaker 1: and propelled her forward. The walk back to her house 285 00:17:55,300 --> 00:18:00,490 Speaker 1: was therapeutic. Like Ira, Viewing life free of her previous 286 00:18:00,570 --> 00:18:04,609 Speaker 1: burdens had given her a whole new perspective of the city. 287 00:18:05,350 --> 00:18:08,760 Speaker 1: No longer did she avoid the more unkempt roads or 288 00:18:08,800 --> 00:18:12,320 Speaker 1: laborious hills of the city. In fact, both she and 289 00:18:12,500 --> 00:18:17,460 Speaker 1: Ira gladly welcomed them, exercising the extent of their strength 290 00:18:18,200 --> 00:18:21,980 Speaker 1: without the burdens of their former life. The Spirit of 291 00:18:22,080 --> 00:18:28,690 Speaker 1: Jesus Christ was sweeping through Jerusalem like wildfire, leaving nothing 292 00:18:28,750 --> 00:18:33,130 Speaker 1: in his path unchanged. But this change wasn't solely related 293 00:18:33,170 --> 00:18:40,580 Speaker 1: to circumstances or situations. He was breaking chains, renewing minds, 294 00:18:41,480 --> 00:18:47,100 Speaker 1: and transforming hearts to the praise of God's glorious grace. 295 00:18:52,380 --> 00:18:55,980 Speaker 3: Peter starts off by asking a simple question. Why do 296 00:18:56,000 --> 00:18:58,320 Speaker 3: you marvel at this? Or why do you look so 297 00:18:58,359 --> 00:19:01,680 Speaker 3: intently at us as though our own power or godliness 298 00:19:01,859 --> 00:19:04,760 Speaker 3: has made this man walk? Now, I love this because 299 00:19:04,820 --> 00:19:07,370 Speaker 3: Peter is essentially saying, why are you looking at us 300 00:19:07,480 --> 00:19:10,369 Speaker 3: as if we're some kind of spiritual superheroes? Why are 301 00:19:10,390 --> 00:19:12,850 Speaker 3: you staring at us as if it was our power 302 00:19:12,890 --> 00:19:16,210 Speaker 3: that made this man well? Peter is quick to redirect 303 00:19:16,250 --> 00:19:20,350 Speaker 3: the crowd's focus from himself and John back to Jesus. 304 00:19:20,890 --> 00:19:22,890 Speaker 3: And my friends, this is so crucial for our faith 305 00:19:22,950 --> 00:19:26,139 Speaker 3: as well. When people praise us for our kindness or 306 00:19:26,280 --> 00:19:29,159 Speaker 3: for our gentleness or for some act of charity that 307 00:19:29,200 --> 00:19:32,020 Speaker 3: we perform for somebody else, we have to always and 308 00:19:32,200 --> 00:19:37,560 Speaker 3: faithfully redirect people's attention to the source of that good work, Jesus. 309 00:19:38,280 --> 00:19:39,940 Speaker 3: Peter knows a few things that many of us tend 310 00:19:39,960 --> 00:19:42,970 Speaker 3: to forget. First of all, it's not about you at all. 311 00:19:43,369 --> 00:19:47,530 Speaker 3: It's about Jesus and Jesus alone. Second, miracles, as amazing 312 00:19:47,570 --> 00:19:49,850 Speaker 3: as they are, are not the main event in and 313 00:19:49,890 --> 00:19:53,149 Speaker 3: of themselves. They're not the finish line. They're actually the 314 00:19:53,190 --> 00:19:57,359 Speaker 3: starting gun. Miracles grab people's attention, but it's the message 315 00:19:57,380 --> 00:20:00,700 Speaker 3: of the gospel that saves souls. Peter could have easily 316 00:20:00,760 --> 00:20:02,940 Speaker 3: basked in the glow of this miraculous moment. He would 317 00:20:02,960 --> 00:20:05,439 Speaker 3: sign a book deal, launch his new podcast and the 318 00:20:05,480 --> 00:20:08,440 Speaker 3: series called Miracle Workers, and then take them to show 319 00:20:08,500 --> 00:20:11,900 Speaker 3: on the road. Instead, he turns the crowd's amazement into 320 00:20:11,920 --> 00:20:16,730 Speaker 3: an opportunity to preach about Jesus. Always be wary of 321 00:20:16,810 --> 00:20:20,850 Speaker 3: people who gain popularity and notoriety for their miracles and 322 00:20:20,970 --> 00:20:25,130 Speaker 3: build a brand centered around them. Peter and John's response 323 00:20:25,190 --> 00:20:28,960 Speaker 3: to people's praise tells us something about Jesus' will and 324 00:20:29,020 --> 00:20:33,780 Speaker 3: intention for when we perform miracles. When something amazing happens 325 00:20:34,170 --> 00:20:37,970 Speaker 3: Through us, we must redirect people's attention to the one 326 00:20:38,270 --> 00:20:41,630 Speaker 3: who actually accomplished this work, the Holy Spirit. Peter goes 327 00:20:41,690 --> 00:20:43,990 Speaker 3: on to remind them that this wasn't some random act 328 00:20:44,050 --> 00:20:46,610 Speaker 3: of power either. It was the work of the God 329 00:20:46,630 --> 00:20:50,640 Speaker 3: of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He's speaking these Jews' language, 330 00:20:50,780 --> 00:20:54,000 Speaker 3: connecting Jesus to the very foundations of their faith. And 331 00:20:54,020 --> 00:20:56,399 Speaker 3: then Peter goes for the jugular. He makes this statement. 332 00:20:56,760 --> 00:20:59,899 Speaker 3: You delivered up and denied the Holy and Just One. 333 00:21:00,460 --> 00:21:03,060 Speaker 3: And you asked for the murder of God. 334 00:21:03,720 --> 00:21:03,920 Speaker 2: Ouch. 335 00:21:04,490 --> 00:21:08,109 Speaker 3: Peter isn't holding back here at all. He reminded them 336 00:21:08,150 --> 00:21:11,689 Speaker 3: that they chose Barabbas, a criminal, over Jesus, the Prince 337 00:21:11,910 --> 00:21:14,520 Speaker 3: of Life. He's saying that the one who performed this 338 00:21:14,619 --> 00:21:18,100 Speaker 3: miracle and the one who restored this man is the 339 00:21:18,140 --> 00:21:20,239 Speaker 3: same one who wants to restore your souls, but by 340 00:21:20,300 --> 00:21:22,760 Speaker 3: no means trick yourselves into thinking that you're in good 341 00:21:22,840 --> 00:21:25,840 Speaker 3: standing with him. In fact, you were his enemy. You're 342 00:21:25,859 --> 00:21:28,760 Speaker 3: the one who put him to death. This is actually 343 00:21:28,960 --> 00:21:32,220 Speaker 3: a truth bomb that we all need to ingest ourselves, 344 00:21:32,300 --> 00:21:34,679 Speaker 3: as hard as it might be. We were enemies of 345 00:21:34,740 --> 00:21:37,659 Speaker 3: God until we chose to follow him. And there's no 346 00:21:37,700 --> 00:21:40,970 Speaker 3: inherent identity that we're automatically in good standing with God. 347 00:21:41,350 --> 00:21:43,970 Speaker 3: We need to call upon the name of Jesus. Peter 348 00:21:44,010 --> 00:21:46,369 Speaker 3: is putting it out there. You got it wrong, guys. 349 00:21:46,730 --> 00:21:49,590 Speaker 3: You got it wrong big time. But before you think 350 00:21:49,650 --> 00:21:52,389 Speaker 3: Peter is just up there to shame them, understand that 351 00:21:52,690 --> 00:21:56,650 Speaker 3: he's not interested in condemnation, but in conviction. He's saying, 352 00:21:56,950 --> 00:22:00,580 Speaker 3: look in the mirror. You messed up, but there's still hope. 353 00:22:01,400 --> 00:22:04,380 Speaker 3: Peter clarifies how the lame man was healed. He said 354 00:22:04,420 --> 00:22:06,920 Speaker 3: that by Jesus' name and through faith in his name, 355 00:22:07,109 --> 00:22:10,250 Speaker 3: this man was made strong. It wasn't Peter's charisma or 356 00:22:10,290 --> 00:22:13,830 Speaker 3: John's piety. It was the powerful name of Jesus. In 357 00:22:13,869 --> 00:22:17,710 Speaker 3: biblical terms, a name wasn't just a label. It represented 358 00:22:17,790 --> 00:22:20,649 Speaker 3: the very essence and authority of a person. So when 359 00:22:20,670 --> 00:22:23,869 Speaker 3: Peter says faith in his name, he's talking about a 360 00:22:23,970 --> 00:22:27,530 Speaker 3: faith that taps into the very power, presence, and identity 361 00:22:27,570 --> 00:22:30,690 Speaker 3: of Jesus himself. So let's pause for a second here. 362 00:22:31,310 --> 00:22:34,439 Speaker 3: What are we putting our faith in today? Whose name 363 00:22:34,590 --> 00:22:37,270 Speaker 3: are we living for? Is it our own? Is it 364 00:22:37,310 --> 00:22:40,310 Speaker 3: a celebrity or a politician that we follow? Is it 365 00:22:40,410 --> 00:22:43,669 Speaker 3: our good intentions, our hard work, or our reputation? Is 366 00:22:43,710 --> 00:22:46,850 Speaker 3: it our well-thought-out plans, our careers, our bosses? Is it 367 00:22:46,869 --> 00:22:50,190 Speaker 3: a brand that we follow? Friends, let me tell you, 368 00:22:50,730 --> 00:22:53,109 Speaker 3: none of these things can make the lame walk or 369 00:22:53,130 --> 00:22:56,570 Speaker 3: the blind see. We need to have faith squarely in 370 00:22:56,609 --> 00:23:00,060 Speaker 3: the name of Jesus because only He has the power 371 00:23:00,100 --> 00:23:03,810 Speaker 3: to transform lives. Peter, after dropping this very heavy truth, 372 00:23:04,200 --> 00:23:07,190 Speaker 3: doesn't leave them in despair though. Instead, he gives them 373 00:23:07,290 --> 00:23:10,670 Speaker 3: a path forward. He says, repent therefore and be converted 374 00:23:10,810 --> 00:23:13,790 Speaker 3: and your sins may be blotted out so that the 375 00:23:13,850 --> 00:23:16,859 Speaker 3: times of refreshing may come in the presence of the Lord. 376 00:23:16,880 --> 00:23:19,820 Speaker 3: Let's talk about repentance really quick because a lot of 377 00:23:19,859 --> 00:23:24,180 Speaker 3: people mistake repentance for apologizing. You see, apologizing is saying 378 00:23:24,260 --> 00:23:28,140 Speaker 3: sorry and acknowledging you did something wrong. Repentance isn't just 379 00:23:28,180 --> 00:23:32,280 Speaker 3: acknowledging you did something wrong or feeling sorry. It's a turnaround. 380 00:23:32,550 --> 00:23:34,930 Speaker 3: It's like making a U-turn when you realize you're headed 381 00:23:35,030 --> 00:23:37,869 Speaker 3: in the wrong direction. But here's the good news. Even 382 00:23:37,890 --> 00:23:40,750 Speaker 3: though repentance is hard and changing our ways is hard 383 00:23:40,810 --> 00:23:43,750 Speaker 3: and acknowledging the power of Jesus is hard, it leads 384 00:23:43,810 --> 00:23:47,090 Speaker 3: to ultimate refreshment. Isn't that what we all need? In 385 00:23:47,109 --> 00:23:49,409 Speaker 3: a world full of chaos, stress, and bad news, we 386 00:23:49,430 --> 00:23:52,369 Speaker 3: need times of refreshing. And these times come from the 387 00:23:52,430 --> 00:23:55,629 Speaker 3: presence of the Lord, from Netflix binges, social media likes, 388 00:23:55,859 --> 00:23:59,840 Speaker 3: or a perfect vacation. Peter reminds them of Moses' prophecy, 389 00:23:59,880 --> 00:24:01,859 Speaker 3: the Lord your God will raise up for you a 390 00:24:01,920 --> 00:24:04,960 Speaker 3: prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear 391 00:24:05,060 --> 00:24:08,239 Speaker 3: in all things. The crowd knew this prophecy well. They 392 00:24:08,280 --> 00:24:11,200 Speaker 3: knew that Moses was speaking of an ultimate redeemer and Messiah. 393 00:24:11,220 --> 00:24:15,070 Speaker 3: And Peter is making it clear, Jesus is that prophet 394 00:24:15,109 --> 00:24:17,950 Speaker 3: that Moses spoke of. And rejecting him isn't just a 395 00:24:17,990 --> 00:24:21,290 Speaker 3: bad decision, it's a disastrous one for your soul. Peter 396 00:24:21,310 --> 00:24:23,730 Speaker 3: says it plainly, every soul who will not hear the 397 00:24:23,790 --> 00:24:27,869 Speaker 3: prophet shall be utterly destroyed. But he doesn't end with 398 00:24:27,950 --> 00:24:30,859 Speaker 3: a threat. He points back to the promise given to Abraham. 399 00:24:31,500 --> 00:24:33,820 Speaker 3: In your seed, all the families of the earth shall 400 00:24:33,880 --> 00:24:36,879 Speaker 3: be blessed. Peter is saying this promise is for you, 401 00:24:37,400 --> 00:24:40,060 Speaker 3: but it's also to anyone who will receive it of 402 00:24:40,180 --> 00:24:44,140 Speaker 3: any nation. So here's the takeaway, friends. Don't just marvel 403 00:24:44,320 --> 00:24:48,290 Speaker 3: at a simple miracle. Cling to the Messiah. The healed 404 00:24:48,310 --> 00:24:52,030 Speaker 3: man at the gate beautiful wanted change, but he got transformation. 405 00:24:52,450 --> 00:24:54,890 Speaker 3: The crowd wanted a spectacle, but they got a sermon. 406 00:24:55,230 --> 00:24:58,970 Speaker 3: And you, you may come looking for a little inspiration today, 407 00:24:59,369 --> 00:25:01,379 Speaker 3: but God wants to offer you so much more. He 408 00:25:01,400 --> 00:25:04,220 Speaker 3: wants to offer you new life in Jesus. So repent, 409 00:25:04,560 --> 00:25:07,800 Speaker 3: turn around, and let the times of refreshing come. Because 410 00:25:07,960 --> 00:25:10,640 Speaker 3: when you put your faith in his name, Jesus' name, 411 00:25:11,200 --> 00:25:14,460 Speaker 3: miracles don't just happen. They transform your outlook on life, 412 00:25:14,940 --> 00:25:17,100 Speaker 3: and they transform who you are from the inside out. 413 00:25:18,140 --> 00:25:20,830 Speaker 3: Thanks again for listening to the Jesus Podcast. Join us 414 00:25:20,869 --> 00:25:24,010 Speaker 3: tomorrow for another breathtaking story inspired by the book of Acts, 415 00:25:24,390 --> 00:25:28,369 Speaker 3: where we learn that Jesus moves and breathes in us 416 00:25:28,550 --> 00:25:29,370 Speaker 3: and through us today.