Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar

Peter Heals the Beggar – How God Solves Big Problems

Bible Study Lessons: Acts 3:1-10

You’re majoring in the minors.” This is what a friend of mine used to say when I focused on “small” things. Just as Peter heals the beggar in this story, God could be working on “big” things in your life.

We sometimes have a tendency to put God into a small box, underestimating what He can do.

The crippled beggar only asked for something “minor” in this story from Acts but Peter knew that God could do better.

Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar – Peter Says “Walk”

And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.

But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!”

And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened.

With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. – Acts 3:5-8 NASB

The Crippled Beggar

The lame beggar refereed to here sat outside the temple entrance gate (known as beautiful) where he knew there would be plenty of “foot traffic” to help sustain him.

With no formal social programs in place, this was the only way an afflicted person could survive.

Enter: Peter and John

At 3:00 PM, the two disciples Peter and John, entered the temple to pray.

And, the beggar did not know who they were – or what they were about to do.

In verse three, the man spotted the disciples and began asking for money (alms) — which was a small request.

He Asked for “Alms” – and Got “Legs”

A dear retired pastor who belonged to my church once told me this twist of words long ago.

And, I never forgot it. This simple piece of humor tells the complete story of the crippled beggar, doesn’t it?

When the beggar asked for a bit of change, he received something far more significant — the use of his legs!

Peter used the power of Christ to heal the man.

With that healing, Peter gave him a new lease on life.

As we know, this is something only God can do.

What are You Praying For?

There are lyrics to a song I remember (by the Rolling Stones, no less) which read;

“You can’t always get what you want — but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need.”.

Why am I quoting this?

Peter and the lame man
Let’s not put God in a “small box”.

Many times we ask God for things we want, or things we want to happen – and this is what Jesus directed us to do in the Lord’s Prayer.

But, God doesn’t always have the same answers in mind.

He gives us what we really need in accordance with His will.

So, don’t be surprised if, the next time you pray for some small thing, that God gives you something much larger.

Remember, He is not small and can give whatever He desires.

The crippled beggar asked for money to live that day. God gave him legs so that he could support himself.

Never underestimate what God can do. He may have something bigger in mind for you too!

Love in Christ

– Bob

If you would like to discover more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read this.

 

 

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