“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.” (Acts 4: 8-10)

On any given weekend, I do things connected to our Church. My family joins others for a small group

Bible study on Friday. I might do some volunteer work for neighbors on Saturday. I go to church on Sunday, where I serve as part of the hospitality team. So why, when someone asks me what I did over the weekend, is my typical answer, “Nothing special. Just hung out.” Am I afraid that if I share (or even imply) that God is special to me, it will be met negatively? Am I hoping to avoid unseen consequences?

When we catch up with Peter and John in Acts 4, we find they have been inspiring thousands of new believers by sharing the message of the resurrection of Jesus and even healing a lame man, teachings and activities that do not sit well with the Sadducees. These were the same religious leaders who viewed Jesus as a threat and were responsible for His arrest and crucifixion. Peter and John have also been arrested and are now facing some serious questions and consequences!

“By what power or what name did you do this?” (4:7), these powerful leaders ask. The stakes are high. Peter or John could try to evade the question, make up excuses, or even deny anything special was happening. But Peter and John know they have authority, so they speak the truth: “we healed him by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (4:10). Faced with the authorities ordering them to stop “speaking and teaching about Jesus” (4:18), they next boldly proclaim their faith: “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!  As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (4:19-20). All the people in the area were also praising God based on the words and actions of Peter and John, and the authorities had no choice but to let Peter and John go. 

My thoughts return to my own situation. I am not performing miracles, but I do act in the name of Jesus. I may be fearful that speaking to others about my actions may not always be met positively, but I see from Peter and John that this sharing without fear can inspire great things in those around us. When I act boldly by sharing my acts of devotion and service, I am bearing witness to the goodness of Jesus!

Has anyone asked you lately about what is going on in your life? “What‘s up?” “How’s it going?” “What did you do this weekend?” Share what is really going on, especially the pieces that include Jesus!