Shine.

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. (Acts 3:1-10, 12, 16 NIV)

I want to look at a few things in this awesome passage. First, the beggar didn't know Peter and John from Adam or Zacchaeus ! He just wanted to eat. Something to help calm the roar of his belly. To survive another day. He looked to them with expectation, expecting something. He was used to handouts of the normal kind. Silver and gold to buy him a meal.  

Then, something remarkable happens. 

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.

Peter knew he had something to offer that the beggar ( let's call him… Jack) had never experienced. Someone to get into his world, not take the easy way out, and  see the world through Jack's eyes, and say "Hey, Jack! This isn't all there is to life! There's more available! I've experienced it. It's all I have to offer, but it's all you need! … Let me help you out of this mess you've been dealing with, and live the life you're designed to! " 

Then… when the beggar had a complete life change… he went into the temple… jumping and leaping and praising God! {Side note… Peter & Johns compassion imparted passion to the beggar. #Selah } 

The people in the temple knew he was different , healed, changed. They looked on with amazement ( because it is , sadly, uncommon for people to go against the norm and offer something different than the quick & temporary fix the world has to offer- we are only amazed at something we commonly don't see ). 

I LOVE how Peter responds… 

" why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. 

Once again, Peter breaks the mold. He points out that the beggars change had NOTHING to do with either the beggar or Peter. But everything to do with Jesus.