Healing Witness

Key Takeaways

• The early church bore witness to Jesus through both word and deed

• Christians should be aware of those "outside the temple" and include them in their prayer and outreach

• Miracles point to Jesus' power and legitimacy, not to the apostles themselves

• Jesus' love compels believers to see, be moved by, and offer life to those in need

• God's love empowers us to serve others

Study Questions

• Question 1

  How does the concept of 'showing, not telling' apply to our own witness as Christians in today's world?

• Question 2

  How can we cultivate a greater awareness of those 'outside the temple' in our daily routines and interactions?

• Question 3

  How does the story of the lame man's healing challenge our expectations about miracles and God's work in our lives?

• Question 4

  What can we learn from Peter and John's approach to ministry that didn't rely on material wealth but on the power of Jesus' name?

• Question 5

  In what ways might we be acting like 'people sitting on the outside when we should be inside walking and leaping,' and how can we change this?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Seeing with the Eyes of Jesus

READING :

Luke 10:25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan)

DEVOTIONAL :

In Acts 3, we see Peter and John noticing the lame man whom others had passed by countless times. They saw him with the eyes of Jesus - as a person of inherent dignity and worth. Today's reading challenges us to do the same. Who are the "invisible" people in your life? Those on the margins, easily overlooked? Ask God to help you see others as he sees them. Reflect on how you might reach out to someone often ignored or marginalized in your community. Remember, true compassion moves beyond just seeing - it compels us to act.

APPLICATION :

Create your own "Prayer Radar" list this week. Identify 3-5 people in your life who need Jesus and commit to praying for them regularly.

Day 2 : The Power of Jesus' Name

READING :

Philippians 2:5-11

DEVOTIONAL :

Peter healed the lame man "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." This wasn't a magic formula, but a declaration of where the power truly came from. Today's reading reminds us of the supreme authority of Jesus' name. Reflect on what it means that at Jesus' name "every knee should bow." How does this shape your understanding of prayer and your approach to challenges in life? Consider areas where you need to more fully rely on Jesus' power rather than your own strength.

APPLICATION :

Practice "seeing" this week. Make a conscious effort to notice and acknowledge people you might typically overlook (e.g., service workers, neighbors, colleagues).

Day 3 : From Outsider to Insider

READING :

Ephesians 2:11-22

DEVOTIONAL :

The lame man moved from sitting outside the temple to entering in, praising God. This physical transformation mirrored a spiritual reality. Today's reading explores how Christ brings those who were far off near to God. Reflect on your own journey - how has Jesus brought you from being an outsider to an insider in God's family? Who in your life needs to hear this message of inclusion and reconciliation? Pray for opportunities to share this hope with others.

APPLICATION :

Reflect on an area where you've been holding back from serving or giving. Ask God to help you overcome any objections and show you how to move forward in love.

Day 4 : Unexpected Blessings

READING :

Isaiah 35:1-10

DEVOTIONAL :

The lame man asked for alms but received healing - a gift far beyond his expectations. Today's prophetic reading paints a picture of God's restoration, where the lame leap like deer. How has God surprised you with unexpected blessings? Where in your life do you need to expand your vision of what God might do? Take time to thank God for His abundant grace and ask Him to increase your faith to believe for "immeasurably more" (Ephesians 3:20).

APPLICATION :

Share a meal or coffee with someone "outside the temple" – someone who might not typically be in your social or religious circles.

Day 5 : Witness Through Words and Deeds

READING :

James 2:14-26

DEVOTIONAL :

The apostles bore witness to Jesus through both their words and their actions. Today's reading emphasizes the importance of faith expressing itself through deeds. Reflect on how your faith is demonstrated in tangible ways. Are there areas where your actions don't align with your professed beliefs? Ask God to help you be a more consistent witness, integrating your faith into every aspect of life. Consider one specific way you can "show" your faith today through an act of service or kindness.

APPLICATION :

Think of ways you can demonstrate Christ's love in your community through both words and actions.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

People: For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Psalm 95:6-7

Confession of Faith

From The Heidelberg Catechism

Q. What is your only comfort in life and death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Confession of Sin

God who is rich beyond all splendor, we confess that we often look to earthly treasures for security, ignoring the riches of your grace. Like the crowd at the temple, we are quick to marvel at miracles but slow to recognize your power and presence. We have neglected those in need, walking past opportunities to reflect your mercy. Forgive us, and open our hearts to see and share the healing power found in your name alone. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 3:11-26