"Stop Staring"

EPISODE 125

Focus on Jesus’ Power

Watch

Listen

Read

Sitting in a crowded area or driving down the highway, have you ever gotten the sense that someone is staring at you? Whenever I have that sneaking suspicion I'm being watched, it often turns out to be true! And as Peter and the apostles continued their ministry in Acts 3, they found a few people staring at them rather intently.

Look at Us

"And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!"" (Acts 3:4-6).

Cutting through the noise of the passing crowds, Peter wanted this disabled beggar's full attention — "look at us". He didn't give him a hand out, but a hand up, taking his hand and healing him from his condition.

When we reach out to the world and offer spiritual healing, it's essential to cut through the noise too. Don't be afraid to focus people's attention on your message and the example of your life of faithfulness.

Why Do You Look at Us?

"... Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?" (Acts 3:12).

The people "were filled with wonder and amazement" (Acts 3:10). But Peter asks them an important question, "Why do you stare at us?" With humility, they acknowledge that the miraculous healing wasn't based on their power.

While we try to capture people's attention with the gospel, the power to save isn't ours! Let's be extremely careful not to become the focus. Like Paul urged when those in Lystra worshiped them as 'gods', "... We also are men, of like nature with you ..." (Acts 14:15).

Look at Jesus

"And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all" (Acts 3:16).

So Peter redirects the people's focus to Jesus — the real source of this man's healing. Without faith in Christ, man can accomplish nothing.

And don't forget to acknowledge Jesus in your work today. It's not about you, but all about him! As the Hebrew writer reminded his audience, "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2).

So, may God help us impact the world with his word, bringing humanity's focus on him in all our words and deeds!