There is Power in the Name of Jesus

Lamp Illustration: How many of you like my lamp? It is a nice lamp. When I look at this lamb, in my mind I see something that will shine bright for me to see. It will illuminate everything around me. (Try to turn lamp on) Nothing happens. The bulb is here, the wiring is fine, everything seems to be in order. So, why isn’t it working?

Some times we feel like this lamp. We go through life. We seem to have all the right tools. We have a good job. We have a supportive family. People love us. What is wrong with us.

Today we want to look at Acts 3.

The Jews observed 3 times of prayer - morning, afternoon, and evening. At these times devout Jews and Gentiles who believed in God often would go to the temple to pray. Peter and John were going to the 3 o’clock prayer service.

Acts 3:1–10 NIV

1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 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. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 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.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 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.

The Miracle

Instead of silver and gold - Peter, in the name of Jesus, commands the man to get up and walk.

To do something in someone’s name implied being that person’s representative and acting with his or her full power and authority. Jesus said…

John 14:13 NIV

13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

The power of Jesus extends beyond material needs and goes to the deeper needs of humanity - physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

Jesus, the source can transform lives in unexpected ways.

Acts 3:11–16 NIV

11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 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? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 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.

The Source

Peter notes that the miracle was not performed by their own power or godliness, but it was through the authority of Jesus Christ - the one they rejected and crucified but who was raised by God.

Notice here that they raised the man up just like Jesus was raised from the dead.

Jesus is the source of the power that we have been given to connect people to this source of healing, restoration, and salvation.

Peter was directing the people to Jesus. He was taking the attention off of him and John and placing the attention onto Jesus.

Do you remember my lamb? It looks great and all, but it doesn’t do me any good until I plug into the power source. (plug lamb in and turn it on)

Are you plugged into the source? If you don’t get plugged in then you won’t be able to see the things that Jesus can do through you.

Acts 3:17–26 NIV

17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’ 24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

The Call

Peter calls the people to repentance - their rejection of Jesus was done in ignorance - now they have the opportunity to turn back to God through repentance and faith. If they repent - sins will be wiped out and times of refreshing will come from the Lord.

The response to Jesus power is repentance and turning to God.

There is hope for those who accept Jesus.

You have to get plugged into the source.

Each of us need to get plugged into Jesus.

If you haven’t plugged into Jesus, then you need to repent and get plugged in.

The Conclusion

The miracle at the gate symbolizes how Jesus brings complete healing into broken lives.

Any healing, restoration, or salvation that happens is through the name of Jesus.

We need Jesus. Faith in Him leads to renewal.

Jesus wants to heal, restore, and save you. You just have to respond to His invitation of repentance and faith.