Worth more than gold

Acts 3:6–8
“Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.”

Introduction: Something Better Than Gold
What would you say is worth more than gold? For the man in Acts 3, who had spent his life begging at the Temple gate, the answer came in the form of a miracle. His story reminds us that while material possessions may sustain us for a moment, the miraculous power of God changes everything. Through this passage, we see how faith, availability, and the name of Jesus work together to bring transformation.

The Importance of Availability
The greatest ability is availability

The man at the gate—unable to walk since birth—had every reason to give up. Ancient Jewish laws excluded people with disabilities from full participation in Temple worship, yet he showed up every day, humbly asking for alms. His daily faithfulness positioned him for a miracle.

• Lesson for Today: Faithfulness in spiritual disciplines positions us for God’s work in our lives. Are you consistently showing up in your prayer life, church attendance, and time with God, even when it’s hard?

God Requires Action from Us
Throughout Scripture, miracles often required a step of faith:

• “Stretch forth thy hand” (Luke 6:10).
• “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (John 9:7).
• “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” (John 5:8).

The man in Acts 3 was no different. His willingness to position himself near the Temple and faithfully ask for help showed his readiness for God to act.


Expecting God to Move
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

When Peter and John approached the man, he looked at them, expecting to receive something. While his expectation was limited to financial help, God exceeded his hopes by giving him complete physical healing.

• Personal Reflection: Are you approaching God with expectation? Sometimes, we limit God’s work in our lives by underestimating His power.

Faith That Moves Mountains
Peter’s bold declaration—“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk”—is a model of faith in action. He didn’t offer empty words; he acted with confidence in the power of the name of Jesus.

• Modern Application: Imagine if you prayed big prayers, expecting God to move. What miracles could you see in your life, family, or community?

The Name Above Every Name
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

The Power of the name of Jesus
The man’s healing didn’t come from Peter or John but from the authority of the name of Jesus. His name carries unmatched power to save, heal, and restore.

• Biblical Insight: Throughout Scripture, God revealed Himself through names that reflect His character:
  • Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
  • Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord Who Heals)
  • Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)

These names find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, whose name means “The Lord Saves.”

How Calling on Jesus Changes Everything
When we call on the name of Jesus, we acknowledge His authority over every situation. This act of faith connects us to the supernatural power of God.

• Practical Example: Consider how a simple prayer in the name of Jesus—whether whispered in fear or shouted in faith—can bring peace, healing, or provision.

Practical Applications for Today
1. Be Faithful in Small Things

• Like the man at the gate, show up consistently in your spiritual disciplines. Make daily prayer, Bible study, and worship non-negotiables.
• Action Step: Commit to spending 15 minutes each day this week in prayer, asking God to increase your faith and expectancy.

2. Pray Boldly

• Don’t be afraid to pray big prayers. Whether for healing, provision, or salvation, trust God to move in ways beyond what you can imagine.
• Action Step: Identify one specific need in your life or someone else’s. Pray boldly in the name of Jesus, believing for a miracle.

3. Speak the Name of Jesus

• The name of Jesus carries life-changing power. Speak His name over your circumstances, relationships, and challenges.
• Action Step: Take a moment each day to speak the name of Jesus over a difficult situation you’re facing.

The Transformative Power of Miracles
Miracles Point to God’s Glory

The healing at the Temple gate wasn’t just about the man walking; it was about pointing people to Jesus. The once-lame man’s leaping and praising drew a crowd, creating an opportunity for Peter to preach the gospel.

• Modern Connection: When God works in your life, share it! Your testimony can inspire faith in others.

Miracles Are for Today
God hasn’t changed. The same power that healed the man in Acts 3 is available to us today. Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, miracles remind us that God is intimately involved in our lives.

Reflective Questions

• What does faithfulness in spiritual disciplines look like for you?
• Are you praying with expectation, or have you allowed doubt to limit your prayers?
• How can you incorporate the name of Jesus into your daily life more intentionally?

Final Thoughts
The man at the gate of the Temple thought he needed silver or gold, but what he received was far greater—a miraculous encounter with God. His story reminds us that while material things may sustain us temporarily, only God’s power can bring lasting transformation.

Just as Peter and John demonstrated bold faith and reliance on the name of Jesus, we too can expect miracles in our lives today. God invites us to approach Him with faith, consistency, and expectation, trusting that He is still in the business of doing the impossible.

This week, take time to call on the name of Jesus with boldness and faith. Whether for a personal need or someone else’s, believe that the same God who healed the lame man at the Temple gate is ready and able to move in your life.

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the power of Your name. Increase our faith to believe for miracles in our lives and the lives of those around us. Help us to be bold in our prayers, consistent in our faith, and quick to give You the glory. In the name of Jesus, amen.