Youth: 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
Have you ever wished for something so badly, thinking it would solve all your problems, only to discover later that you needed something completely different? That’s exactly what happened to a man in Acts 3. He sat every day at the Temple gate, begging for money to survive. But when Peter and John came by, they gave him something far better than gold—a miracle in the name of Jesus that changed his life forever.

This story isn’t just about something that happened a long time ago. It’s about how God still works miracles today—and how we can experience them in our own lives.

Be Available for God
Faithfulness Brings Opportunity

The man in this story couldn’t walk, but every day, he showed up at the Temple gate, hoping for help. He didn’t let his disability stop him from being in the right place at the right time. Even though his life was hard, he stayed faithful.

• Your Life Today: Faithfulness looks like showing up—whether it’s in prayer, church, or reading your Bible. Are you putting yourself in places where God can work in your life?

God Asks for Action
Throughout the Bible, when Jesus performed miracles, He often asked people to take a step of faith:

• He told a blind man to wash in a pool (John 9:7).
• He told a man with a withered hand to stretch it out (Luke 6:10).
• He told a paralyzed man to get up and walk (John 5:8).

The same is true for us. God can do amazing things, but He often wants us to show our faith through action.
Real Talk: What step of faith do you need to take? Is it praying more often, being kinder to someone who’s hard to love, or trusting God with a tough situation?

Expect Something from God
Look to God with Expectation

When Peter and John walked by, the man expected them to give him money. He didn’t realize he was about to get so much more. His story reminds us that when we come to God with an open heart, He can exceed our expectations.

• Modern Example: You might be praying for good grades, but God could use that situation to teach you something even more valuable, like how to trust Him or find peace under pressure.

Pray Big Prayers
Sometimes we don’t see God move in big ways because we’re afraid to ask. But Peter didn’t hesitate. He boldly declared healing in the name of Jesus, and the man’s legs were instantly healed.

• Challenge for You: Don’t hold back when you pray. If you’re struggling with anxiety, pray for peace. If someone in your family is sick, ask God for healing. He’s listening, and He’s able to do more than we could ever imagine.

The Power of the name of Jesus
What’s in a Name?

The man’s healing didn’t come from Peter or John. It came through the power of the name of Jesus. When we call on Jesus, we’re inviting His power into our lives.
What It Means for You: When you’re scared, stressed, or overwhelmed, just saying the name of Jesus can change everything. It reminds us that we’re not alone and that God is with us.

Your Story Matters
After the man was healed, he couldn’t stop praising God. His story amazed everyone who saw him and gave Peter a chance to tell them about Jesus.
Think About This: When God works in your life, how can you share that with others? Maybe it’s by telling a friend about how prayer helped you, or by inviting someone to youth group to learn more about Jesus.

Practical Applications for Your Life
Show Up for God
Just like the man at the gate, be consistent in your faith. Even when life feels tough or boring, keep showing up in prayer, Bible reading, and church.

• Action Step: Pick a specific time each day this week to pray or read the Bible. Even if it’s just five minutes, make it a habit.

Believe Big
Don’t be afraid to ask God for the impossible. He’s not limited by what we think is realistic.

• Action Step: Write down one big prayer request this week. Pray about it every day, believing God can do it.

Speak the Name of Jesus
Remember, there’s power in the name of Jesus. Use it when you pray, and don’t be afraid to share it with others.

• Action Step: Find one moment this week to pray out loud in the name of Jesus—whether you’re praying for yourself or someone else.

Miracles Aren’t Just for the Past
God Is Still Moving Today

The story in Acts 3 shows us that God’s power isn’t just a thing of the past. He’s still performing miracles, healing hearts, and changing lives. The key is faith. When we trust Him and pray boldly, we open the door for Him to work in ways we never expected.

• Quick Story: There’s a true story about a woman who had been blind since birth. After years of praying, she was healed during a church service. The first thing she saw was her daughter’s face. That’s the kind of God we serve—One who does the impossible.

Your Faith Can Inspire Others
The man at the gate didn’t just keep his miracle to himself. His story led others to worship God. The same can happen with you. Your faith, prayers, and actions can make a difference in someone else’s life.

Reflect and Respond

• What’s one area of your life where you need to trust God more?
• What’s a big prayer you can start praying this week?
• Who’s someone you can encourage with the name of Jesus?

Final Thoughts
The man at the Temple gate thought he needed money, but what he got was so much better—a life-changing miracle. His story reminds us that God’s power is greater than anything we can imagine. All we have to do is show up, ask boldly, and trust Him to do the rest.
This week, take time to pray big prayers, speak the name of Jesus, and look for opportunities to share His love with others. Who knows? You might just see a miracle.

Closing Prayer
Jesus, thank You for being the same God today as You were in the Bible. Help us to show up for You, pray big prayers, and trust You to work miracles in our lives. Give us the courage to speak Your name and share Your love with others. In the name of Jesus, amen.