Miracle at the Beautiful Gate

Acts 3: 1-10

This story takes place at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. It’s important to know that this word beautiful, comes from the *Greek adjective, horaios, which means; happening, or coming at the right time. Paralyzed since birth, the lame one had been brought to this gate to beg for money. Day in and out, he sat at the gate. He was known by many.

I wonder how many times Jesus had passed by the lame one as he entered the Temple. Certainly, Jesus would have noticed him sitting there with twisted legs and feet. Why didn’t He heal him?

I wonder if the lame man remembered seeing Jesus pass. Maybe they even locked eyes for a split second, but fear caused him to quickly look away. What was it that made him try to hide from Jesus? Were there times that he heard the murmurs that Jesus was coming, so he strategically moved his twisted legs to get behind others, to go unnoticed? Was he afraid of coming face to face with the Holy One?

Did thoughts of his own inadequacies prevent him from entering the presence of Jesus? Did he struggle with his own religious beliefs? Did he wonder if Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God? What was it that kept the lame one from being healed by Jesus?

Perhaps this day when the children came running, exclaiming that followers of Jesus were heading this way, the lame one thought about those missed moments with Jesus? Did this cause him to muster up every ounce of strength he had to put himself in the perfect place to encounter Peter and John? Not just physical strength, but I imagine the lame one talking himself into moving forward. Setting his mind to follow his body into the path of these Christ followers. Those known as coming from a group called The Way. He determined that he would “hide” no more! Maybe these men could touch his legs, his feet and bring healing.

Just maybe . . .

This day he would fix his eyes on Peter and John. Today the Bible tells us, he was filled with expectation. He was more than ready to receive from Jesus’ disciples! He would ask for money but receive so much more!

Was this the 1st time in his life that he chose the Way of Life; completely surrendered, determined not to let anything stand in his way? What had he gone through in life that brought him to this day? The day of his own diving healing!

For on this day, as the lame one waits at the “right time” gate, he would receive more than he could hope for or imagine. Ephesians 3:20

He wouldn’t miss another moment! Acts 3:5 says; “And he fixed his attention upon them, (Peter and John) expecting to receive something from them.” NIV

The disciples offer to him their faith. Faith. A declaration in the name of Jesus. An outstretched arm.

We are told that immediately the lame one felt strength in his legs, in his feet. So much strength that he jumped to his feet! This man, who had NEVER been able put weight on those feet, followed the others into the temple, walking, leaping and praising God! Those who had known him from the Temple Gate, were filled with wonder and amazement at this miracle!

As you ponder this story, consider you are the lame one and ask yourself these questions.

1. Where am I in this story?

2. Where am I on my journey of faith?

3. Am I hiding from my own healing miracle? Trying to blend in, unnoticed?

4. Do I believe truth or are lies keeping me from embracing the love of Jesus?

5. Will you set yourself at the Beautiful Gate to expect a healing miracle of your own?

Jesus doesn’t hide from you. If you’ve invited him into your heart, He lives within you!

I John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Do you believe? Are you living in moments of expectation, ready to receive more than you can hope for or imagine? Ephesians 3:20

Muster up all your strength and step in front of that Beautiful Gate and tell Jesus that you believe. Expect and receive from Him. He’s waiting.

Dear Jesus, thank you that you are always ready for us! In fact, you are patiently waiting. You love us right where we're at! I pray that those who are experiencing hurt, pain or brokenness in this life, will realize today, that you are here, now, stretching out your hands of mercy and grace so that you may embrace each one with perfect love. May it be so. In your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

*Wikipedia-Beautiful Gate