“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

How are we viewed by those who don’t know Jesus? What do they see in our lives? Do they see the compassion of Jesus? Jesus came into the world and saw their need and it moved Him to compassion. “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:25-26) Now the question: do we have the compassion of Jesus? In others words, do we show the love of Jesus?

Peter and John had shown compassion to a lame man. Peter said to the man, “’Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk.” (Acts 3:6-7) Peter then spoke to the crowd about life that comes to them through Jesus.

The Jewish leaders came to them because, “They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.” (Acta 4:2) The Sanhedrin then questioned them concerning their teaching. Peter responded to them with the message of Jesus, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) It is here that they paid attention to the men. While they still had concern over their teaching, they admitted there was a difference about them.

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13) They noticed first their courage. They stood and without hesitation spoke to the charges and then proclaimed their message.  They also took note that they were ordinary men. They we not schooled in the rabbinic ways of the Jewish leaders. They had been working men. We remember they were fishermen when Jesus called to them. Lastly they took note that they had been with Jesus.

The leaders may have remembered Jesus, who as a boy, talked with them as they were amazed at the interaction. Mary and Joseph had been looking for Jesus. “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.” (Luke 2:46-47) They may also have remembered Jesus as He cleansed the Temple. “So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, ‘Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!’” (John 2:15-16) Followed by many encounters with Jesus, especially when He gave them the answer to the greatest commandment. “’Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” (Matthew 22:36-40)

When people who know us, or become acquainted with us, do they see in us compassion? Do they recognize in us the qualities of Jesus? Do they see in us ordinary people who are sinners, that are becoming transformed because we follow Jesus? When we Walk with the Word daily, God is molding us so that Jesus can be seen in our lives. Then we, with compassion and boldness, can tell them of the life we have in Jesus.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block