Meeting The Real Need

Acts 3:1-11

The book of Deuteronomy repeatedly declared that Israel’s occupation of the land God had given them was contingent on their keeping the Mosaic law. Chapters 6-7, and 30-31 give detailed instructions and warnings that failure to keep them would result in the loss of the land. Rejection of that law was grounds for cutting a person off from the people, effectively revoking his citizenship. In addition, as the book of Hebrews explains, the religious rituals and practices commanded in the law pictured various aspects of Christ’s ministry, and Christ himself had lived by these standards.

With such a background, it is not surprising that the Christians continued to worship in the Temple with other Jews, and to keep the law. To witness to the Jews, maintaining a similar lifestyle was essential. They were also aware that Salvation and eternal life were not dependent on the keeping of those laws, but of faith in Jesus Christ, as evidenced in Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost.

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.” (Acts 3:1-3)

Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray, as was the Jewish custom when they encountered the lame beggar at the Temple gate. Having never walked, he had no expectation of doing so. As a result, he just asked for a donation to supply food for a while.

“And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: 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.” (Acts 3:4-7)

Peter had no money to give, but he had something far better to offer. How many times we focus on the immediate apparent need and neglect the real need. What the man really needed was the ability to walk so he could earn his own living. Had Peter had the money, and given it to him. the man would have been satisfied, but his real need would not have been met.

A person who has been injured in a car wreck may need a transfusion to survive, but unless the bleeding is stopped, the transfusion will only delay their death. At the same time, without the transfusion, stopping the bleeding without the transfusion may not save their life. In the same way, helping people with financial, marital, and emotional or spiritual problems requires dealing with both the immediate and the root problems. For example, teaching to forgive will not resolve emotional or marital conflicts unless the guilt or anger that causes the conflict is resolved. Far too often our focus is only on one or the other, and thus is ineffective. While the beggar was not in immediate danger of starvation, Peter could help with the root problem.

“And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.” (Acts 3:8-10)

While the lame man would have been satisfied with a small gift of money, he was thrilled to be healed. Suddenly, the money meant nothing. He could walk and jump and do all the things he’d never been able to do before, and he didn’t have to go through a long rehab program to learn how. Can’t you imagine his joy? He’ must have been like a little child when they are so excited they can’t stand still.

There was no question of a miracle having happened, because the Jews had known his disability all his life, and seen him lying at the gate begging everyday. That he was walking and jumping around clearly demonstrated something had happened. It was the kind of thing they had expected from Jesus, and got the people’s attention. A trust fund to support him for life would have been far less meaningful to either the lame man or the people who knew him. Unfortunately, all a carnal and powerless church can offer is temporary help with immediate problems. Is it any wonder the church has little impact on the world today?