Sermon Series: The Story Continues

Sermon – “Kingdom Name Dropping” – Acts 3:1-26


In the Name of Jesus


  • Peter and John heading to the temple indicate their continued ties with their Jewish heritage, yet now as followers of Jesus. 

  • The man at the gate before entering the temple is there seeking to get through another day and is asking for something that limits his imagination of what could be. This man is about to get more than he bargained for. 

  • The community of believers are sharing what they have, and Peter offers what he has from the name of Jesus. 

  • His healing takes place outside the temple and indicates the movement of God is moving beyond the institution and into the world around them. 

  • The man jumps up and joins in! He was more than likely not welcome into the temple courts and this also indicates that in the name of Jesus, the kingdom offers a new way. 

  • When Jesus brings our healing in his name, he brings an opportunity of life for others through us.


Lives that Point


  • Peter dives into another sermon. There is a crowd that has gathered and followed along and he starts correlating the names they know to the Name above all names. 

  • He reminds them that when people took the route of violence, Jesus took the path of resurrection and life. 

  • He makes available to them that when the name of Jesus is claimed in faith, everything is different and new. All they need to do is repent, align themselves with Jesus, and join in!

  • Believing in him and in the power of his name is the way to wholeness in this life. 

  • “He (Peter) is understanding the Old Testament as a single great story which was constantly pointing forward to something that God was going to do through Abraham and his family, something that Moses, Samuel, Isaiah and the rest were pointing on towards as well. This great something was the restoration of all things, the tie when everything would be put right at last. And now, he says, it’s happened in Jesus and you can be a part of it! (NT Wright)


Helping the Story Find a Home


  • What we do with the story and message of Jesus really matters. Where we see ourselves in the story of Jesus really matters. How we participate in this story really matters. 

  • The story moves forward in us! When we experience restoration in the name of Jesus, we give glory to the one who has brought that restoration. 

  • Peter was clear in designating that what had happened had all to do with the work of Jesus. 

  • The direction of the story of Jesus should continue its movement through those who have found healing in the name of Jesus. 

(Resources provided by NT Wright Will Willimon, and FF Bruce)


Discussion Questions



  1. When you have heard someone speak “in the name of Jesus,” what has been your familiar level of belief? Has that phrase shaped your faith at all? 

  2. Are we like the man who just assumes life is as it is going to be or do we believe something more is possible?

  3. Why is it so significant that this healing takes place outside the temple? What should that remind us of in our own walks with Jesus?

  4. Do we believe Jesus is the way to wholeness in this life? What are the mini idols that can get in the way of this belief?

  5. How at home is the story of Jesus in your life? Do you feel the story of God is moving forth in your living? Why or why not?