Jesus at the Beautiful Gate

s.3:1  Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.  2 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; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alm.

This man was lame since his birth.  All the people knew who he was, the lame beggar at the gate called Beautiful.  Many people had known him for his whole life and could testify that he was, indeed, a crippled baby, child, and adult.  There was no mistaking him for someone else.

 

4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 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.

The disciples often traveled with no money.  They depended on the generosity of those in place they visited to live.  They offered things money cannot buy; living water, and the bread of life. 

7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and anklebones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 

When Jesus pulled the man up from his mat, his anklebones became strong.  This in itself is a miracle.  Someone carried the man daily to the gate where he begged.  His legs would never have developed and he certainly would have needed extensive therapy to learn to walk.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 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.

Immediately he walked.  Not only that, but he leaped into the air and ran, praising God all the way.  This was a miracle.  Jesus did the impossible.  He still does today. 

 What miracle do you need in your life?  Does it sound impossible?  Think of a crippled man leaping and running.  That was impossible.  All things are possible with God.  Jesus is at the gate in your life.  He is waiting for you to open it and let Him enter.