Pastor John Wright

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June 22, 2005

Acts 3:1-11: The Continuation of the Mission of Jesus

For this weeks Bible story, the passage makes for great drama, especially when acted out by experienced, professional actors. So turn your groups into repetory theatres, and have a good time! I'm sure that you can find someone sufficiently "lame" among you! Pay particular attention to the social dynamics of poverty, sickness, and health that come together here.

Please don't think that I have any special points for you "to get". These are just ideas to help focus discussion. Trust the Spirit to inspire you to find your place in the story.

Cast:
Narrator:
The Lame Man:
The Carriers of the Lame Man:
People passing through the Gate of the Temple:
Peter:
John:
People milling the Temple Area:

After acting out the story, several questions arise. Don't feel confined by these?

What is the significance of this taking place at a Gate called "Beautiful"? Both before and after the healing?

What role did the carriers of the lame man play?

What does it tell you that Peter and John had no silver and gold? Is this a bad thing or a good thing?

What is the role of Jesus in this passage?

How does the ex-lame man respond?

Why are people amazed? What has happened between the difference between the man and the people?

How has life changed for the lame man? What is now possible for him?

How does this story relate to the activities of Jesus? What is happening amidst the Spirit-renewed Israel represented in John and Peter? What does this suggest about the continuing mission of the church (and of course, the individuals that form the church as they themselves are formed by the Spirit).

Posted by johnwright at June 22, 2005 8:53 AM

Comments

I thought nobody would want to do it, but we actually did act this little passage out. It was a little goofy, but I think we still got it!

Alison M. pinpointed a good word concerning the barriers that we put up to ward ourselves off from those who make us feel uncomfortable: arbitrary.

We felt that the role of Jesus in this passage was that John and Peter invoked the name of Jesus to bring the lame man to his fullness in creation by healing his ankles.

When the session was over, we were rather compelled about something: we're going to start 30 minutes earlier next Wednesday by meeting at Larry's to be with him for a little while (it's literally a minute's walk away!). We'll see if he wants us to stay to have the Bible study there or not, but either way, after engaging in God's word, we can't imagine not being with him.

I'm quite thankful for these times together!

Posted by: Eric Lee at June 23, 2005 12:28 PM