BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

On the way to the temple, Peter and John notice a man unable to walk. His disability prevents him from earning income, so he begs daily at the temple gate. Peter and John respond with compassion and ask God to heal his feet and ankles. He jumps to his feet, praising God.
Today’s reading shows the Holy Spirit on the move, blessing the world through the new Jesus community. Watch today’s video to learn more about the Holy Spirit, who empowers Jesus’ growing kingdom.
The disciples’ miraculous healing sparks curiosity in the crowd, so Peter offers some helpful teaching. But as we’ve seen, many religious leaders misunderstand this work as something God would oppose. Some try to arrest and silence the disciples. They haven’t figured out that silencing Jesus did not work.
Peter stays true to Jesus’ way and asks a provocative question: Should I obey God or you? Peter once denied the Messiah when his life was on the line, but life in God’s Spirit has strengthened him to be compelled by love rather than fear.
As the community grows, they pool their possessions and provide for each other by holding all things in common. The Spirit-infused community of God’s people lives with courageous generosity that’s rooted in the trust that God abundantly provides. The result—there was not a needy person among them—recalling the promise of Deuteronomy 15:4: “... there should be no poor person among you, for the Lord will surely bless you in the land he is giving you …”
God’s Spirit-led Kingdom is truly good news for all humanity, including the poor.
Reflection Questions
- Read the account of Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:16-17. Compare the presence of the Spirit (above the baptism waters) in this scene with the presence of the Spirit (above the chaotic waters) in Genesis 1:1-3. How might this comparison help us see that Jesus is the beginning of a new creation? Where do you see Jesus’ disciples continuing to bring life out of chaos and decay through the Spirit’s power in today’s reading?
- Take a moment to review Jesus’ public mission statement in Luke 4:16-21. How does the church carry this mission forward in today’s passage?
Scripture
About this Plan

Read through the Bible in one year with BibleProject! One Story That Leads to Jesus includes daily devotional content, reflection questions, and more than 150 animated videos to bring biblical books and themes to life. Join the growing community around the globe who are learning to see the Bible as one unified story that leads to Jesus.
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