Conversation Guide
What Do You Have?
Christ’s power transforms — through those who know him, for those who need him.
Begin
Begin
Have you ever received something you didn't know you needed—or experienced an unexpected change that turned out to be more significant than what you originally wanted?
Explore
Explore
When Peter and John encountered a man begging at the temple gate, they offered something greater than the money he requested: the transforming power of Jesus. His healing became a sign of the kingdom breaking into the world. The same risen Christ continues his work through Spirit-filled people today, meeting our deepest need for reconciliation with God and sending us to share what we’ve received.
- Where have you noticed Jesus at work in your life recently—perhaps meeting a need, changing your perspective, or drawing you toward something more than you expected?
- Think about the people you encounter regularly. Is there someone whose needs you may have overlooked? What might you have received from Christ that you could offer them?
Read Acts 3:1-10 Peter Heals a Lame Beggar 1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.Acts 3:1-10
- Peter and John saw more than a man asking for money. What stands out to you about how they responded to him, and what does this encounter reveal about the way Jesus sees and meets human need?
Read Acts 3:11-16 Peter Speaks to the Onlookers 11While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.Acts 3:11-16
- Peter immediately directs attention away from himself and toward Jesus. What does this teach us about the relationship between what we have received from Christ and what we can offer others?
Read Acts 3:19-21 19Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. Acts 3:19-21
- Peter connects the man's healing to God's larger promise of forgiveness and restoration. How does this help us see the difference between what we often ask God to change and the deeper transformation he desires for us?
Respond
Respond
This Week
Give what you’ve received. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you notice someone you might otherwise overlook. Take time to listen and understand their needs. Offer whatever practical help you can, and be attentive to opportunities to share the hope and grace you've experienced in Jesus. Remember that you are not responsible for transforming anyone's life. You are called to offer what you have and trust Christ to do what only he can.
Closing Reflection
What is one insight, question, or invitation from this conversation that you want to carry into the coming week?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that you see us in our deepest need and offer more than temporary relief. Open our eyes to the ways you are already at work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Give us compassion to notice others, courage to share what we've received, and faith to trust your transforming power. Amen.