What Power Do You Want? – September 11, 2024

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now 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. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then 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.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they 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

What Power Do You Want?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

If you could be a superhero, what superpower would you have?

Comics and superheroes are popular. This is a fun question that many people try to answer. It makes you think about what you could do with more power. The answers most people give usually fixes something they want or need. But this question leaves out a part of many superhero stories: most superheroes did not go looking for power; they are given it.

In the early church, God gave special power to his apostles to help them spread the gospel of Jesus. In our Bible reading today, we see the power that God gave to Peter. He was able to heal a man who was lame, which means that he could not walk. This man had never been able to walk, and there was little that humans could do for him. But the power of God could do something. Peter healed him by God’s power.

So, what power do you want from God? Jesus walked on water, calmed storms, and walked through a crowd. He and his disciples healed all kinds of diseases. God could give any kind of power. But that wasn’t the true power.

The true power was the name that Peter used, Jesus Christ. The most powerful thing that Peter brought to that man and to the crowd was the name of Jesus. The healing power came from the name of Jesus. But even more, the name of Jesus is where salvation comes from.

So, what superpower do you want from God? He has already given you one, the name of Jesus. He doesn’t promise that you will be able to heal people like Peter, but God has given you salvation through Jesus. He gives you the forgiveness of sins, and that is a power you can give to other people. You have a superpower; you have the name of Jesus.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for giving us the power of your Word. Through your Son, Jesus, you have given us forgiveness, life, and salvation. Help us give this to other people. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What superpower do you want?
• What has Jesus done for you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why is the name of Jesus powerful in your life?
• Give two examples of how Jesus used his power in the Bible.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• In your own words, describe how you can use God’s Word in your life.
• Why is the power of God’s Word better than even a “superpower”?