Living as Disciples: Imitating Christ's Compassion and Love

Today, we journeyed through the second half of Acts 9, exploring what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus. The story began by recalling how Jesus called ordinary people—fishermen like Peter—to follow him, to walk so closely behind him that they would be covered in the dust of his feet. This ancient image from the Mishnah captures the heart of discipleship: not just learning information, but being transformed to live as the rabbi lives, to imitate his ways in every aspect of life.

As we followed Peter’s travels westward from Jerusalem, we saw the gospel moving into new territory, bringing the church closer to the Gentile world. In Lydda, Peter encountered Aeneas, a man paralyzed for eight years. Echoing what he had seen Jesus do years before, Peter called Aeneas by name and announced healing in the name of Jesus Christ. The miracle was not just a display of power, but a sign of compassion and a pointer to the ultimate restoration that awaits all believers. Yet, it’s important to remember that not every suffering person was healed that day—miracles are rare, and most days are ordinary. The book of Acts, like our social media feeds, often shows us the highlight reel, but God is just as present in the quiet, unremarkable days.

The story then moved to Joppa, where Peter was called to the bedside of Tabitha, a disciple known for her constant good works and care for the poor. When she died, the community’s grief was profound, a testament to the love she had poured out. Peter, again imitating Jesus, prayed and called her back to life, just as he had seen his master do. But the story is not just about Peter’s miracles. Tabitha herself is called a disciple—the only time the feminine form is used in the New Testament—reminding us that discipleship is for everyone. Her legacy was not in grand acts, but in the simple, tangible ways she loved others: making clothes for widows, serving the vulnerable, and living out the compassion of Jesus.

These stories challenge us to consider what it means to follow Jesus today. Most of us will not perform miracles like Peter, but all of us can live like Tabitha—serving, loving, and leaving a legacy of Christlike compassion. In the end, the greatest miracle is a life transformed to look like Jesus, so that when we are gone, people see Christ in the love we have shown.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Discipleship is about imitation, not just information. The goal is not to accumulate knowledge, but to be so close to Jesus that his ways become our ways. True discipleship means learning to pray, respond, and love as Jesus did, allowing his character to shape every part of our lives. [36:50]
• 2. Miracles are rare glimpses of the coming kingdom, not everyday occurrences. The book of Acts gives us a highlight reel, but most days are ordinary, and many prayers seem unanswered. These miracles point us to the ultimate hope: the day when Jesus returns and all will be healed and restored. [47:34]
• 3. The authority and power for ministry come from Jesus, not ourselves. Peter did not heal by his own strength, but in the name of Jesus Christ. Our calling is to be faithful and obedient, trusting that God’s power works through us as we point others to him. [46:07]
• 4. Discipleship is for everyone—men and women, young and old. Tabitha is named as a disciple in the feminine form, showing that the call to follow Jesus and imitate his life is universal. Her example reminds us that every act of service, no matter how small, is a vital part of God’s kingdom. [57:52]
• 5. The legacy of a disciple is measured by love, not by miracles. Tabitha’s life was marked by practical acts of compassion—making clothes for widows, caring for the poor. When she died, her absence was deeply felt because she had loved so well. Our challenge is to live so that Christ’s love is visible in us, and people miss his presence when we are gone. [67:58]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [33:42] - The Image of Discipleship: Covered in the Dust
• [35:16] - The Goal of Discipleship: Living Like the Rabbi
• [36:50] - Discipleship Beyond Knowledge
• [37:32] - The Disciples Begin to Look Like Jesus
• [38:47] - Peter Heals Aeneas in Lydda
• [42:13] - Peter’s Memory: Jesus Heals the Paralyzed
• [46:07] - The Authority of Jesus in Healing
• [47:34] - Miracles and the Highlight Reel of Acts
• [51:01] - The Raising of Tabitha
• [53:01] - Peter Imitates Jesus in Raising the Dead
• [57:52] - Tabitha: A Female Disciple’s Legacy
• [60:03] - The Grief and Impact of Tabitha’s Life
• [64:20] - The Meaning of Tabitha’s Good Works
• [67:58] - Living a Life Worth Missing
• [74:38] - Reflections on Resurrection and Hope
• [76:40] - Benediction and Sending

Bible Reading

Acts 9:32-43 (ESV) — 32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.
34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose.
35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.
37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.”
39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

Observation Questions

1. What did Peter say to Aeneas when he healed him, and whose authority did he claim for the healing? ([46:07])
2. What details are given about Tabitha’s life and reputation among the believers in Joppa? ([57:52])
3. How did the widows respond to Tabitha’s death, and what did they show Peter when he arrived? ([01:04:20])
4. After the miracles in Lydda and Joppa, what was the response of the people in those towns? ([38:47])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter was careful to say, “Jesus Christ heals you” instead of claiming the miracle for himself? What does this show about the source of power in ministry? ([46:07])
2. The sermon mentioned that not everyone was healed and that miracles are rare, even in Acts. What does this suggest about how we should view miracles and ordinary days in our own lives? ([47:34])
3. Tabitha is called a disciple in the feminine form, the only time in the New Testament. What does this tell us about who is called to follow Jesus and what discipleship looks like? ([57:52])
4. The widows showed Peter the clothes Tabitha had made for them. What does this reveal about the kind of legacy Tabitha left behind, and how does it compare to the legacy of someone like Scrooge, as mentioned in the sermon? ([01:04:20])

Application Questions

1. The sermon described discipleship as being “covered in the dust of your rabbi”—walking so closely with Jesus that his ways become your ways. What is one area of your life where you want to imitate Jesus more closely? What would it look like to take a practical step in that area this week? ([33:42])
2. Most of us won’t perform miracles like Peter, but we can all serve like Tabitha. What is one simple, tangible way you could show Christlike compassion to someone in need this month? ([01:07:58])
3. The sermon pointed out that miracles are rare and most days are ordinary. How do you respond when your prayers seem to go unanswered or when life feels unremarkable? How can you remind yourself that God is present in the ordinary? ([47:34])
4. Tabitha’s legacy was measured by love, not by miracles. If you were to be remembered for one thing, what would you want it to be? What changes might you need to make to move toward that kind of legacy? ([01:07:58])
5. The widows’ grief showed how deeply Tabitha’s acts of service impacted their lives. Who in your life has shown you Christlike love in practical ways? How can you express your gratitude or follow their example? ([01:04:20])
6. The sermon said that the authority and power for ministry come from Jesus, not ourselves. Are there areas where you feel pressure to “do it all” in your own strength? How can you practice relying on Jesus’ power instead? ([46:07])
7. Discipleship is for everyone—men and women, young and old. Is there someone you know who might feel left out or overlooked in the church? What could you do to encourage them or include them in the life of the community? ([57:52])