Mooing the Master: Mirroring Jesus in Our Lives

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus is the Answer to Our Deepest Needs

In the story of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, we see a person who had spent his life dependent on others, asking for just enough to survive. Yet, when Peter and John encounter him, they offer not what he expects, but what he truly needs: healing and wholeness in the name of Jesus. This reminds us that while we may seek temporary solutions or comfort, Jesus offers us transformation and a flourishing life beyond mere survival. He is the answer to our deepest needs, and through Him, we can experience true restoration and joy. [14:41]

Acts 3:1-10 (ESV)
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Reflection: Where in your life are you settling for “just enough” when Jesus wants to bring you true wholeness and joy? Will you ask Him today to meet your deepest need, not just your immediate want?

Day 2: Faith in Action—Reaching Out Like Jesus

Peter didn’t just speak healing over the lame man; he reached out his hand and helped him up, mirroring the very actions of Jesus. True faith is not passive—it moves us to act, to reach out, and to help others experience the transforming power of Christ. Sometimes, God calls us not only to pray for others but to be the hands that lift them up, to step out in faith and participate in His miracles. Consider how you might be called to put your faith into action today, reaching out to someone in need. [15:32]

James 2:14-17 (ESV)
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Reflection: Who is God nudging you to reach out to this week—not just in prayer, but with a practical act of love or encouragement?

Day 3: Mirroring the Master—Living Like Jesus

Peter’s actions at the Beautiful Gate and on the water show us what it means to mirror Jesus. He saw what Jesus did—reaching out, lifting up, loving without reservation—and he did the same. We are called not just to ask, “What would Jesus do?” but to actually do what Jesus did, to reflect His character and compassion in our daily lives. As we mirror the Master, we become agents of His kingdom, bringing hope and healing to those around us. [25:08]

Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can intentionally mirror Jesus’ love and compassion to someone in your community today?

Day 4: Unity and Community—The Power of Togetherness

The early church flourished because believers were united in purpose, sharing what they had, meeting needs, and worshipping together. This unity was not just about being together physically, but about having a common focus on Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to bind them in love and generosity. When we live in true community, supporting and encouraging one another, God’s kingdom grows and lives are changed. [08:47]

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Reflection: How can you contribute to deeper unity and generosity in your church or small group this week?

Day 5: Stepping Out in Faith—Overcoming Doubt and Fear

When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus, he began to sink when he focused on the wind and waves. Yet, Jesus immediately reached out and saved him, gently challenging his doubt. Like Peter, we are often called to step out in faith, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Jesus is always ready to catch us, to encourage us, and to help us grow in faith as we trust Him more deeply. [22:41]

Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV)
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Reflection: What step of faith is God inviting you to take right now, even if it feels risky or uncertain? Will you trust Him to meet you as you step out?

Sermon Summary

What a joy it is to gather together in worship, knowing that this is just a foretaste of the eternal praise we will share in God’s presence. Today, we reflected on the story of Peter and John at the Beautiful Gate in Acts 3, where a man, lame from birth, encountered not just human kindness, but the transforming power of Jesus. This man’s life had been one of dependence and survival, carried daily to beg at the temple gate. Yet, God’s desire for us is not mere survival, but flourishing—lives marked by wholeness, praise, and purpose.

Peter and John, ordinary men empowered by the Holy Spirit, did not offer what the man expected—silver or gold—but what they had: the name and authority of Jesus. Peter’s faith was not passive; he reached out, took the man’s hand, and helped him up. This act of faith mirrored the very actions of Jesus, who, when Peter faltered on the water, reached out and lifted him up. The call is clear: we are to mirror the Master, not just in belief, but in action—reaching out, lifting up, and inviting others into the fullness of life that Jesus offers.

It’s easy to read these stories and let them become familiar, but God’s Word is never ordinary. Sometimes, it takes a fresh question or a new perspective to see what God is highlighting for us today. Are we listening to the real needs around us? Are we willing to be the hands that reach out, not just praying for change, but stepping into the moment to invite, to help, to act? The challenge is not just to ask, “What would Jesus do?” but to remember, “What did Jesus do?” and to follow in His steps.

God places us in our communities, in our churches, and in our workplaces for a reason. The unity and generosity of the early church were not just ideals, but practical expressions of God’s love. As we mirror Jesus, we become conduits of His grace, helping others move from the margins to the center of God’s story—lives transformed, communities renewed, and the kingdom of God established in our midst.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s desire is for us to flourish, not just survive. The man at the Beautiful Gate was carried daily to beg, but God’s heart was for him to rise, walk, and praise. We must ask ourselves if we are settling for survival when God is inviting us into a life of wholeness and joy. [11:34]
2. Mirroring Jesus means active faith, not passive belief. Peter didn’t just speak healing; he reached out and lifted the man up, embodying the compassion and power of Christ. Our faith must move us to action, especially when God nudges us to be the answer to someone’s prayer. [14:41]
3. Sometimes, the answer to our prayers is participation. Like the friend who prayed for years but never invited her colleague to church, we can miss the simple step God is asking us to take. Prayer is vital, but so is obedience to act when God prompts us. [17:49]
4. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things when we are united and available. Peter and John were not spiritual superstars, but dedicated followers who allowed God to work through them. The early church’s unity and generosity were the soil in which miracles and growth flourished. [10:26]
5. Mirroring the Master is about reflecting Jesus in our context, wherever He has placed us. Whether in our local church, our community, or our workplace, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus—reaching out, lifting up, and inviting others into His kingdom. [25:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - The Joy of Worship and Eternity
[01:03] - Reflections from Youth Ministry
[02:04] - Fresh Perspectives on Familiar Scripture
[03:19] - Reading Acts 3:1-10
[05:17] - The Beauty of the Gate and Its Meaning
[06:32] - Context: After Pentecost and the Early Church
[08:27] - Unity and Generosity in the Early Church
[10:17] - Peter and John: Ordinary Followers, Extraordinary Faith
[11:34] - The Lame Man’s Life and God’s Greater Desire
[12:51] - Listening to Real Needs and Offering Jesus
[14:41] - Faith in Action: Reaching Out and Lifting Up
[16:08] - When Prayer Needs Action
[18:22] - Mirroring the Master: Peter and Jesus
[19:03] - Peter Walks on Water: Lessons in Faith and Doubt
[23:11] - Parallels Between Acts and Matthew
[25:08] - What Did Jesus Do? Mirroring Him Today
[26:20] - Called to Our Communities
[29:33] - Final Challenge: Mirror the Master

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 3:1-10 (ESV) — Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV) — [Optional for further discussion, as referenced in the sermon.]

Observation Questions

What was the daily routine of the man at the Beautiful Gate, and how did it shape his expectations for life?
When Peter and John encountered the man, what did he expect to receive from them, and what did they actually offer?
How did Peter physically respond to the man’s need after speaking to him?
What was the immediate reaction of the man and the people around him after he was healed?

Interpretation Questions

The man at the gate was used to surviving by depending on others. What does this story suggest about God’s desire for people—mere survival or something more?
Peter didn’t just pray for the man; he reached out and helped him up. What does this teach about the difference between passive belief and active faith?
The sermon mentioned that sometimes the answer to our prayers is participation. How does this challenge the way people usually think about prayer and action?
Peter and John were described as ordinary men. What does their example say about who God can use to do extraordinary things?

Application Questions

The man at the gate was used to just getting by. Are there areas in your life where you feel you are just surviving instead of flourishing? What would it look like to invite God to bring wholeness and joy into those areas?
Peter and John listened to the real need of the man, not just what he asked for. In your daily life, how can you become more attentive to the real needs of people around you, rather than just their surface requests?
The sermon shared a story about someone who prayed for a friend for years but never invited them to church. Is there someone in your life you’ve been praying for, but haven’t yet taken a step to invite, help, or act? What’s holding you back, and what simple step could you take this week?
Peter’s faith moved him to action—he reached out and lifted the man up. Can you think of a recent situation where you felt a nudge to act but hesitated? What would it look like to respond with active faith next time?
The early church was marked by unity and generosity. What is one practical way you can contribute to unity or generosity in your church or community this month?
The sermon challenged us to “mirror the Master” in our own context—at home, work, or church. Where do you sense God calling you to be His hands and feet right now? What might that look like in a specific relationship or situation?
Sometimes, God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Do you ever feel “too ordinary” to be used by God? How does the story of Peter and John encourage you to step out in faith?

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does it mean to mirror Jesus in daily life

How can believers actively help others flourish spiritually

What lessons from Peter's actions demonstrate faith in action