The Name of Jesus: Acts 3:1-4:12

Turn in your Bibles to Acts 3 (p ).

Our culture loves spirituality—as long as it stays vague and comfortable. Positive energy, mindfulness, ‘my truth,’ even ‘I believe in God—all of that is fine.

You can talk about positive energy, mindfulness, or “finding your own truth.” You can even say you believe in God. Most people are fine with that.

But mention the name of Jesus with any kind of exclusivity, and the atmosphere changes. Because the name of Jesus forces a decision.

Jesus didn’t come to be one option among many. He came to be Lord.

And once Jesus is Lord, that means we’re not. That’s where the tension begins. That’s exactly what we see in Acts 3 and 4.

A man crippled from birth is healed in the name of Jesus. People are saved in the name of Jesus. And the religious leaders are furious—not because of the miracle, but because of the name connected to it.

Today’s message is all about THE NAME OF JESUS. And what we’re going to see: The name of Jesus meets needs.

The name of Jesus demands a response.

And the name of Jesus faces opposition.

But above it all, one truth stands clear: there is power in the name of Jesus.

Let’s see how it all plays out—Acts 3:1-10

READ: Acts 3:1–10

The first thing we see is this—

The Name of Jesus Meets Needs (Acts 3:1-10)

Peter and John are headed to the temple for prayer—just an ordinary day, faithfully walking with God.

And often, that’s where ministry happens—not in spotlight moments or planned events, but in everyday moments when followers of Jesus notice hurting people.

In v2, we meet a man who had been lame from birth. Every day, people carried him to the temple gate to beg for money. That’s how he made his living.

This wasn’t temporary hardship. This was his life. Day after day, people walked past him. He had become part of the scenery—close to the temple, close to religion, yet still broken.

And honestly Church, there are people like that all around us. There are people carrying wounds nobody else can see, people who have become so good at masking the pain that nobody even realizes how broken they are.

But Peter and John didn’t walk past him. v4 says Peter looked straight at him, as did John. They saw him—not as an interruption, but as a person made in the image of God with dignity and value.

One of the clearest signs that the Spirit of God is changing your heart is that you begin truly seeing people—especially the hurting, overlooked, and ignored.

Before Jesus changes us, people can feel inconvenient or messy. But when God changes your heart, you stop walking past people in need and start moving toward them with compassion.

Then v6 gives us one of the most powerful lines in Acts. The man asks for money, and Peter says: Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.

I love Peter’s honesty. “I can’t give you what you expected—but I can give you Jesus.”

Church, God has never asked us to give what we don’t have. He asks us to faithfully offer what we do have. And the greatest thing the church has to offer the world is not buildings, budgets, or programs. It’s Jesus.

Money can relieve problems for a while. Education can create opportunities. Medicine can treat symptoms. But only Jesus transforms the heart and forgives sin.

And this is where the Great Commission becomes practical. Jesus said, “As you go, make disciples.” As you go to work…as you go to school…as you go through everyday life.

Peter and John were simply going to prayer when they met a man in need.

And instantly, everything changed. The man jumped to his feet, began walking, leaping, and praising God. The one once carried by others was now rejoicing before the Lord.

That’s what Jesus does. He doesn’t just improve people—He transforms them.

Let me tell you about Sarah in our church. For years she battled deep anxiety and shame from past decisions. She came to our Easter service last year broken, hoping maybe God could give her some peace.

But on that day she met Jesus. She repented and was baptized right here. Six months later she told me, 'Adam, I thought I just needed my anxiety to go away. Jesus did something better—He gave me His peace and a new identity. I’m not just coping anymore. I’m free.’

Church, that’s the power of Jesus. Like the lame man at the gate, Sarah thought she needed relief. Jesus gave her transformation.

He steps into our helplessness and does for us what we could never do.

Sometimes we ask for relief, and Jesus brings transformation. Or we ask Him to remove the struggle, and instead He gives us His presence and strength to endure.

Because He knows—our deepest need is not financial, physical, or relational. Our deepest need is Jesus.

We’ve already seen 31 people this year respond to Jesus and put their full trust in Him in baptism. Every one of them is proof that Jesus is still meeting needs and changing lives.

So as you go—notice people. Meet needs where you can. But don’t stop there. Point them to Jesus, because only He can meet their deepest need.

Truth #2—

The Name of Jesus Demands a Response (Acts 3:11-19)

READ: Acts 3:11-19

The miracle created a scene. Crowds came running when they saw the man who had once begged at the gate now walking, jumping, and praising God.

And you’ve seen this too—when Jesus truly changes someone, people notice. The addict finds freedom. The angry become gentle. The hopeless find joy. And people start asking questions.

But the miracle was never the point. It was a bridge to the message.

So Peter immediately redirects their attention. v12: Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” [Acts 3:12]

Peter says, “Don’t look at us. Look at Jesus.”

Then he gets bold: “You handed Him over…You disowned the Holy and Righteous One…You killed the author of life.”

Peter doesn’t soften the truth, this is just good preaching—because before people can appreciate grace, they have to recognize their guilt.

But good preaching doesn’t stop with guilt. Peter says in v15, “You killed the author of life, but God raised Him from the dead.” [Acts 3:15] That’s the good news of the gospel!

The cross paid for sin. The empty tomb declares that Jesus reigns. And because He reigns, the name of Jesus demands a response.

v19 “Repent, then (Peter says), and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

The name of Jesus demands a response. Not casual interest. Not distant admiration. Repentance. Surrender. Faith.

You cannot encounter the risen Christ and remain neutral.

Sin exhausts us. Trying to save ourselves exhausts us. But Jesus brings forgiveness, freedom, peace, and what Peter calls “times of refreshing from the Lord.” Anyone in need of that today?

Every person must eventually answer the question: What will my response to Jesus be? Will I continue living for myself?

Will I keep delaying obedience?

Will I keep carrying shame Jesus already died to forgive?

Or will I finally surrender and follow Him?

Because the name of Jesus doesn’t just improve lives. It changes eternities. And the response is clear: repent—turn to God—and receive life in His name.

But not everyone responds that way, because what we see next is:

The Name of Jesus Faces Opposition (Acts 4:1-12)

READ: Acts 4:1-12

When the name of Jesus is boldly proclaimed, some believe and are transformed while others oppose it.

And notice who got angry: the priests, the temple guard, and especially the Sadducees. These weren’t pagan outsiders. These were the religious professionals. They had the Scriptures, they had the temple, they had the rituals—but they rejected the resurrection and the lordship of Jesus.

That shouldn’t surprise us. The gospel comforts the afflicted but afflicts the comfortable. It offers grace but demands surrender.

So the priests, the temple guard, and the Sadducees were greatly disturbed because the apostles were proclaiming resurrection in the name of Jesus. Peter and John are arrested—but even in chains, the gospel kept advancing—three thousand at Pentecost became about five thousand. Opposition didn’t stop the mission. It often spread it.

The next day they’re dragged before the religious leaders and asked, “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answers—this is an Acts 1:8, witness moment: “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead that this man stands before you healed…Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” [Acts 4:10-12]

And this is the moment. The miracle. The sermon. The opposition. The interrogation. Everything in this story builds to this declaration: There is no other name.

Jesus is not one way among many. He is the way. He lived the life we couldn’t live, He died the death we deserved, and rose victorious over the grave. Salvation is found in Him alone.

Our culture wants to say all paths lead to God, but Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [John 14:6] And that is exclusive—He’s the only way.

But it’s also incredibly inclusive—ANYONE who comes to Him can be saved.

Still, many resist that truth because the name of Jesus confronts our pride. It calls us to stop trying to save ourselves and surrender fully to Him.

So don’t be surprised when opposition comes. It doesn’t mean the mission is failing. In Acts, opposition often meant the gospel was, in fact, advancing.

Stand firm, then. Speak with courage. Love people well. And don’t water down the name of Jesus to make it more acceptable. Because there is still no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.

So what do we do with all of this? If the name of Jesus still meets needs, demands a response, and overcomes opposition—then the takeaway for us today is clear: CARRY THE NAME OF JESUS— wherever you go.

Parents—carry the name of Jesus in your home. Your kids are growing up in a world that says truth is whatever they feel. Teach them there is no other name. Pray with them. Read the Bible with them. Let them see you live it.

Students and young adults—carry His name on campus and in the workplace even when it costs you social standing or opportunities. Your quiet integrity and bold kindness can be the miracle someone else needs to see.

Those of you who have been followers for a long time— some of you have grown weary or quiet. Don’t let familiarity with the name of Jesus dull your awe. Ask the Holy Spirit to rekindle your boldness like He did for Peter and John and carry His name to your neighbors.

The same Holy Spirit who filled Peter and John has filled you. Like Peter and John—CARRY THE NAME OF JESUS into ordinary life. CARRY HIS NAME—because people’s deepest need is Jesus.

As you go through your days—see people. Love people. Serve people. Pray for people. Help people. But don’t stop there. When the opportunity arises, speak up—good news is meant to be shared. Point people to Jesus.

And yes—sometimes carrying His name will bring opposition. It did in Acts 4 and it still does today.

But church—we do not need to apologize for the name of Jesus because there is still power in the name of Jesus.

There is power in His name for the parent praying for a prodigal.

There is power in His name for the person trapped in addiction.

There is power in His name for the grieving heart.

There is power in His name for the anxious mind that cannot quiet itself at night.

There is power in His name for the person buried under shame and convinced that they’ve gone too far from God.

Because Jesus still saves. He still breaks chains, softens hard hearts, restores broken lives, and raises spiritually dead people to life.

And for anyone here who has never surrendered—today is the day to respond.

Maybe you’ve admired Jesus from a distance.

Maybe you’ve delayed surrender.

Maybe you’ve spent years trying to fix yourself, carry your shame, or save yourself.

But Acts 3 & 4 remind us there is no other name that saves. So repent. Put your trust in Jesus. Be baptized in His name. The name that saved the lame man and raised Jesus from the dead can save you too.

Because there is still power in the name of Jesus—and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. [Romans 10:13]

PRAY.

COMMUNION

Hey, before we close today, let’s come back to the place where the power of Jesus’ name was displayed most clearly—not at the Beautiful Gate, but at the cross and the empty tomb.

Because Jesus didn’t come just to help us cope with life—He came to conquer sin and save us.

His body was pierced for our sin.

His blood was poured out for our forgiveness.

And three days later, He walked out of the grave in victory over sin, Satan, and death. That’s why there is power in the name of Jesus.

As we take the bread together, remember the body of Christ given for you—the Savior who willingly went to the cross so your sins could be forgiven and your life could be made new. [Eat bread]

And now the cup—representing the blood of Jesus poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Because of His sacrifice, we are not condemned—we are redeemed. [Drink juice]

PRAY.