We come to a miraculous healing passage. Peter and John are going to the temple to pray when a man calls out to them. He has been "lame from birth," and he asks for alms. But Peter and John have no money, so they give him something even better. Stories like this invite the thought: does the Church still have something better to offer today? This man began with very low expectations (and probably a healthy dose of cynicism) yet ended up dancing with joy. Most of us may not be "lame from birth" but I imagine we still share some of his cynicism and his yearning for real joy. How do we get that kind of miracle? Let's talk about Jumping for Joy.

Discussion Questions

In some cultures and situations, people will do anything to get to church, for teaching and fellowship. Are the urgency and eagerness lost for good here in our free society and indulgent culture? Russ opened with the Apostle Paul enduring prison and persecution while focusing on Christ. How would you characterize your motivation and practices about going to church?

We tend to have low expectations. The lame beggar wanted money, but he got much more from Peter and John (Acts 3:6). As you assess your main priorities and routine, what are you hoping to achieve or acquire? "If I had these things, I’d be alright." Now having heard the sermon, are there better goals for you to pursue? Would your expectations be raised in any way for God, yourself, or others?

What is your experience with shame? How can we cope with or manage shame? What exactly is shame? Can you tell a personal story about shame, or is it too difficult (i.e., ashamed)? Is there a greater gravitational force that keeps us down than shame, or is that the biggie? (Genesis 2:25)

Now, what is your experience with joy? We’ve all felt good, happy, or euphoric. But what does it mean to have joy in Jesus? (Acts 3:8-10) Do you live with more shame or more joy in your life?

Underneath diets, clothes, and vacations is a desire for newness. Can you identify what you’re trying to recover or renew, in whatever you tend to pursue apart from Christ? What is the mess, mistake, disappointment, or tragedy you'd like to cover over or replace? Can you imagine swimming toward a shark so as not to behave like prey?

Gospel: What are you worth? What gives a person value? Most are quick to be self-deprecating, which can be exaggerated or out of balance. Yet Paul called himself the chief among sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) So do you beat yourself up too much, or rightfully so? Is there another way to change this self-talk into more of a Gospel orientation that’s balanced and encouraging? (1 Timothy 1:16) Talk about the ring in the toilet.

What did you need to hear in the sermon or during this conversation?