The Court of Fools

00:00:00 Speaker 1: For we can't help telling the things which we saw and heard Acts four twenty. Heavenly Father, your love and faithfulness are undeniable, and we are compelled to proclaim your greatness. Thank you for the countless ways you have blessed us, for your presence in our lives, and for the hope that you bring. We are in awe of your mighty works, from the beauty of creation to the gift of salvation. Through Jesus. Fill our hearts with joy and gratitude that we may always speak of your goodness to others. Let our lives be a testimony to your love, grace, and truth that you are forever worthy of praise. In Jesus name, we pray Amen. Thank you for praying with me to day your listening to the Jesus part. Remain here for our mini series on the birth of the Church. If this podcast has blessed you, we would love it if you left a review. Doing so makes a huge impact on our team. Peter and John watched Ira escort Tertza out of the temple courts with immense satisfaction. They resumed their discussion with the crowd, answering questions and sharing the same lessons and parables Jesus had once shared with the disciples. Life in the spirit was unprecedented, and their soul's contentment and listening to his indescribable promptings was unmatched. 00:01:44 Speaker 2: Oh that never gets old. I'd capture moments like this in a bottle if I could. It does make me miss Jesus, though I know he's with us in spirit, but it's still different. 00:01:58 Speaker 3: But I know that doesn't mean it's bad. 00:02:00 Speaker 1: Peter appreciated John's willingness to process his emotions not loud. He had always aimed to be more stoic in his mental proceedings, believing the strong, succinct type was more fitting of the rock of the group. Despite his inner wrestling, he did his best to be what he assumed others wanted him to be. But ever since his restoration, he had learned that he didn't need to be anything but what Jesus called him to be. He let his guard down and happily reciprocated John's honesty. 00:02:32 Speaker 4: I can definitely see why Jesus said having his spirit would be better, but I can't say i'd call it easier. But I suppose he never promised it would be easy. Gist better and that's more than enough for me. 00:02:50 Speaker 3: Well, it looks like the Lord will put that to the test. 00:02:53 Speaker 2: It appears we have some familiar company. 00:02:59 Speaker 5: If you want to live the life of Jesus, you have to expect to be treated like Jesus. And that's for better or for worse. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach from Praye dot com. Here to guide you through another story inspired by the Book of Acts. How's the Book of Acts about Jesus? You may ask everything. The Book of Acts shows us how we the church people mobilized by the Spirit of Christ, are an extension of Jesus's ministry. Today we're diving into a story inspired by Acts four, verses one through twenty two, where we find Peter and John on trial not for a crime, but for a miracle. They healed a man, and you'd think that that would be cost for celebration, right. Wrong. Not for the religious leaders anyways. No, they're deeply disturbed because Peter and John are preaching about Jesus and more scandalously, about his resurrection from the dead. 00:03:54 Speaker 6: You there, are you responsible for this? What cause could be so impotant to create such a disturbance in the Lord's house. 00:04:04 Speaker 1: The apostles glanced knowingly at one another they had witnessed Jesus addressed these exact types of questions without revealing an ounce so fear Peter and John mimicked their master's confidence. In their younger years, they would have attributed such brute boldness to naivete. But the warm washing of immense serenity their hearts felt told them that this was nothing shy of the spirit within them. 00:04:32 Speaker 2: By the power of Jesus of Nazareth, a lame man was healed this day, and by that same power the dead shall be raised to life. We stand here today preaching repentance and the Kingdom of God. 00:04:47 Speaker 1: The Sadducees scoffed at John, spitting in derision. 00:04:52 Speaker 4: We know not of a. 00:04:53 Speaker 6: Lame man being healed, but to claim the dead should be raised in life, young man, and surely any respecting Jew knows there's no such resurrection of the dead, not of the Lord's doing. At least pronounce your words and move on before things get any worse. 00:05:14 Speaker 1: He hissed his venomous threat with a smug grin. The Saddescee knew the chain of authority gave him the present advantage. 00:05:23 Speaker 2: We cannot deny the work of God nor the truth of his word. Do what you must, but we will not renounce Jesus or his gospel. 00:05:32 Speaker 1: The Saddescee demanded the temple guard carve a path through the people at once. They coerced the people to move aside. The gleeful crowd quickly turned to panic. Worrying that they would be the next targets. They dispersed like doves released from their cages. As they took flight. Many of their fears subsided as they considered the Apostle's teachings. Unbeknownst to Peter and John, hundreds of them would come to believe. As they watched the people flutter away in escape, they sensed that they likely wouldn't fare the same fate. The temple guards emerged through the throngs of people, followed by the Sadducees and priests. The apostles accusers swung around the others and stood face to face with them. He breathed a terse warning down at the apostles. 00:06:24 Speaker 6: Renounce your words. 00:06:26 Speaker 2: Or else we cannot and will not deny the resurrection of Jesus or his people. If you were to silence us, even the rocks would cry out. 00:06:39 Speaker 6: We shall see about that. Gods seize them for contempt. 00:06:44 Speaker 1: Two of the guards menacingly stepped forward, casting their shields to the ground. They quickly bound Peter and John's hands. The leather strands coiled tightly around their wrists, nearly cutting off circulation. But even more so, they feared it was cutting off their hope of preaching any more. That day, the two apostles were led off towards an opening set into the inner stone wall of the courtyard. With each footstep, the two men prepared for the worst. The ten other apostles casually made their way out of the innermost courtyard of the temple. Following their prayers, They heard the thrumming of heavy footsteps and turned to watch a trail of temple guards march through a side door. 00:07:33 Speaker 4: Loops like someone isn't having a good day. 00:07:36 Speaker 3: Yeah, but let's be glad it isn't one of us. 00:07:39 Speaker 4: If I didn't know he was at the Mount of Olives with your brother out of guests, John had gotten into trouble again. No, I will admit with aged they certainly sent it down. 00:07:50 Speaker 1: The two chuckled as only older brothers can, reminiscing of Peter and John's younger days when they had a propensity for Shenanigan's. 00:07:59 Speaker 3: Speak of I'm surprised they didn't make it for prayer. Hopefully they're back at the house, otherwise they'll be caught out in the dark. 00:08:06 Speaker 1: The apostles stopped in the market place to purchase some food for a humble meal. The money was still tight, they weren't quite as impoverished as they once were, now that believers throughout the city opened their doors to break bread with one another. They had settled into a habit of making their way to various parts of Jerusalem, extending their reach as far as possible, But today they gladly went back to the privacy of their rented room. Upon arrival, Andrew and James took note of the darkened windows, a sign that they were the first to return to the house. They gently tapped on the wooden planks of the door. No response. They cautiously stepped into the dim entryway. Their suspicions were confirmed. Peter and John never made it home. 00:08:56 Speaker 3: If they weren't at prayer and they're not here, could they have he decided to spend the night at the Mount of Olives. 00:09:02 Speaker 4: Ah, I suppose it's possible, but maybe they missed sleepin' under the stars. We can check it out in the morning. I, for one, have grown quite used to sleeping in a bed. 00:09:13 Speaker 1: James slung his bag to the floor, removed his sandals, and rinsed his feet in the basin of water posted at the door. He knew John could fend for himself. He found his way to his room and climbed into his cot. He uttered his prayers, thanking the Lord for the day and making petitions for a RESTful night's sleep. As his head hit the pillow, his heavy eyelids gave way to lucid dreams. Andrew found himself far from James's serenity. He too believed Peter would be all right, but he felt it was an older brother's unspoken job to worry about the well being of their little siblings, even in adulthood. He pulled up a chair on the side of the room and rested his elbow on the unstable side table, rocking it slowly back and forth against the ground. He entered into rhythmic prayers. His inner dialogue with the father gave way to faint thoughts of what might have happened to Peter. As the pitch of night loomed Andrew slipped silently into a deep sleep, the temple guards opened the cell beats they creaked heavily against the rusted hinges. Evening prohibited them from calling together the other leaders for a vote on what to do with the apostles, leaving Peter and John an unplanned stay in prison for the night. The temple guards removed their leather bindings and pushed them lazily into the decrepit cell. The look on the guard's faces told the apostles they were supposed to be intimidated, but Peter and John simply thanked the guards and found seats on the damp stone floor. They examined the room through the faint flickerings of brass lamps seated into the walls. They couldn't help but feel like they were in a tomb. But if their God had erupted from his stony grave, they trusted that they would be freed from theirs. They shifted themselves on to their knees and bowed their heads. The smell of burning oil intermingled with the musk of mildew on the ground, hardly the incense the Lord deserved during a time of prayer. But the apostles were unfazed and lifted their voices. They bounced back at them against the blockade of the cell. Yet the reverberations only made their prayers feel even stronger, as they echoed in their. 00:11:49 Speaker 4: Ears, Blessed our you, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who brings freedom to the captives. May your servants find strength to endure and peace to verseverar break down these walls that hinder us from spreading your good news of salvation. 00:12:07 Speaker 1: Peter paused for a brief moment, considering what he was asking. Was this what Jesus taught them to do in times of such trials? 00:12:16 Speaker 7: Father, soften our hearts to repay the works of evil with blessing according to your perfect will, Allow us to lift up your holy name before the rulers and authorities of this world. 00:12:31 Speaker 1: What began as prayers of deliverance muted, and the prayers of redemption desperate hope that the Lord would use this for his glory. Just as the mockers at Pentecost weren't his enemies, neither were their religious leaders. They were hopelessly lost, clouded by the wickedness of their hearts, but the light of Christ could break the fog that clouded their minds. Like the golden rays of the morning sun. Fighting off weariness with the anticipation of seeing how the Lord would move, Peter and John diligently prayed throughout the night. Shadows cast further down the prison corridor were the apostles first sign of dawn. They breathed slowly and cleared their minds. Even with their lack of sleep, they maintained an alertness to their surroundings. They heard footsteps clicking in the distance. They shuffled to their feet just as two guards rounded the corner, unlocking their cell. One of the guards grunted for the two men to stretch out their hands. He bound them and cocked his head, ordering them to follow him. Peter and John reluctantly obeyed as the other guard took up the rear. The guards led them through the labyrinth of prison cells. They stepped out on to the open street, fresh air filling their lungs as they shielded their eyes from the blinding sun. Before their eyes could adjust, the guards tugged at their chains and led them towards the temple. 00:14:09 Speaker 4: Hurry up, we don't have all day, you fellows sure set off the sadducees. E. I haven't seen them that mad since well. 00:14:21 Speaker 1: The guard trailed off before finishing his thought. But the apostles knew there was only one other person who had angered their religious leaders like they had. They traveled the rest of the way to the temple in silence. The guards led Peter and John up the steps of the mount and wove through the crowds. They reached a stone archway near the back of the temple grounds. Peter and John stood just outside of it, staring into the mystery of what lay beyond. 00:14:53 Speaker 4: Come on now, then you go. 00:14:55 Speaker 1: The apostles entered a large room adorned with gold fixtures and intricate tapestries. Along the towering walls. Two long tables constructed of thick cedar wood sat menacingly at the far end of the room. Between them stood the taller lectern. Its surface had been naturally polished by years of priests looming over religious proceedings. Behind the lectern sat the high priest Annis, slightly lower, and to his right set Caiaphas, the same man who resided as a high priest during Jesus trials. Other members of the high priest's family were scattered along the length of the tables, lingering in the shadows. They spotted Ira. His eyes were red from crying. He cowered in fear and confusion. Annus rapped sharply on his wooden throne and called forth the accused. 00:15:54 Speaker 3: It has been brought to our attention that these two men have performed inexplicable works on temple grounds. Do you deny these claims? 00:16:04 Speaker 4: No, sir, what you have heard is true. 00:16:08 Speaker 1: Anus leaned forward in his seat and curled his fingers atop the wooden podium. 00:16:13 Speaker 3: Please enlighten us by what power and in what name did you do this? 00:16:20 Speaker 1: The group of religious elite had recently condemned Jesus to death, and they wanted to know they had the same authority to do the same to anyone who dared stand against them. Peter drew in a breath so deep his lungs felt like they might burst. Upon exhaling, he felt his anxiety and fear flow out of him. He drew in again, this time replacing the empty space with a supernatural boldness. 00:16:52 Speaker 4: Rulers and elders of the people. If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame, and are being asked how he was healed, then let it be known to you and all Israel. It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead, that this man now stands before you healed. 00:17:18 Speaker 1: The mere mention of the name of Jesus rattled their bones. Caiaphus opened his mouth to utter a retort, but Peter gave him no such luxury. 00:17:29 Speaker 4: Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to mankind by which man may be saved. 00:17:43 Speaker 1: A silent pause lingered in the air. They ordered the temple guards to remove Peter, John and Ira from the room, and began muttering amongst themselves. 00:17:53 Speaker 3: Are not these uneducated men? I was told they were tradesmen, fishermen from Capernaum. How do they speak with such courage well bound before us? 00:18:04 Speaker 4: There is one explanation. If they are indeed fishermen from Galilee, as you say, it is all too likely that they are his disciples. They undoubtedly followed the so called Rabbi before we dealt with him. 00:18:28 Speaker 3: As true as that might be, the man whom the crowds know to have been lame stands before us on his own two feet. On what possible grounds could we deny that? What can we possibly do to these men that wouldn't have half of Jerusalem beating down our doors in revolt? 00:18:47 Speaker 4: Their teacher didn't have the wits about him to heed our warnings, but perhaps his followers have learned better without his constant hand holding guards. Bring them back. 00:19:01 Speaker 1: In Caiaphas pounded on the table, rattling the cups of wine set out for them. He took a sip to satiate his parched lips and settle his tempered mind. Peter and John took dignified steps back to the center of the room. Their continued brazen confidence riled the leaders. 00:19:21 Speaker 3: In light of some undeniable evidence, we have decided that you may go free. However, whatever you do, you must cease from speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Do you agree with these conditions? 00:19:39 Speaker 1: John shook the chains dangling from his wrists. 00:19:42 Speaker 3: Which is right in God's eyes? 00:19:44 Speaker 2: To listen to you or to him? 00:19:46 Speaker 1: No one dared respond to John's hypothetical question, for once they were on the springing end of the same types of traps they had tried to use against Jesus. 00:19:58 Speaker 3: You be the judges. 00:20:00 Speaker 2: As for us, we cannot help but speak about what we've seen and heard. 00:20:07 Speaker 1: Caiaphus kicked his chair back and irrupted to his feet. He had had enough of their rebellion. 00:20:13 Speaker 4: We don't need your permission to judge here, for the Lord has appointed us to our rules. What can you say of yourselves? You nothing more than a few washed up bichamain. Perhaps you'd like another night in prison. 00:20:32 Speaker 1: The other members of the table chanton in approval. Despite their best efforts, Peter could see their threats were made out of desperation more than anything else. 00:20:42 Speaker 4: You think a knight in prison could shake us of our home. There is one reason for our home, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ, And there is nothing you can do that could rob us of that. 00:20:56 Speaker 1: The priest reasoned with himselves, but found nothing beyond empty threats. They knew any decision they made would receive the scrutiny of the people. Unwilling to admit defeat, they released the apostles with reluctance. They had lost this battle, but as they watched the apostles leave the temple, they were determined to win the war. 00:21:27 Speaker 5: Picture this, Peter and John are speaking to a crowd, and the temple police, led by the Captain of the temple, along with the priests and sadducees, storm in like they're about to break up a rock concert. They're shouting enough of this, and suddenly Peter and John are grabbed, roughed up and thrown into jail overnight. Why because they're teaching about Jesus and resurrection, two things that the Sodysces in particular, who didn't believe in the afterlife, found particularly offensive. It was kind of a double whemmy for the Sodyscees. Not only did Jesus when he was alive, pose a threat to their power and their influence, but the Sadjases also really state to claim in the denial of angels and the resurrection, and the whole story of the Gospel requires a lot about angels and a lot about the resurrection. Yet despite the aggressive crackdown from the man at the temple. Luke tells us that the number of believers grew to about five thousand. Isn't that incredible? The opposition couldn't stop the Gospel. It only fueled the fire. Friends, it turns out the Gospel isn't intimidated by threats. If anything, it thrives under pressure. The next day, Peter and John are dragged before the Sanhedron. This is the same court that condemned Jesus to death and talk about intimidating it was the rulers, the elders, the scribes, and the who's who of the religious elite. Annis Kaiaphas, John, Alexander, and a bunch of others are all there. It's like standing before the Supreme Court, Congress, and your crankiest professor all at once. They demand and question Peter and John and ask by what power or by what name have you done this. It's a loaded question, but Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, doesn't flinch at all. He says, rulers of the people and elders of Israel, if we are being judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, let it be known that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead by him. This man stands before you whole Did you catch that? Peter doesn't sugarcoat it. He calls them out, whom you crucified, ouch. And then he pivots to the resurrection, whom God raced from the dead double ouch for the Sadducees who didn't believe in the resurrection. Peter is saying the Jesus you thought you buried is alive and well, thank you very much. And then comes the climax. Peter said, nor is there salvation in any other For there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Friends. This is where Peter goes from preaching to meddling and poking the bear. The religious leaders probably would have been content with Peter by saying, Hey, we want to live by Jesus's teachings of kindness and compassion and giving to the poor. Is that okay with you? We're harmless. But Peter declares that Jesus is the way, and there is no other name by which you can be saved. That's bold, but that's also the Gospel. Many of us want to sugarcoat our faith when we're faced with opposition. We want to say, well, Jesus is a really good teacher, or well, I live by the teachings of Jesus, which is love and compassion, and that's all true. We want to live by the teachings of Jesus. We want to mimic the character of Jesus, but we can't shave off the sharp edges of the gospel just to please people or just to be accepted by the world. Today, we often hear all roads lead to God. But Peter stands and start contrasts and says, no, there's one road, there's one name, there's one savior, Jesus Christ. And you can imagine the religious leader's face is turning redder than a ripe tomato. They hate the message, but they can't deny the miracle. Now the religious leaders are stuck. They take a look at Peter and John. They see they're bold this, But then they realized that they're uneducated and untrained men. They're fishermen, not scholars. Yet they speak with a clarity and conviction that stuns their audience. And here's the kicker. They realized that they had been with Jesus. That's a key quote in the Book of Acts. Friends, I want that to sink in. These men were ordinary by profession and by lifestyle, but they were extraordinary because they had been with Jesus. Wouldn't be amazing if people said the same about us today, Not because we were highly educated, or we had all the answers, or we're super eloquent and charismatic and well studied, but because it's clear we've spent time with Jesus. Boldness isn't about personality. It's about proximity to Christ. The more time you spend with Jesus, the more his boldness rubs off on you. The leaders, seeing the healed man standing right there, had no choice but to let them go, but not before issuing a command. Do not speak at all, nor teach the name of Jesus was their command, and Peter and John's response was classic. Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge, for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. What boldness, they essentially say, We'd love to obey you, but God outranks you. This is civil disobedience at its finest. Folks, when the government or any authority commands us to do what God forbids, or forbids what God commands, we have to obey God. There's no negotiating about it. There's no compromise. Jesus outranks the principle of a school. Jesus outranks the city council. Jesus outranks even the President of the United States. So what about us? Are we willing to be bold like Peter and John? Are we willing to speak the name of Jesus even when it's unpopular, even when it costs us something. Remember, boldness isn't about brashness. It's not about arrogance. You see, Peter had to let go of the sword and the pride that came with it a long time ago. It's not about being obnoxious. It's about being so convinced of who Jesus is that signed isn't an option. Let's be a church that's known not for its programs or its buildings, but for its boldness. A church where people can say they've been with Jesus. Because when we have been with Jesus, we cannot help but speak of what we've seen and what we've heard. Thanks again for joining us on the Jesus Podcast. You already know what to do. Leave a review of this podcast has transformed you in any way, and share it with a friend so that they can also be impacted by the power of Jesus.