David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 4:13-22

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. ¹⁵ But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, ¹⁶ saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” ¹⁸ So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, ²⁰ for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” ²¹ And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. ²² For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

I just recently learned what “mic drop” means. It’s a way of saying that nothing more needs to be said, or can be said. I’m finished speaking, and I’m dropping the microphone because I need not say more. That’s what I thought of when I saw this line in the confrontation between Peter and John and the Jewish leaders on this occasion. “For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.” It’s the undeniable, undebatable reality. They will have to deal with this reality. The man had been healed. Everyone had seen it. They couldn’t pull off a bald-faced lie. 

It’s pretty sad when people who should be championing the healing of a crippled man instead challenge, criticize, and belittle the ones who healed him. That is especially true when the ones who did it take no credit for themselves. They give all the credit to Jesus.

I’ve seen Jesus given credit in ways that still allow for the hero status of the healer or miracle-worker to be front and center. Their name is prominently displayed. Their name is on the billboards and building, and maybe even their face. The TV screen centers on them. Worst of all, their message is seldom about repenting of our sins and believing in Jesus. They focus on the miraculous and fantastic, not on the cross of Jesus, or the one we are to carry as Jesus’ followers.

Peter and John are beginning an incredible new chapter in the story of God. They will perform miracles. They will heal. But they will also be put in prison. They will be threatened. Others will even be put to death for speaking in Jesus’ name, and proclaiming his death and resurrection.

That should be a mic drop moment for us. People have died because they carried the message of Jesus to new lands and people. But it does not stop God from growing his kingdom. It will not keep his people from witnessing to the truth and grace of Jesus of Nazareth.

There will be a mic drop to end all mic drops on the great last day. Those who criticize and ridicule Jesus’ followers, and those who deny Jesus’ reign and rule will be silenced. The only words that will be spoken then will be words of praise, honor, glory, blessing, and joy before the Lamb who was slain and who reigns forever and ever. Amen (mic drop!)