Acts 4:1-31 | UnashamedSample

One of the most powerful pictures I’ve seen that I keep as a reminder of the cost of following Jesus and as a source of inspiration is that of a pastor in Northern India being persecuted. The people of his town apparently did not like what he had to say. They certainly did not like that he gave his allegiance to Jesus, and most certainly didn’t like that he was leading others in their town to do the same. The picture shows him seated on a donkey, obviously beaten and bloodied, with his head and beard half-shaved. An angry crowd is leading him through town with people mocking him and probably throwing things at him too. It’s a warning. Around here we’re not going to tolerate this Jesus or any talk about following him.

There is a cost to witnessing. Some people won’t like what you have to say, either. In an earlier plan on Acts 2:1-13, we looked at what Albert Moehler says. He writes that witnessing about Jesus is polarizing. People notice. Some respond. Some sneer. And it can cost us.

Read Acts 4 again. This time, from the perspective of what it must have been like for Peter and John. The police come running. Obviously in league with the religious leaders who want them out of the way. They find themselves sitting in jail wondering, what will happen? Then standing before the authorities, who are warning them not to talk about Jesus again.

A lesson we can learn from Peter and John is that Jesus is worth it. When you’ve met Jesus and experience the hope, life, and salvation he offers, you realize being associated with him is worth everything. So when it comes to being identified with him, witnessing to him, or obeying him, you just gotta do it.

It’s worth restating: Be bold and unashamed. The Spirit gave Peter and John boldness and insight. He’ll give it to you too. Proclaim Jesus and point people to him no matter what. No matter the cost. This is allegiance. Allegiance to a king, or what the Bible calls faith.