Sometimes others know us by the company we keep. This is because the persons with whom we spend most of our time influence us for good or for bad. Their speech patterns, their goals and ambitions, their love and hate, their hobbies; all rub onto us. When this influence is strong others note it quickly.
This is what happened with Peter and John. They were put in prison for preaching the resurrection of Jesus. When questioned the next day they replied quiet boldly to the surprise of the Jewish priests and leaders. Their boldness shook them up: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13 NIV). Those leaders found out the reason quite right. Peter and John had been with Jesus. And that made a huge difference.
Dear friends, being with Jesus makes a difference in our lives. Being with Jesus involves spending time with Him and listening to His words. It involves delighting in His company. The more time we spend in His Presence the more influence it will make in our lives. Though our meetings with Jesus are in the privacy of our homes its impact cannot be hidden. Others will note it sooner or later. Remember when Moses came down from the mountain after spending time with the LORD, his face was radiant even though he was not aware of it (Exodus 34:29).
At the same time, the courage of Peter and John was a result of a few more important elements. One, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. We need the Spirit of God dwelling in us; so that we will be able to lead a life pleasing to God and reflect Jesus’ life in us.
Second, they knew the power of the name of Jesus. We often think of the name of Jesus as a name through which we get comfort and strength from God. Often we forget the fact that the name of Jesus carries the authority of God with it. It is a name that God has exalted above every other name (Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:9-11). Yes, at the name of Jesus every knee will bow someday.
Third, they were preaching the resurrection. They were not telling the crowd of how good a man Jesus was nor how great a prophet or teacher he was. They were proclaiming Jesus not as a historical person, but as the Living One, whom God raised from the dead. The Presence of the Risen Christ with them gave them great boldness in preaching.
So friends, have you been with Jesus? Are others taking note of this fact? Are you telling others about Jesus? Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Do you know the power of the name of Jesus? Are you enjoying the Presence of the Risen Christ? Do not say these are meant only for some select men and women of God. Peter and John were “unschooled, ordinary men.” But they had been with Jesus. Will you?