by Cynthia Grabill based on Acts 3:1-10

Joash hurried toward the marketplace on an errand for his mother. She needed lentils and onions for tonight’s stew. People hurried around him, preparing for the afternoon prayer service. Along the way, Joash noticed the lame man being carried to the temple gate.

Ignore him, he told himself. Don’t even look that way.

“Joash, wait.”

Hearing his name, Joash turned around. His friend Simeon ran toward him. Simeon and his family had just moved into the city.

“Hey, Simeon, what’s up?”

“I’m on my way to the marketplace,” Simeon said.

“Me, too.”

“Does that lame man beg at the temple every day?” Simeon asked.

“A lot of people go there every day,” Joash replied.

“Does he get a lot of money?” Simeon wanted to know.

“I don’t think so. Most people pay no attention to him.”

“Then why does he do it?”

“Some people give him money. If he stayed home, he wouldn’t get anything.” Joash wished Simeon would change the subject.

“Maybe it’s time someone paid attention to him,” Simeon said and turned toward the lame man.

“What’s wrong with you?” Simeon yelled. “Don’t be shy. Have you made a lot of money today?”

Joash felt his face grow hot. “Stop it. Ignore him and keep walking.”

“Why can’t we have some fun?” Simeon said. “He doesn’t have any business begging for money that other people have earned. Maybe we could drive him away.”

Tell him, a little voice inside Joash urged.

“What are you—a chicken?” Simeon asked.

“No,” Joash replied.

“Then shout something at him.”

Tell him, the voice urged again.

Joash took a deep breath. “He’s my uncle. His name is Nathaniel.”

Simeon’s face turned tomato-red. His eyes widened. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Well, my family—you know—sort of important here—uh,” Joash gulped.

“I understand,” Simeon said. “I guess I’d be embarrassed, too. I’m sorry I teased him. I won’t do it again. What’s wrong with him anyway?”

“He was born that way. He’s never been able to walk.”

“Can he get better?”

“No, but he won’t get worse.”

As the boys started walking, they noticed a large crowd gathering in front of the temple.

“I wonder what’s going on,” Simeon said.

“Father told me yesterday that Peter and John are participating in the prayer service,” Joash said. “Maybe Peter decided to preach out here.”

“Or maybe the crowd is planning to mob your uncle,” Simeon suggested.

Joash’s stomach tightened. “Let’s go see.”

The boys pushed to the front of the crowd. Peter, one of the Christ followers, was talking to Joash’s uncle. He took Uncle Nathaniel’s hand.

“I don’t have any money,” Peter said. “But I will give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ, walk!” Joash pressed his lips together. “Now Peter’s making fun of him.”

Peter helped the beggar to his feet.

“He can’t walk,” Joash cried. He raced forward to catch him.

But Uncle Nathaniel didn’t fall when Peter let go. He didn’t even cry out. Instead a broad grin stretched from one end of his face to the other. He took several baby steps, then bigger ones. He marched like a soldier up and down in front of the temple. Joash’s jaw dropped as he watched his uncle leap high into the air.

“I don’t understand,” Joash said to Simeon. “Father told me that Uncle would be crippled his whole life. Now look at him. What’s going on?”

Simeon’s eyes were fixed on Nathaniel. “I’m not sure. Whatever happened, I think it’s neat.”

“He was healed, boys,” a man standing nearby said. “The power of Jesus healed him—through Peter.”

Jesus did this? Joash thought. He remembered Peter had said, “In the name of Jesus Christ.” Joash had heard about people being healed, but he had never seen it with his own eyes. He never dreamed that Uncle Nathaniel would be able to walk.

“Thank You, God,” Nathaniel cried. “Thank You. Praise You.”

Joash’s uncle went with Peter and John into the temple courts. Joash handed Simeon several coins.

“I’ll make a deal with you,” he said. “I need to tell Dad about this right away. You pick up lentils and onions at the marketplace, and consider yourself invited to my house for dinner. I have the feeling we’re in for one big feast.”

“Deal!” Simeon grinned.

	Q: What does an invisible cat drink? A: Evaporated milk. Desi P., 10, Idaho Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe