….they were astonished and the took note that these men had been with Jesus. (Acts 4.13)

One of my favorite descriptions of the apostles.  A challenge that reaches to the deep places of my heart.  These men gave up everything they had…they found a treasure in the field and sold all they had to get that treasure (Mt. 13. 43-45)…to follow Jesus.  To listen, to see him change lives, heal, feed, show compassion, serve, show mercy, to learn what this life is about, to learn the heart of God….and when questioned by the authorities - questioned by -  the rulers, elders and teachers of the law…. ⁶Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family…. Questioned by the religious superstars of Israel, the Ivy League educated, the political, cultural, and religious elite….whose response was this - ¹³When 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.

They took note that these men had been with Jesus.

May we dare to give ourselves fully to Christ, to love him with our whole heart, mind, body, soul, and strength.  May we spend time at his feet, in his word, hearing his words that cut to our hearts, displace our misconceptions and assumptions, that change who we are … so that when people meet us, talk to us, spend time with us - they take note that we have been with Jesus