Read (Acts 1-4) – The highest recorded number of true disciples in Jesus’s ministry was a little more than 500 disciples (1 Cor 15.6). There could have been a lot more but it’s not documented in the Scriptures. And sure, Jesus fed 5000 and 4000 but these were probably not true converts (Jn 6.26-27, 65-66) So when Peter leads 3000 people to Christ after his first sermon (Act 2.41) and 5000 after his second (Act 4.4) it seems pretty spectacular and it is. I don’t want to take anything away from Peter’s ministry but one could start getting the idea that Peter was more successful than Jesus (and the rest of the Apostles for that matter). But consider what Jesus said as the founder of the movement;I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have come into their labor.” (Read Jn 4.35-38)Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. (Read Jn 14.11-14)Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (Read Jn 12.24)It was the catalytic ministry of the Savior that set the stage for the great harvest after Peter’s sermons. It was by Jesus’s aggressive proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom throughout the whole region, His brutal execution, and His pouring out of the Holy Spirit that lit the fuse for the explosive growth experienced in Acts 2-4. The movement began with Jesus and will always belong to Jesus no matter what stage of growth it may be in at any given season. Are we taking credit for what Jesus is doing? Are we feeling short changed because we are not seeing what others may see as “success?” Are we joyful at the prospect of being a part of the greatest enterprise known to man? (Mt 28.18-20)
ToBeLikeJesus 