When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Acts 3:3-5
“The lame man is there to ask for alms of the worshipers; giving alms was a responsibility that Judaism took seriously as an expression of compassion that honored God… The lame man is asking for alms… The lame man would have made this request of all who were passing by to go to the temple. Peter, with John gives him attention… Peter demands the man’s attention by calling on him to look at them… Seeking the man’s attention tells him that a response is coming, but it will not be what he expects.”
Darrell Bock in Acts (BECNT; Grand Rapids, Baker, 2007) 160-161.
Most people don’t “pay attention” to poor and needy people. Notice that Peter and John “give attention” to this lame man and bless him beyond imagination in the name of Jesus.
When our giving is what people expect to receive, it will generally follow cultural patterns and flow from finite human resources rather than divine blessing that directs glory to God.
In this scene, which I am studying to preach for a recorded message next week, I am moved that compassionate generosity is about giving attention. It’s about holy noticing the needs of people.
Father, help us by your Spirit to “give attention” to those in need and then call them to watch how Jesus can meet them in their place of crisis and minister in unexpected ways. Amen.