AT that memorable breakfast beside the sea of Galilee, when the Master for the last time broke bread with his disciples, occurred the significant incident which John records in his gospel: "When they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep." That Peter was impressed by the command, which was thrice repeated, is evidenced by the diligence and zeal with which he entered upon the work of preaching and healing, striving in all things to follow in the footsteps of the beloved Master, whose parting command to his disciples had been: ''Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. . . . And these signs shall follow them that believe; . . . they shall speak with new tongues; . . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
When in fulfilment of prophecy the disciples began to "speak with new tongues" and the multitude marveled and began to ask what they should do, Peter said, "The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Then, in further confirmation, had come the incident of the healing of the lame man at the temple gate, when Peter had put to open test the Master's declaration of the signs that should follow, the proof that should be given "to them that believe."
The beggar lay there, helpless and probably hopeless that life held any greater boon for him than the receiving of a pittance that would at least assure him bread and shelter. Doubtless Peter recognized the cripple's pitiable state, and that what he most needed was not alms to relieve his want, but to be healed, to be made sound in body and thereby enabled to relieve his necessities by his own labor. It was therefore with intent that he addressed to the helpless that declaration of the allness and omnipotence of God which today we know is the invoking of the ever available power of Truth to heal and to save: "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I unto thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.'' The record says of this seemingly helpless one that "immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God."
