So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

–Parallel verses:
‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭28‬-‭33‬
[Jesus speaking]
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

Sometimes in life, when all we hold dear must be sacrificed in order to be loyal to our first love — Jesus Christ, then decisions start to become really clear, stress reduces, and joy abounds.

I think this is what Peter and John felt. They sacrificed much to follow Jesus as his disciples before his death. But there were also some sacrifices they had not in their mind given over to him: 1) Setting aside their plans for Jesus to follow God’s plan. This likely included the desire for Jesus to be an earthly king who rescued them from the Romans. 2) Putting their livelihoods and/or lives on the line, without fighting, to serve the Lord. Sometimes we are called to fight and defend. Other times it is God’s desire for us to bear up under persecution. 3) Being willing to operate in the power of God’s Spirit and give him all the glory. They did this in the earlier miracle with the lame man. I don’t know if they estimated the full cost of following Jesus in an all-out manner, before his death.

Now, after Jesus’ Resurrection and the 40 days of leadership training he gave them in his risen form, they have sacrificed all they have to preach the gospel. They embraced prison and ridicule, being thrown out of the synagogue, to face the leaders of their people. There was no fear or worry, just focus on their calling. They simplified the issue: obey God or obey man?

When we come to the end of ourselves, our earthly ambitions, and our worldly success goals, one thing remains — God’s will. And he wants us to model Jesus to others and spread the gospel. Have I counted the cost of full-out discipleship? Will I sacrifice it all for the cross of Christ?

Peter and John modeled Jesus by showing concern for the lame man. And they proclaimed the truth of the gospel when given a chance. How do I simplify my purpose and reduce my life’s drama? I must single-mindedly focus on Jesus Christ!

Lord, take my mind and cleanse it from its earthly ambitions. Purify my heart to seek after only your will and your ways. Help me not to count successes and failures the way the world does. Instead, help me to keep score with the heavenly currency of souls saved and discipled.