You killed Jesus
Don’t you just love those heated family arguments where you say things you shouldn’t and you dont say the things you should? Usually, in my family, those end up with Anna (my wife) in tears, and me going outside to the garage and find some random project to take my rage out on. Fortunately, as we complete our first decade of being married together, those are a little less frequent…but when they do happen, AND THEY DO, wouldn’t it be nice to use your anger in a constructive way? Maybe some meditation or a little prayer…or strong medication? 
Acts 3 tells us of a family ‘feud’ between Peter, John, and the “men of Israel” who are with them after they heal a lame man. It was a miracle done in the power of Jesus’ name, and Peter couldnt take the credit but gave the credit right back to Jesus and the faith this man had in Jesus to heal him. I think Peter and John were going to prayer (verse 1) because they knew they were now to carry on Jesus’ message of forgiveness, but they just werent sure where to begin…they were frustrated guys who couldn’t believe their own countrymen killed Jesus.
Verse 15 reads “You killed the author of life, but God raised Him from the dead.” Isn’t that an incredible statement? The audience listening must have been stunned. Yuo can almost hear them saying “Who does Peter think he is casting judgement on us? Jesus was nothing more than a crazy religious guy”. Peter has the right to get on their case because he is part of their family as the nation of Israel. He is angry, but justifiably angry.
Let me make my point clear to my Minnesotan family…you killed Jesus too. Your lying, back-biting, gossiping, cheating, lusting, harsh attitude, lazy attitude, greed, know-it-all pride…all of your sin and my sin has driven the nails through Jesus’ hands and feet and pierced his side. You kiled Jesus, I killed Jesus…we killed Jesus. So what’s your response? Anger? How dare you, Jeff? Who does he think he is?
Peter closes his message to his family by pointing to the healed man and says “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know is made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. Now brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance as did your leaders…Repent then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Minnesotan friends, lets all continue to repent by acknowledging we killed Jesus…your sins demanded His death. Stop living for the sin in your life and turn to God by trusting in Jesus payment on the cross for you….He longs to forgive you and heal your relationship with Him- no longer strangers but a friend of God, living for Him and His purposes. Let’s repair these broken family relationships even though we’ve wounded them countless times. He is ready to bring times of refreshing for you, as you learn to repent and trust Him daily.
Jesus even prayed for his murderers “Father forgive them, they do not know what they do”
He prayed that prayer for you and I. Will you turn from a life of sin, and trust in Jesus Christ today?