Matthew 9:1-8
1 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.
2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven."
3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he then said to the paralytic--"Rise, pick up your bed and go home."
7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Mark 9:1-8
1 And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power."
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.
4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him."
8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
When we consider the Gospels - we have the vantage point of seeing the Gospel truth of Eyewitness Matthew and Mark speaking to Peter. Peter called Mark his son. Now, does this count - this Gospel confirmed by the Nicean Council of 325 A.D. making Christianity the primary Religion of the Roman Empire? Yes and we can see History and the Bible fit together.
The Roman Republic is started in 500 BC. The same time Israel/Judea was going into exile and utterly defeated by the Babylonian/Chaldean Empire. And then the Roman Empire is the longest-lasting from 27 B.C. to 1453 A.D. - The Holy Roman Empire - seen as a revival of the Western Roman Empire lasted from 962 to 1806 A.D. Scant time later - May 14, 1948 - Israel is re-born after being totally dead for about 2 millennium.
We know more today of Christianity than this Empire.
Does Mark's Gospel count being seen through the eyes of Peter and being what 1st Century people asked about most? Yes, the Keys of Heaven were given to Peter, and Biblically shared. These keys of Heaven are held by several hands.
Revelation 3:7
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts.
The Bible gives the nod to shared Bible Verses and the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is of interest, also, in the placement of the stories and how the Words connect.
Matthew places the healing of the paralytic further down 9 of 28 Chapters. And Matthew is saying Jesus is utterly astonishing using the word "Behold" freely. Speaking to the condition of the crowd's utter wonder and awe. Jesus is clearly God on earth walking as truth and grace.
Mark 9 is telling us not just of the order of a concise Gospel with 16 Chapters, Mark is telling us the importance the crowd of believers saw the Transfiguration. Where John, eyewitness, puts this as John 1. The first century is not thinking, in Rome, they will walk into Heaven as easily as Jesus.
The forgiveness God gave the people of the first Easter was very profound.
The Forgiveness Jesus anticipated of the Christian Disciples going to Rome itself is also vast and profound. Jerusalem would continue until 70 A.D. when Jesus would have died as an old man with a natural life span. God was not going to undo the Works of Jesus. Jesus was pointing to Rome in Caesarea. The Gospels are very far-reaching.
Matthew 9 and Mark 9 made a point. A paralyzed man is not really going to survive. Not pneumonia, not bed sores. No running water for absolute cleanliness. When we see the Works of Jesus Christ - really Jesus was doing more than we can see. This man was going to taste death early in life. In fact, all of the people healed by Jesus were going to pass on fairly quickly.
The relief Jesus is proclaiming over death reaches like God yesterday, today and tomorrow. And this vast Forgiveness is His Love, Encouragement and Grace of His Mercy. God looks at our culture differently than we do. The Bible points to times in refreshment of the Spirit of God and times of despair. And in every season God is pointing to Jesus.
When we closely look at the Miracles of God we can see ripples in History. The Scriptures are so real. What we find in seeing the Word of God - today -
Mark 9
1 And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power."
Abba, Father God,
What we are praying for is Blessing. Blessings of Gracious Love and Words flowing as Living Water.
Give us Jesus Christ and the Grace of the Holy Spirit to not be paralyzed in our words and prayers.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow the Word of God is Life. Promising us our own lives and those we Love.
The Light of Jesus Christ being carried to the Nations Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. We are all asking for more Heaven upon earth.
In Jesus, we abide. Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †
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