 The reading for day 71 was Matthew 27:1-Mark 9:50.
In chapter 27 of Matthew Jesus goes before Pilate and Pilate asks the jews what they want him to do with Jesus. We know that their response was "crucify him." Pilate washed his hands of the situation and the people didn't care, they said "His blood shall be on us and on or children!" What greater curse can you call down upon yourself than "we don't care if He is the son of God we're gonna kill Him anyway and we and our children will take full legal responsibility for what is done to Him." I believe that they did pay dearly for this. When Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70 (see Zechariah 13:7-9).
In verses 27-30 of chapter 27 we see Jesus' "coronation." The Roman gaurds put the crown of thorns on His head, gave Him a reed as a scepter, and bowed down before Him saying "Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they spat on Him and beat Him. When they crucified Him, the charge against Him was that he was the King of the Jews. Every person who walked by could read that charge and know who they crucified. In light of all this, maybe we need to rethink what "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" means...I'm not quite sure, but I don't think our understanding of it is correct. Let me know what you think :)
In Matthew chapter 28 we read what is commonly know as "The Great Commission." It begins with this verse: 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Why should we go disciple the nations? Because they are His! He is King! Compare this with Revelation chapter 5 verses 1-14. Don't you see a connection? 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 7:14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed. If we don't believe that Jesus has all authority, then we have no basis to "go." What do you think?
The book of Mark moves along at a very fast pace. Most of it is repeat from Matthew so I'm not going to go into a lot with Mark except for things that I may not have covered from Matthew that are prevalent in Mark.
In chapter 4 verse 11 and 12 Jesus tells His disciples why he speaks to the crowd in parables. 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables: 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and [their] sins should be forgiven them.
If this doesn't prove the sovereignty of God in salvation, I don't know what would. Jesus didn't want them to understand. How does this fit with your view of God because if it doesn't, you may want to rethink your view...
When I read verses 8 and 9 of chapter 7 I immediately thought of the Roman Catholic and Anglican/Episcopal churches who are so steeped in tradition but have strayed so far from God's word. I'm sure this is true of many more denominations but these stick out the most in my mind (not trying to pick on anyone).
I found it interesting that Mark's account of the transfiguration takes place six days after Jesus tell His disciples "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power" Do you think there is any connection? 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh [with him] Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
And what would the significance be?
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