When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. (Luke 9:10-11)

The Twelve have returned from being sent out on their own to preach and heal. Luke's gospel does not tell us how it went. Mark's gospel reports, "They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them." (Mark 6:13)

Matthew's gospel provides much more detail than Mark or Luke on the commissioning of the Twelve, but - like Luke - is silent on the outcomes. Matthew does, however, tell "Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent." (Matthew 11:20)

The kingdom of God comes with healing power, obvious authority, and great love. Yet the vast majority fail to take notice or, if they notice, refuse to accept the opportunity presented. Is this our present condition as well?

The wall painting above, depicting the Healing of the Paralytic (John 5), is the earliest known representation of Jesus, dating from about 235 AD. The painting was found in 1921 on the left-hand wall of the baptismal chamber of the house-church at Dura-Europos on the Euphrates River in modern Syria. It is now part of the Dura Europos collection at the Yale University Gallery of Fine Arts. On the right, the paralytic is on his bed. Top center, Christ is saying, "That you may know that the Son of Man has power to forgive sins: rise up, take up your bed and walk."