Crumbs 119

 

Crumbs 119

Entering the Kingdom

Scripture Mark 10:13-23 New International Version 13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. 17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honour your father and mother.” 20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

Crumbs

Sometimes I find value in zooming out when studying Scripture. Here I found that the passages about the children and the rich young man shed light on each other. I had not thought of comparing these two before. T.he common theme is entering the kingdom, that is to say being aligned to God’s will.

But before that, let’s look at our Lord’s attitude to children. Some are tempted to regard them as a distraction or a needless side show. Our Lord’s response to this attitude was indignation. Children are precious and important and to be welcomed.

If you call to a child “ Jump!”. They will jump expecting you to catch them. An adult hearing the call of God will over think the situation. Complexities are found where the issue is simple. An example of this is the man who came running to the Lord. Jesus raises two points. The first is about who Jesus is and the second is about the law. Only God is good. To ascribe goodness to Him is to see beyond the human being and find God. Yet this man claims goodness for himself.

His fatal flaw is his attitude to wealth. How often this flaw is repeated. Some Christians have seen wealth as a measure of divine blessing. Others have used it as thermometer of spirituality. Christ sets the standard and humanity falls short. No wonder He had to die.

Questions

1. What child like characteristics assist faith ?

2. What can we learn from Jesus’ attitude to children ?.

3. What issues obstruct people following Jesus today?