If you walked with Jesus in Israel, every day you traveled with him would provide an opportunity to learn more about Jesus and yourself. Jesus used everyday experiences to teach eternal lessons.
On one occasion children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray.
The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
And he laid his hands on them and went on his way (Matthew 19.13-15).
When praying for children, I often imagine them being hugged by Jesus or receiving his blessing. In my mind’s eye, I see them being held by Jesus, as they bask in his love.
The disciples didn’t appreciate the children stealing the attention of Jesus. Possibly, they thought the children would drain Jesus’ energy or divert him from a greater task.
Jesus used the encounter to give people like me the image of children being welcomed by Jesus.
When I pray for our grandsons, I often place them in Jesus’ care and trust that they are welcome in God’s kingdom.
I also pray for children in Sudan, Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, and for migrants traveling to places of hope. The children need our prayers because they have no choice, but to live with the fear and deprivation that adults have created.
As I give my grandsons to the Lord, I can trust these precious children to his care too.
The Rich Young Man
The people who followed Jesus learned a valuable lesson about God’s kingdom from the children. If they stayed around Jesus throughout the day, they would learn another lesson from his interaction with a young man.
Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19.16-17).
In contrast to one good deed, Jesus called on the man to live a life of faithfulness to God’s revealed will (the Ten Commandments).
God spoke through Isaiah about Israel’s problem. They wanted to follow God, but only on their own terms.
I held out my hands all day long
to a rebellious people,
who walk in a way that is not good,
following their own devices. (Isaiah 65.2)
Apparently, the young man was like the people of Isaiah’s day. After Jesus had given a clear statement, he still wanted more information.
He said to him, “Which ones?”
And Jesus said, “You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness.
“Honor your father and mother. Also, you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19.18-19).
While the children came to Jesus vulnerable and unselfconscious, the young man paraded his accomplishments.
The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions (Matthew 19.20-22).
Some of the people who overheard the conversation between Jesus and the young man had received a similar call. They had left all and were following Jesus. Unfortunately, the young man wasn’t ready to give up his security.
What’s the Message?
When the children came to Jesus they were vulnerable and free from expectations. It was up to Jesus to determine the blessing he wanted them to have.
In contrast, the young man was like the people of Isaiah’s day. He attempted to manipulate Jesus to fulfill his “own devices.” When that didn’t succeed, he walked away in sadness.
It is always a good practice to ask, “How am I like the bad guys in the story?”
Do we come to Jesus and attempt to control the narrative? Do we bring our “own devices” and expect him to agree with our plans for life?
Or, are we willing to place ourselves in his loving care, willing to receive what he thinks is best for us?
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 