This entry was part of a church devotional: “Rising Son”1
WEEK 8 | DAY 38
Read Matt 19:13-30, Mk 10:13-31, Lk 18:15-30
I once shoved an entire cheeseburger in my mouth. The whole thing. At one time.
As a young father, I wanted to amaze my little girls or make them laugh every chance I got. With the cheeseburger stunt, I accomplished both.
Success in this area often meant that I had to act like a child myself. Or something more ridiculous.
I realized early on that I could care less what others thought of me, so long as I remained a hero to my daughters.
Disciples Are Barriers
All three of the synoptic gospels record the two passages we are looking at today, starting with the scene in which children are trying to get to Jesus.
We’ll get to the important lesson on childlike faith later. For now, I’m drawn to the role of Jesus’ disciples in this story.
For it is the adults closest to Jesus, who are hindering the little ones from experiencing the comforting touch and loving arms of the Savior.
Intent on protecting Jesus, sometimes the ones claiming to be His followers become barriers keeping the poor, meek, helpless, and hungering souls at a distance.
Kingdom Values
Perhaps the disciples had forgotten, or not fully understood what Jesus had taught them earlier on the mountainside.
That those things, or people, which the Kingdom of Heaven holds in high esteem, are debased in the eyes of this world.
Wealth Is a Barrier
In contrast to how the children were treated, a wealthy official appears to meet no resistance when approaching Jesus.
The young man is confident his efforts to earn eternal life are sufficient. But still, he wants affirmation that he isn’t missing anything.
Paradoxically, Jesus reveals that what he’s missing – is that he has everything.
Alas, the cost of relinquishing his world to save his life proves far too great, as he turns and leaves in bitter disappointment.
Here, it is the young man that must remove the barrier standing between him and Jesus.
Imagine the disciples having a ‘what just happened?’ moment at this point. Still processing the episode with the kids, Jesus’ answer to the young official must have blown their minds. This went against their upbringing!
Both Matthew and Mark record Jesus having to repeat himself to make the point:
Wealth is a massive blockade into His kingdom.
Kingdom values are opposite of the world’s values.
Poverty as a Barrier
William Lane in his commentary on Mark writes,
“There is no mark of God’s special favor in possessions,
nor in the lack of them”.
Poverty is not a virtue. Poor people can also believe in error that wealth is the answer to their problems.2
But the overwhelming tendency for the wealthy, is to be possessed by their possessions.
Rich or poor, all disciples of Christ are called to humbly live a life of faith, like little children who depend on their good and wise Father to know what they need – even before they ask.
Questions for Reflection
- Read Matt 5:19-34 and 1 Tim 6:6-8. How does your definition of wealth compare to the Bible’s definition?
- Continue reading in 1 Tim 6:17-19, Acts 4:32-3, and Eph 4:28. For followers of Christ, what is the purpose of material resources?
- Sober self-assessment. Finish the sentence, “If I could just have…”
Prayer
“Father, I want to believe – help my unbelief! Strengthen my faith to live this life with eternity in mind. In Jesus’ name I ask, Amen”