Matt. 19:13-15 – In last week’s meditations, we discussed Jesus’ statement that “unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.” Jesus also used a child as an object lesson of the humility we need to adopt in the Kingdom. Jesus now receives children in order to lay His hands on them and bless them. But the disciples rebuked the parents of the children, probably because they recognized the weight of Jesus’ daily work and thought this practice would get out of control. But Jesus rebuked the disciples! He makes a clear point that observing children and recognizing their beauty and ability to experience the simple joys of life are important models for discipleship.
Matt. 19:16-26 – I’m not sure, at times, we all realize the power that wealth can have in our lives. This sad story of a nameless “rich, young ruler” who could not give up his wealth to become a follower of Jesus is well-known among Bible students. What I must realize is that I am wealthy! You and I live in the top 1% of the world’s wealth. So, you and I must continually ask ourselves the question, “Is building my wealth or retaining my standard of living impeding my progress as a disciple?” Again, Jesus uses hyperbole when he compares a rich man entering the Kingdom of God with a camel passing through the eye of a needle. He wants His disciples to know how difficult it is to have wealth and follow Him.
Matt. 19:27-30 – Peter’s question here may seem selfish in some ways to us. But Jesus answers his question with great reassurance. Whatever I sacrifice in his life for God’s Kingdom will be multiplied to me in eternal ways in the next life . . . beyond my imagination! Therefore, I should joyfully sacrifice anything for the One who gave up all the riches of heaven for me.