Matthew 19:1-20:34
During this week’s readings Jesus continues to turn the
world upside down. Over and over again he says “the last shall be first and the
first shall be last.” He tells the religious leaders that Moses allowed for
divorce because their hearts were hard. No wonder they were angry with him! Who
is he to judge the religious leaders and teachers of the law? They decided what
was right and wrong; who was in and who was out. But Jesus tells them that they
are NOT the judges. He keeps trying to tell them that they are concentrating on
the wrong things.
Jesus continues to show everyone that it is the outcast,
downtrodden and burdened that will inherit the kingdom of God. Jesus blesses
the children and insists that the kingdom of God is for them. Jesus is saying
that children are meant for more than “being seen and not heard.” They have
something valuable to contribute to the kingdom. This is in contrast to the
rich man who keeps the commandments but is unwilling to sell everything he has
and give it to the poor. The wealthy man of stature is missing something that
the little children have.
What is it that these children have that the rich man
doesn’t? I think it is an openness to see Jesus for what He is – the Messiah.
We call it faith, but there is so much more to it than that. It is seeing Jesus
in others, regardless of economic standing, race, creed or color. It is
accepting the gifts that God gives us every day with gratitude. It is loving
others and sharing what we have. It is leading with our heart and acting out of
love, not with a motive or an expectation of something in return.
Do something “childish” this week and be open to Jesus by
loving others with abandon!
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