Verses 13-16, “Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”
Jesus is not very pleased that the disciples would stand in the way of these children coming to Him. Typically, the hearts of children are still soft and untainted from the world, so they are able to receive Him. Therefore, what we do with our own children, whether to encourage them in the way of righteousness or teaching them to do evil, is very much a concern of the Lord and something you should have fear over. The world will receive its punishment for sin, but as a Christian, the same should not be said of you. Matthew 18:6-7, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!”
Verses 23-25, “Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, 'How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!' And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, 'Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.' ”
It is not a sin to have earthly riches and posessions, because the Lord is the one who blesses us richly. However, many will love and worship the gift rather than the giver; and this is sinful. When you put your trust in riches, it is idolatry. Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” We are called to seek the kingdom of God first, not earthly things, knowing that He will provide us with what we need. But when you grumble and complain because you do not get what you think you should, and insist upon getting your will, it is wickedness. Just the desire alone to have money, even when you don't have much, will trap you until you are spiritually destroyed. We need to practice being content and model this to our children, rather than feeding our carnal appetites for more things and teaching them to do the same. I Timothy 6:6-10, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
If money alters you mood depending on whether you have it or not, then it is a problem for you. How do you respond in a financial trial...with trust and faith, or fear and panic? Some even turn their focus to others and get bitter when others are blessed. This is a wicked heart. In this chapter, we read of a rich young ruler who had plenty of worldly money and goods, but was lacking heavenly treasure. Although he had kept all the commandments relating to man, that was not good enough for God. He needs to be number one, the first and greatest commandment. Deuteronomy 6:5, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” When asking Jesus what he may do to to inherit eternal life, he was told to go sell everything and give to the poor in order to store up treasure in heaven. The ruler needed to break the ties that money had over him, and the prescription for him was to get rid of it all. Sometimes we need an extreme approach to removing sin in our lives, because we have ignored God's gentler prompting. It may be the only way to be set free from it, escaping sin's grip on you. Matthew 5:30, “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”
I Timothy 6:17-19, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” We need to be generous with what the Lord has provided and be willing to serve others needs above our own. Verses 42-45, “But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, 'You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.' ” Those who lead should be better examples to those who follow, willing to serve harder and give more generously. Jesus certainly left us big shoes to fill, one could say...impossible, but “with God all things are possible.”
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