The Children and the Kingdom of God (Lk 18:15-30)

16. But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

24. Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!

30. "Truly I tell you," he said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life."

What kind of people will inherit the kingdom of God?

Jesus says that those who are like little children will possess the kingdom of God. The disciples tried to keep the little children away from Jesus, but these innocent and trusting ones are the very ones who belong to God's kingdom - a perspective quite different from the disciples.

Next, a rich man appears. The disciples do not try to stop him from approaching Jesus and asking how he can inherit eternal life. Jesus commends him for keeping the commandments, but then tells him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. However, the man becomes distressed at this, for he was very wealthy. Jesus then declares that it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, using the vivid image of a camel passing through the eye of a needle.

It is clear that the disciples and Jesus have different perspectives on who can enter God's kingdom. The disciples seem to think it is the wealthy, powerful, and religiously zealous. But Jesus speaks of those who long for God's kingdom and live accordingly.

Gracious God, may we not judge by outward appearances, nor act merely to be seen. Help us to truly long for your kingdom and to live by its principles. Holy Spirit, make us strong and courageous. Amen.