The Children and the Rich Young Man

A kingdom received like a child, and hands that would not let go

Perea beyond the Jordan · AD 30, spring · Mt 19:13–30 · Mk 10:13–31 · Lk 18:15–30

Story

In the land of Judea beyond the Jordan, crowds followed Jesus as well. When people brought little children for him to lay his hands on, the disciples blocked their way and scolded them. When Jesus saw this, he was displeased. Let the children come to me, and do not stop them. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Then he took the children in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

As Jesus was setting out again, a man came running up. Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? When Jesus told him the commandments, the man, still on his knees, said he had kept them all since he was a boy. Jesus looked at him closely and loved him. You still lack one thing. Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

At these words his face fell, and he went away grieving, for he had great wealth. Jesus looked around at his disciples and said, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples were astonished and said to one another, then who can be saved? Jesus looked at them and said, for people it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.

His Words

Let the little children come to me. Do not stop them. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

You lack one thing. Sell what you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

By human strength it cannot be done. But not so with God. Nothing is impossible for God.

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Mt 19:13–30 · Mk 10:13–31 · Lk 18:15–30

Background

Pause and Reflect