Text: Mark 10:13-22

Reflection and Question: Three Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, link Jesus’ blessing children despite the disciples’ rebuke to the parable of the man with great possessions who leaves sorrowful when Jesus tells him that to gain eternal life he must give what he has to the poor. Jesus teaches that those who inherit the kingdom of God must become like children and one of the qualities of children is what Jesus requires of the man seeking eternal life: to have few possessions in this world. The fewer the possessions, the better one is able to simply follow Jesus. How can you become as a child and receive God’s kingdom?

Prayer: Jesus, our best Teacher, make the point of Your words and actions here so clear and compelling for us that living by Your teaching is no heavy burden to bear, but instead becomes a joy that lightens our hearts and we feel like children again. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).