13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Matthew 19)
Jesus had just talked about marriage and divorce, then uses the coming of these children as an object lesson: family is great, but must not become so important it keeps us away from God. The next paragraph is another family matter as well: money, and how we approach it. This rich ruler looked at money as of utmost importance - a measure of his success, purpose and meaning in life. This is sure to destroy a family, and members of it. It also can keep one from the family of God, like it did this man here. Both family and money can become idols that block the way to trusting in God. Both need to be viewed as gifts from God we are to appreciate and handle responsibly. Both are areas that God gives clear instructions on, with which He wants us to bless others.
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