What Do We Learn... 

     From little children?

     People were bringing babies to have Jesus touch them. 

What are many doing with their babies today?

     His disciples, of all people, rebuked the people. 

     Jesus called the children to come around him, saying, Let the little children come to me...for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

     Then he made a most astounding statement: Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. 

On what achievement do you and I expect salvation?

     From the rich ruler?

     He told Jesus he had kept "all these (commandments) since I was a boy." But he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Maybe he was sincere. Maybe he was hoping to trap Jesus as others did.

     Jesus' answer was a shocker. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. 

     Jesus said 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. He also added, What is impossible with men, is possible with God. 

    This was a period in which some New Testament Jews thought wealth was a sign of God's favor, while poverty was a sign of God's displeasure. 

    The Bible identifies greed and pursuit of, striving after, wealth with idolatry. Jesus regarded riches as an obstacle to salvation and discipleship. Do we find our fulfillment centered in God, or on ourselves and our possessions?