Alright gang, so my wife text me to remind me that we need to start posting our thought's about this week's readings.
One thing that I am reminded of in chapter 19 is that Jesus was really a big hit in the Galilee area during this time. Notice that throughout the chapters it mentions how large the crowds were wherever He was. He would definitely be on TMZ and other media sources if that would have happened today. It was obvious that everyone in the Palestine area new about the things that He was doing. That also made me think about the question that we were answering last week about Him not revealing His true identity when He did His miracles. These people were shallowly following Him for what He could do and not what He was about! These same people are later going to be the ones who are calling for the Pilate to crucify Him. I also was thinking about how Jesus' celebrity status ran constant with what the Jews of the time were expecting with the Messiah, but that it ran counter to the role that He was to place and the sacrificial servant. Sorry, just a thought.
In chapter 19 when Matthew is talking about the children, it warms my heart seeing the true innocence and love that my children have for Jesus. I wish that I had that same outlook of Him as they do.
So I guess my first question is: What does Christ mean when He says that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to these?
In verses 20-25, is this saying that the rich cannot make it to Heaven?
3 comments:
Ok, just noticed that I posted the same question about the wealthy entering Heaven.
I too look at my children and am inspired by their pure faith that God is real and will take care of them. It also make me wonder when we start to hold back proclaiming our faith. My children have no shame in praying out loud, wearing a big paper cross necklace, or a headband proclaiming that "Jesus Lives" that they made in Sunday School. Why aren't we as confident?
I have always thought the same about my girls...that they are not ashamed to sing "Jesus" songs and pray out loud and that they also have such strong faith that God is all powerful and watches over them daily that it often puts my faith to shame.
Here is what I believe the difference is...they are still too young and innocent to know that others are constantly judging. They don't feel the pressure of society to not stand out, that being "different" in others eyes opens you up to criticism. It is sad, but true. I do it more often now than I used to, but I still feel self conscious when I outwardly, proclaim my faith to others and talk about God in everyday life not knowing where others stand~if they are believers or not. Somewhere along the lines, (at least I, in my humble opinion) I believe that we worry more about ofending others if they don't believe, or perhaps it is simply our pride that we don't want others to think we are "weird" for being so geeked for God. This has been an area that I have persoanlly been really trying to work on. I have to focus my thoughts and attention on what HE wants me to do and care not what the people around me think of me. I am actually moving more to where I want to stick out so that I can have an opportunity to say...it is all God, not me.
I love watching our children learn and love God more. That is what it is all about!
Heck, I love growing and learning with all of you in our group! WOW, sorry I am soo long winded!
It is a bit late, I hope this makes sense to you...
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