Friday, June 21, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
Matthew 19:13–22

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 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; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. (NRSV)

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Reflection

It feels important to remember stories like this as people who follow Jesus because they show that people left Jesus, just walked away from his invitation, and didn’t come back. And he didn’t chase them. This is hard to square with those parables about God seeking everyone out like lost sheep: is the man we meet above not lost? Perhaps not lost to something salacious like drink or lust, but lost instead to his “many possessions.” And Jesus watches him walk away, sadder with every step.

Later, Jesus will watch his closest and most loyal followers run — not walk — away from him when the authorities come to arrest him. And how do they come? By the betraying word of one of the twelve.

The crowds that marveled at Jesus’ teaching, the healed who pleaded to come with him, the enemies who challenged his every word yet hung on them all the same — all of these are nonetheless punctuated by people who simply turned their backs and left: Nope, not for me. Hard pass.

Jesus’ invitation to follow him into a life more enriched by simplicity and giving than it is adorned with the trappings of wealth and status will not be forced on anyone. Jesus doesn’t really do coercion. If we are to accept that invitation, we will turn down others.

Yet at the beginning of this passage are children who come running without being invited, whom Jesus must compel his disciples to allow near him. What a contrast they are to those who come to Jesus with all our material wants met, unaware of how deeply we need what Jesus offers. The children know.

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Prayer
Little ones to you belong, O Jesus. May we trust as children trust and in your strength be made strong. Amen.

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Written by Rocky Supinger, Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry and Worship

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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