This chapter contains more accounts of Jesus’ ministry including parables of humility and pursuing God, commentary on being childlike and repenting of worldly priorities, another foretelling of His death and healing of a blind beggar.
” ‘And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? …For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted… Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it… Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me…Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left [property or loved ones] for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.’ ” (v7, 14, 17, 22, 29-30)
Jesus teaches several critical truths in this chapter:
– Prayer (talking to God) is most effective when we do it consistently
– It is best to voluntarily humble ourselves
– We should pursue / accept God like innocent children, full of curiosity
– We are to value that which is eternal more than anything earthly / temporary
– Downplaying worldly priorities / attachments helps us prioritize that which is eternal
It’s easy for me (maybe you too) to get hung up on that which I can see, taste, touch, smell, and hear. Most earthly things are not inherently bad, but we should not allow them to steal our prioritized focus away from God and eternity (like idols).
By staying in consistent relationship with God, and doing regular humility / priority checks, we are far more effective servants of Christ. God’s work in us feeds God’s work through us as we positively impact our neighbors for Christ. If eternity is the goal, then helping others reach it seems like a great way to spend out time here on Earth.
Father God, our Heavenly King and Lord of Light, we praise Your holy and awesome name. Thank you for teaching us truths through scripture and life experience. Thank you for equipping and training us to be Your humble and consistent servants, so through us You may reach and save the lost. Please be light and salt in our lives, so we may share Jesus with our neighbors. In Your holy name we pray, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training