Jesus is once again being politically incorrect. Some perceive him as a theological troublemaker. The first will be last, the last first, and little children will lead us. For all who follow Christ, our rewards will be here on earth along with trouble and persecution "a hundredfold!" We are promised these things. Eternal life is not something we can buy! It is God’s beautiful gift to all who seek in childlike trust and simplicity.

We have four dramas in this gospel picture. Christ interacts with children, an eager spiritual seeker, the inner circle of disciples and impulsive Peter. What does all this mean? Where are we in this picture? What is this all about?

The little children and babies can teach all of us childlike, trusting faith in approaching Jesus. Christ was eager to touch each one tenderly, hold them in his arms and bless each life and family. "Let the little children come to me…for it is to such as these the kingdom of God belongs." Perhaps we’ve lost our inner child as we’ve grown older. We can reclaim our spiritual heritage and be such a child. Christ longs to touch and bless us with tenderness.

The second drama involves an eager spiritual seeker who rushes to Jesus. He falls on his knees and begs for spiritual direction and guidance. "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Am I going in the right direction? What must I do? Christ meets him as a unique individual with love and respect. They have spiritual conversation. This seeker owned a lot of things. In reality, all those things owned him. His materialism, comfort and prestige were keeping him from God. He looked great on the outside, but needed childlike faith in God’s provisions! His bank account, mutual funds and status in society was actually a hindrance. Jesus told him, you need to give up everything to follow me. We are told the seeker was terribly disappointed. He left shocked and grieving. He owned lots of stuff. Wealth and comfort was more important to him than Christ. He lacked childlike faith to trust Christ. Christ may be calling some among us to give up stuff: status, prestige, possibly wealth and comfort.

Scene three involves the astonished reaction of the inner circle of trusted disciples! It was a teachable moment. Yes, says Jesus, it is hard, it is difficult, it is impossible to buy one’s way into eternal life. Our best efforts and stuff cannot do this. It’s not what we can do. We need to be. Be children approaching a tender, loving, compassionate heavenly Parent. God alone can save us and delights in doing so.

Impulsive Peter says, "Hey look, Jesus, we’ve left everything for you. What’s in it for us?" Jesus promises them and us rewards, persecutions and eternal life. We are to always remember, in God’s kingdom, the last will be first. The little children will lead us. All of us are called to costly discipleship and "come, follow" Christ. Abundant life and joy is found in costly discipleship. God bless you and shalom.

The author of this material is "Surprised by Joy" (surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com). "Surprised by Joy" is an ordained UFMCC Christian minister who discovered that God is wonder-full to be with. It is our hope and prayer at soulfoodministry.org that all visitors will experience the tenderloving- kindness of God and receive spiritual food for their journey.