March 1
Mark 10:13-31
Who are the most important people in our society? Younger people might think of social media influencers while older people might think of business moguls or politicians. Yet Jesus wants us to understand the value of every person. Jesus is confronted by two extremes of the ancient social significance scale in Mark 10. First, he is brought a series of little children. Kids can be elevated to idolatrous status in our world, but in Jesus’ day they were often viewed as valueless until they could provide for the family. In contrast, a wealthy man comes to Jesus to ask him some questions. From the world’s perspective the children were worthless, while the wealthy man was significant.
Notice that Jesus values both people. He spends time with the kids and was “indignant” when his disciples tried to send them away. Yet when the wealthy individual refused to conform his life to Jesus, he sends himself away. Jesus shows us we need to learn to love and value all people, regardless of what they might be able to do for us. We might be tempted to elevate or maybe even demonize the wealthy. We might be tempted to elevate or feel terrorized by children, but in both cases, we need to learn to value and love them all. We must take seriously Jesus’ command to love our neighbor, and thus, love everyone. This includes wealthy and poor, young and old, kind and grumpy, the annoying and jovial, and everyone in between.
Father God, give me your heart towards all people. Help me to make time for and value everyone. Amen.
Who do you find the most difficult to love and how can you intentionally love them this week?
Who are the most important people in our society? Younger people might think of social media influencers while older people might think of business moguls or politicians. Yet Jesus wants us to understand the value of every person. Jesus is confronted by two extremes of the ancient social significance scale in Mark 10. First, he is brought a series of little children. Kids can be elevated to idolatrous status in our world, but in Jesus’ day they were often viewed as valueless until they could provide for the family. In contrast, a wealthy man comes to Jesus to ask him some questions. From the world’s perspective the children were worthless, while the wealthy man was significant.
Notice that Jesus values both people. He spends time with the kids and was “indignant” when his disciples tried to send them away. Yet when the wealthy individual refused to conform his life to Jesus, he sends himself away. Jesus shows us we need to learn to love and value all people, regardless of what they might be able to do for us. We might be tempted to elevate or maybe even demonize the wealthy. We might be tempted to elevate or feel terrorized by children, but in both cases, we need to learn to value and love them all. We must take seriously Jesus’ command to love our neighbor, and thus, love everyone. This includes wealthy and poor, young and old, kind and grumpy, the annoying and jovial, and everyone in between.
Father God, give me your heart towards all people. Help me to make time for and value everyone. Amen.
Who do you find the most difficult to love and how can you intentionally love them this week?
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