Backwards

We must not rush over chapters like Mark 10 when we form our churches and seek to follow Jesus. Here is just a couple things Jesus says.

"The kingdom of God belongs to such as these [little children]. I tell you the truth anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (14,15)

"Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said. 'God, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' . . . 'children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.' . . . But many who are first will be last and the last first." (21-31)

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (45)

It seems as though we have had things backwards for a long time. We don't have to be like chilren to enter the church. In fact the richer and more powerful you are the better. I don't think this passage teaches that everyone who has money should give it all away to the poor, but I do think it demonstrates how hard it is for the rich to truly follow Jesus, because wealth messes us up. Maybe it would be easier to truly follow Jesus if we took his advice. That way wealth would no longer have a hold on us.

Anyway, as american we need to spend a lot of time on this chapter with Jesus and not be quick to rush over it. We need to spend a lot of time with Jesus.