Week 5: Jesus the Son of Man
Matthew 19:13-30, Mark 10:13-31, Luke 18:15-34
Our God shows us that we should treat every person, regardless of their age or demographic, with value. Though there was love and care for children in the first century, it was not common for them to be viewed as complete persons with inherent worth. Abandonment was also prevalent. The disciples themselves were influenced by this belief, stopping the children from seeing Jesus. Jesus corrects them and says, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Through this event, we see Jesus' desire to be close to children who were often overlooked. Whatever society’s understanding may be, it pales in comparison to His perspective and love.
Even as we grow older physically and mature spiritually, we are to approach God in humbleness and surrender as His children. Our posture should be child-like, receiving, trusting fully in our Father in Heaven. What things in your life get in the way of you experiencing this kind of faith?
On the other hand, we see this very lack of faith in this adult man. The young ruler did not submit to the Lord. He had no child-like faith in God, and his keeping of the commandments was directly tied to his prideful outlook, not out of a sincere devotion to God.
His overconfidence reveals a heart shaped by pride and false assumptions about righteousness.
As Christians, when we confess that Jesus is Lord, we are saying He is our everything. No longer are we the ones in control. He commands our beliefs, our ways of thinking, and our possessions.
At times in our lives, we will struggle with surrendering things to God. However, the difference lies in repentance and belief. If the man truly wanted to know God, he would have asked Jesus for help to change his heart, yet he didn’t. Unfortunately, this young ruler, who had everything, was unwilling to turn to the Lord and “went away sorrowful” (Matthew 19:22)
God wants us as His children to depend on Him. He wants us to avoid placing our security in objects or our own obedience. Do you find yourself in a similar situation, unable to give up certain things for the sake of God? If so, what do you need to surrender to Him?
Our loving and compassionate God gives all the same call, no matter our age, status, or level of “obedience”: to seek Him first. We are sinners who cannot save ourselves. He desires for us to KNOW Him. To sit with delight at His feet and to reject the things of man.
