<< Mark 10: Blessing Little Children: The Rich Young Man >>

 THE Lord was in the country east of Jordan, journeying towards Jerusalem, and they brought little children to Him. How lovingly the Lord took the  little  children in His arms and blessed them! How they must have felt His kindness! And He loves all little children as much as the ones He blessed that day. Because He loves them He gives them fathers and mothers and friends to take care of them, and He sends His good angels to be near to them. And if older people are gentle and obedient and trustful, He calls them all His little children, and protects them with the arms of His Divine power and love.

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.---Mark X. 13-16.

Now we hear the Lord's answer to a rich young man, a ruler, who asked, " What, shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" We learn two things, that we must keep the commandments, and that we must do it not trusting in our own knowledge and strength, but humbly, knowing that the Lord alone is good, trusting in Him, and willing to make sacrifice for His sake. The Lord's answer is for every young man.

 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?  And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.  And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into 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 into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?  And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.---Mark X. 17-27.

Author: William L. Worcester 1904

Spiritual Correspondences

The childlike spirit >> The spirit which knows that we have no goodness and no strength of our own, but is humbly dependent on the Lord. It is strong because it trusts His strength. It is wise because it is willing to be taught by Him

Rich man >> Those that have an abundance of knowledges and learning, which are spiritual riches, and who desire by means of these to introduce themselves into the things of heaven and the church from their own intelligence

Camel >> Knowing faculty and things known

Needle’s eye >> Spiritual truth

Pictures: James Tissot ----Courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum