22 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

This is a moment which changes history forever.  Judas takes this opportunity to betray Jesus.  What I immediately notice is that verse 3 says that Satan entered Judas before he went to temple guards.

Proverbs 4:23 immediately comes to mind when I read this and becomes my prayer.  Guarding our hearts is so incredibly important so that we protect ourselves from the schemes of the enemy. 

Heavenly Father, help me today to guard my heart for I know that from it comes the wellspring of life.  Thank you that you hold the victory over the enemy, thank you that you turned this moment where Judas betrayed you into the greatest victory in history. Help me to have faith that you redeem every situation and turn all things the enemy meant for evil into good for your glory.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

Written by Ps. Annique Botta

5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” 7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” 8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.

This passage depicts a time to come, a time of war and destruction when people turn against one another, but I think it has wise instructions for us now as well as in that time to come. 

3 instructions that stick out to me in this passage are:

1. Do not be misled, know who Jesus is. If we are not to be misled we must know who Jesus is and what he is like. We must know what the bible has to say about him.

• Do not be afraid but trust in God. He continues later in the passage to assure their protection should they stand firm. The bible clearly warns that persecution for following Jesus happens. It has, it is and it will happen. But we are not to fear man but to fear God.

 3. Listen to Him and do not depend on your own understanding.

Jesus was asked to defend his statements, actions and beliefs many times. His answers are often puzzling. They are not your typical defences. Jesus has the words and the wisdom we need. We need to ask him for help and listen to him.

Jesus Thankyou for the Bible. Thankyou that we can know who you are and what you are like. Thankyou for your Holy Spirit in us who helps us to discern. May we know you more and not be misled by false teachings or values. Help us not to be afraid but to trust in you each day. May we know, without any doubt, that you are true and faithful. Help us to listen to you and come to you for wisdom and the right words especially when we face adversity. Thankyou that you are our provider, defender, and our Lord. Amen

Written by Ps. Zoe Stewart

45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

Jesus was never afraid.  He told it like it was.  He clearly sounded out His expectation of those who lead and those who follow Him.

“Within earshot of ALL the people, Jesus warns the disciples….”.

I don’t know about you, but I am a “backrow” girl, when I was at school and I still prefer to sit at the back.  However, I don’t really have that option now, so what do I do?  I have to make a choice about a few things.

1.      I am not in church to tick a box, or to been seen. 

2.      I attend church out of obedience, to worship my God with His family and to listen and learn from Him.  So whether I sit in the front or the back doesn’t matter.

3.      I have to make a choice not to be intimidated or feel self-conscious.  I choose to worship Him wholeheartedly, with my mouth, my song, my body and all that I am.

4.      I don’t want to become religious.  I want to be like a child, awaiting what God has for me each week.  Expectant in my heart.

5.      I am desperate and so in need of His presence and His peace.  Church = gathering together brings that to me.  I am strengthened each time I am with His body.

6.      I desire to be changed by Him – when I worship the songs speak to my heart and bring freedom as I declare His promises.

Jesus tells us not to neglect meeting together.  He knows what we need.

Lord, I love you and want to become more like you.  Help me Lord to be transformed by your Holy Spirit.  Keep my ears and eyes open to your word.  Change me to make me more like you.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta

27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally, the woman died too. 33 Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” 34 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37 But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” 39 Some of the teachers of the law responded, “Well said, teacher!” 40 And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

The Sadducees were a group of Jews who did not believe in a resurrection. They come to Jesus in order to make a point, that the resurrection does not make sense. I have come to God with these kinds of questions before and I think it is reasonable to ask these questions… but I need to be ready for the answer. Jesus provides us not only with an answer but with truths that can revolutionise the way I view my identity.

1. God sees all of humanity, past and present, as alive. Physical death does not change the fact that humans are made in God’s image and have life beyond the physical. There is a life after my death.
2. There is a physical resurrection. God does not intend for ‘dead’ humanity to remain physically dead. There will be a resurrection that brings my physical life back from the dead.
3. There is an age to come (an after life) that is ‘invite only’. Jesus says it is for those considered worthy. I see later in the gospels that the only way I will be deemed worthy is if I follow Jesus ‘into the party’. Jesus makes me worthy of this ‘age to come’ by dying for the sins of the world. Jesus carries my burden of guilt and sin into his own death, and rises from the dead free from that burden. My guilt died with Jesus, now my life is defined by Jesus’ own resurrection from the dead.
4. This future age will not be threatened by death anymore, nor will marriage and family be the dominant identity that I have, instead, my primary identity is that of ‘child of God’!

These facts call me to align my thinking even now to this greater identity. As important as family identity is, it is superseded by our identity in God’s family.

Lord, my identity is shaped by being your son. Teach me the values of your family and empower me to live out these values and to entrust them to others; for now and into eternity.

Written by Andrew Mellor

9 He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12 He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out. 13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.’ 14 “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. “What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!” 17 Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” 19 The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

I’ve read this story of the evil farmers many times, and it never ceases to amaze me the lack of respect shown – the lack of respect for people & for others property. In this passage, I know that Jesus is referring to the religious leaders & priests, and their disrespect for Jesus God’s only son. It makes me mad to think that they could disrespect Jesus this way. That they would let God down this way – the one they called Lord …

BUT, am I (or we) any different? I know there have been times in my own life where I have not treated others in a respectful way. Whether as a teenager and thought I knew better than my parents – after all they were never young and couldn’t understand that the fun didn’t start until after curfew time!! Or choosing not to follow a leader/boss because “my way” was always better. Through my disrespect at these times, I was letting God down.  I may have never murdered anyone to get what I wanted (and that’s a good thing…) but I still disrespected God’s plan and way, thus letting Him down.  His heart & plan is all about loving God and loving others – when I choose to do different to this, I step outside of His plan.

Respect comes in many ways – with our spouses & families, boss, pastor, leader, friend, the list goes on… it’s really all about our heart and attitude towards God and others. Know that God loves each of us, more than we could ever comprehend.

Written by Mandy Miller

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

The description of the Messiah is unambiguous – powerful and inspiring.

The names given suggest a number of things. Divine wisdom and power, ongoing and unceasing fatherly care, the bringing of peace with all of its blessings.

When I think of a Saviour these descriptions cover all my needs. I need a Saviour – one who doesn’t just deal with part of who I am but all that I am and hope to be.

Jesus – the child born is this Saviour.

But even more than this I take confidence from the fact that the kingdom God establishes through the Saviour, Jesus, is one of ever increasing peace and ever increasing dimension. Jesus rule and reign – His kingdom – is not geographical but in our hearts and God’s promise is that it will always increase.

That means His transforming work in me and through me is always at work by His Word and Spirit – wow what a life of joy, of peace, of fruitfulness!!

Father, this Christmas I come to you afresh, committing my life to your Lordship. May I follow you more dearly and nearly day-by-day!

Written by Ps. Richard Botta

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

This passage is part of the traditional Christmas nativity story however, it is v19 that caught my attention on this reading.

‘Mary kept all these things like secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over’.

As Christians it’s important to ask the questions of ourselves ‘what do I value’ and ‘what are my priorities in life’. However, these questions are not easily answered, in fact it is often easier to answer these questions about others than ourselves.

Here is the beauty of v19, what we value either publicly or secretly and what we give priority to is revealed by what we think about most often.

All the best personal insights come from ‘thinking about what you are thinking about’. If you always think about eating cream buns, then you will eventual eat cream buns. In the same way if you regularly think about Christ as the saviour and risen king then your values and priorities will fall into line behind those thoughts.

So, take the opportunity today to consider how often you think about Christ each day, because that is what Mary did.

Lord, help us focus on You and give us the power to overcome any thoughts we shouldn’t be thinking.

Amen

Written by David Newton

46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

This song by Mary is commonly known as ‘The Magnificat’.  It is commonly sung in traditional carols services at Christmas, I recall singing it many times growing up in the church choir I was part of.  It is a soaring song of praise of God.  We do well to read it slowly and let its powerful themes lead us to God.  Themes like – God notices all not based on prestige or human accolade; God’s mercy is shown to those who revere Him; God does mighty things; God opposes the proud.

As you take the time now to praise God using this song of praise let your heart thrill at your Father in heaven.

Father, hear our praises to You and as we lift our hearts to you based on Mary’s song!

Written by Ps. Richard Botta

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Here is God’s marvelous plan of redemption becoming reality! Fulfilling prophesy and bringing the long promised reconciliation with God, the birth of His Son is announced.

The God of relationship once again is working through people to bring about his plan. I realised how incredible it was that God worked his plan through a young woman in Nazareth. Mary’s response especially in verses 46-56 shows she felt it was an incredible promise too. God has always been acting through people to bring about his purposes and he still is today, working through those who love him. This is God’s character, to have relationship with us, for us to know him. What a privilege!

Mary’s humble response to learning her world was about to completely change is always inspiring! Mary’s heart was full of obedience and humility at the call of God on her life. What is my response when God calls me?

Dear Lord Jesus, you are in control of my future. Your call on my life may take me somewhere unexpected, but as you are in control, help me to respond like Mary, in gratitude, and humility.

Amen

Written by Claire Moore

1 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 4 Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, 7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, 8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, 9 Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. 12 After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud, 15 Elihud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. 17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.

I’ve often wondered why God has placed me where he has. Why in Qantas? Why as an engineer? Why in Sydney and not Perth (where I grew up) or Holland even (where I was born)?

I wonder if Matthew ever felt that way. Tax collector for the Romans, a “lists and numbers” man for the enemy, he would have been used to researching and recording data. It’s little wonder that Matthew begins his gospel with a list and a record to prove the “Messiahship” of Jesus. He’s the perfect man for the job!

God has a calling on your life and my life. It’s unique. No one else can do it because no one else has your God-given skill set at this exact God-given time. You were appointed for “such a time as this”(see Esther 4:14). He loves you! He is with you! With Him you can’t loose! So let the adventure begin!

Thanks Lord that you have placed me here – at this time and in this place – for purposes I can’t even begin to imagine. Bring it on! Because this journey with you is the only place I want to be.   Amen

Written by Boudy Van Noppen

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

Jesus may have been speaking over two thousand years ago, but his words in verse 42 are as true today as they were then. All about us people, looking for peace – an abiding wholeness, wellness and rest for their souls. Perhaps I should rephrase that, how often ‘I’ am looking for peace. Or perhaps it is best if I say, ‘we’. We look for peace through our achieving, accumulating, experiencing, relationships, leisure activities and serving. 

We are no different from those Jesus was originally speaking to, as we search for peace it is as if it were hidden from our eyes, that here in the moment it is Jesus who will bring us peace. He is the Prince of Peace and where He reigns there will be wholeness and wellness and rest for our souls. 

Jesus, I hear your words and I’m sorry for all the times I have sought peace outside of you. Forgive me and help me to see that I will only find wholeness and wellness and rest for my soul as I daily surrender to you. Thank you that you care deeply about me living in the richness of your peace. Amen. 

Written by Ps. Bethany Waugh 

11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ 14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ 19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ 20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ 24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ 26 “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’”

This parable challenges and inspires me every time I read it. The parable has two types of servants – those that do something with what the master gives, and one servant who does nothing with what the master gives. He fears the master, and this fear stops him doing anything with the money he’s given. Could it be that Jesus is suggesting that to “have” from Him is not simply to possess what has been given, but to “put it to work” like the first two servants do?

In contrast, the third servant remained in possession of the money, but kept it “laid away” rather than putting it to work. Is to” have nothing” not to possess nothing but to do nothing with what one has been given?

What was the difference between the servants that caused their different behaviour? It would appear to be that the third servant feared the master and his character, where the first two had no such problem.

I read that Jesus wants me to put to work what I’ve been given by Him – my gifts and skills, my time, my resources. But Jesus most important point for me is – how I feel about Him and perceive Him can be the difference between putting to work what I’ve been given and doing nothing what I’ve been given and losing it all. Being afraid of Him will shut me down – causing what I’ve been given to be “laid away”, gathering dust. This does not help me and it certainly doesn’t please Jesus.

Lord, I want to be of the first two servants, not the third. Show me where my perception of you is fearful and afraid, and give me a right perspective of you. I want to be confident and courageous in your service, but that means I’ve got to be confident and free with you. Help my heart be totally free before you, always, so I can effectively put to work what you’ve given me. Amen.

Written by Ps. Rob Waugh

35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. 42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

Hope for the future is vital to each one of us. The blind man in this story is inspirational because even though his lot in life was tough, he had not given up hope that his life could change for the better.

If the blind man had no hope, he wouldn’t have called out to Jesus for help.

If the blind man had no hope, he would have been silenced when the crowd told him to be quiet.

If the blind man had no hope, he would not have asked Jesus for his deepest desire to be given sight.

Which leads me to consider, in what area have I given up hope or stopped believing that God can change things for the better?

With hope today, I call out to Jesus for help.

With hope today, I refuse to be silenced or intimidated by the voices that tell me to give up.

With hope today, I ask Jesus for my very specific request for change.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of hope. Nothing is too hard for You. Whatever I face today or tomorrow, my life is in Your capable and loving hands.

Written by Shelley Witt

15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’” 21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” 27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” 28 Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” 29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”

These two passages explain how we can enter the Kingdom of God.

In the first passage (v15-17), Jesus explained that to enter the Kingdom of God, we need to come to Him as little children. Take a minute to think about how kids are: they want to play, eat, have fun exploring, make things, build stuff and get messy. Kids don’t have it all figured out. They don’t think too far ahead. They live in the moment. They don’t have all the means or the resources. They are fully reliant on their parents to take care of them which allows them to live carefree and enjoy life. What a great image of how God wants us to be with Him.

By contrast, the second passage (v18-30) is about a rich young ruler. Here’s a man who used to be a kid. But now he’s grown up. He’s experienced life. He knows that trouble and surprises come along in life and he’s learnt to prepare for them by assuming great wealth.

He’s also a religious man, who’s followed all the rules as set out by God’s law. But to be sure that he’s done enough to be in a good position for the next life, he asks Jesus, “How do I get eternal life?” (ie, how do I enter the Kingdom of God). Jesus tells the man to get rid of all his wealth. Jesus doesn’t want this man to be self-sufficient or self-righteous. Jesus is asking this man not to rely on his own efforts but to be like a child and rely on God as his Heavenly Father instead.

Jesus asks us the same.

Lord, help me not to rely on my own efforts. May I let go of them and fully rely on You instead.

Written by Gab Martin