Matthew 19

Like in 18:3, in 19:14, Jesus uses the image of children to teach about being a disciple of the kingdom. Preceding his comments is a theological discussion about divorce; following is a rich young man who is wealthy. The first group is “hardened” (8) the young man is tragically unwilling to walk away from his wealth (22).

The religious leaders and the up-and-comers both miss that “the first are last, last are first” (30). The children bring “nothing” to Jesus and that is what it takes to be a disciple. We cannot impress Jesus. We come to him empty- handed, in last place and find grace.