60-second Questions are mini-voyages in self-discovery. Take just 60 seconds to ponder a question that may offer new insights into yourself, God and the world around us. Good things can happen in just a minute!
Here is today’s question, set up by New Testament commentator F. Dale Bruner, Matthew: A Commentary, who writes about Jesus’ acceptance of the little children who wanted to see him:
“Then Jesus said, ‘Let these little children through, and stop keeping them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven is made up of exactly such little people.’ ” (Matthew 19:14)
According to Jesus, the dependent, unable, helpless, passive, and weak are the real citizens of the heavenly kingdom. These are different people from those whom we usually allow to enter our kingdoms or clubs. Those whom instinct disqualifies, Jesus qualifies.”
Your 60-Second Question: what is it about dependent, unable, helpless, passive and weak people that our instinct may cause us to not welcome into our social circles?
- What is it about these same people that apparently makes them attractive to Jesus?
- What might I do to begin seeing them in a different way?
Funny you should mention this. I was just thinking about a couple of people who I find myself avoiding. In addition to the dependent qualities above, if I let them get too close, they constantly want to “borrow” money because they are also poor money managers. I feel like they see me as a “cash cow, rather than someone that they genuinely care about. Then I feel guilty for feeling that way!
Debbi, thanks for your comment. I’m sure many of us are in similar situations to the one you describe and we end up feeling guilty. How to respond with both grace and discernment is a challenge!
I want to be like the Publican, and the people groups you described are just such humble souls whom Jesus loves. On the other hand I do not want to be like the Pharisee whom I see as arrogant and self-righteous. A principle I observe in Scripture is that humility comes before exaltation (Phil. 2) and pride comes before a fall. If we really grasp our unworthiness, and the great price Jesus paid for our salvation, how can we waste our lives on frivolity when so many around us are walking in darkness. We have been saved for a purpose. I think it’s OK with God that we associate with others like ourselves – intellect, education, social stratum, etc. – but only to sharpen our witness and encourage our faith to go out into the world and share the Gospel.