10:13
We are now on somewhat safer ground! Jesus welcoming little children. This incident is much loved and oft repeated. It focuses again on the disciples (wrong) attitude towards others. Earlier (Mark 9:38-41) is what their attitude towards other “Christians” was. Here it is their attitude towards children. Many other wrong attitudes are highlighted at various points in the gospels. This is actually one of the best arguments for the authenticity of the gospels. If they were made up it is almost certain that they would show the apostles in a very positive light, As it is the gospels portray the apostles as a bunch of numpties, well not quite, but their many weaknesses are highlighted.
10:14
Jesus rebukes the disciples, He was indignant about their attitude. The kingdom belongs to such as these. In the world there are many individuals and groups of people who get written off, or are at least considered to be of less importance than others. The kingdom of God is not like this. First, anyone who comes in repentance and faith is welcomed with open arms, secondly the kingdom will actively seek out the rejected. And thirdly, any worldly wealth or status we may have counts for nothing in the kingdom (in terms of making us “favourites”, we should use any wealth and position that we might have for good purposes).
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