Mark 10:17-31

This story is a tough one for children – and tough one for adults. It may take a lifetime to let the lesson sink in and to become a habit.

The editors of the Spark Story Bible for children tell the story of an inquiring rich person like this:

A rich man asked Jesus. “What do I have to do for God to love me forever? I think I’m doing everything God wants me to do … so will God always love me?”

“Sell everything you have,” Jesus aid. “Give all that money to the poor. Then come follow me.”

The rich man was shocked! See everything? He had lots of stuff. He walked away from Jesus.

Jesus said, “It’s hard for greedy people to enter the kingdom of God. In fact, it’s easier for a lumpy, bumpy camel to walk through the itty, bitty eye of a needle. But, don’t forget, for God, all things are possible! God loves us always and no matter what, nothing we do gets us God’s love, and there is nothing we can do to lose God’s love. It is forever.

God’s love is not for sale. It comes to us freely. We just need to remember to love God in return. And it’s hard to love God enough, and to busy ourselves doing God’s will when we are first and foremost greedy people.

Prayer

God, let me put loving You and other people at the top of my want list as I try to follow my Lord and Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.