We have much in common with the disciples. We also have curiosity. I think we also do what the disciple do, not really listen to the answers that Jesus gives. We perhaps don’t want to hear what Jesus is saying because it is tough and uncomfortable. Jesus says that things will be bad, the temple destroyed (are we over reliant on our institutions and buildings?) and that rumors, aka bad stuff, will be happening and part of life in which we will find ourselves living. In the midst of this reality, do we keep following and serving to make the world better? That is what we are to do!

We like to give honor to leaders and people who appear to be extremely generous. Lots of people do things to be seen and recognized. They often get upset if they are not recognized! This story challenges us to think about if we are all in or not. The rich people gave out of their abundance. The scribes liked being fawned over, while forcing poor widows to feel like they had to give their mites. We need to rethink our understanding of kingdom economics vs our selfish desires. Are we all bought in?

We are familiar with the ten commandments. Many of us are familiar with these two commandments that Jesus mentions in this text. The scribe who asked the question even agreed with Jesus about them. Yet Jesus said “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” How close are we to the kingdom of God? We believe that the kingdom is here now, but are we actually living into that kingdom by following those two simple (yet very hard) commandments?

This simple story is radical through Jesus’ scandalous behavior. Acknowledging, receiving, and blessing children. We need to get out to the way and see the needs and opportunities to serve and love our neighbors, especially children. This is where the Kingdom is. It is shown by how we welcome children and stand up for them. It is both our attitude and our actions. We are to receive the Kingdom of God with both hands.

We need wisdom to be part of our lives. It means being willing to admit when we have failed and messed up. It also means that we work at learning and improving. Wisdom’s warning against being simple, hating knowledge, and scoffing are mission-critical, but she needs us to understand that for ourselves.