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.

When Jesus talks about generosity, it isn’t something he wants from his followers but rather something he wants for them. Jesus knows something we don’t – that generosity leads to joy and a more fulfilled life. Generosity is the pathway to true life, and the choice is ours to make. As the letter writer Paul puts it, “I want it to be a real gift from you” because generosity is a free act, something for us.

We are blessed to be a blessing. We are created to shine our light for others. God lifts us up and forgives us so that God can use us to make a difference in the world. These are basic truths about who we are. But if we never use what God has given us to influence or make an impact, then we are short circuiting, we are not living as God calls us to live. This truth is illustrated quite literally in the story of the bags of gold (or talents). The master gives each person resources and comes back to see what they did with what they had. This week we will talk about what generosity does for us. Generosity allows us to say yes to making a difference with all that we have been given.

The story of the rich man is a puzzle. Did Jesus really expect him to give up everything? Does Jesus expect that of us? What we see in the story is an exaggeration of what happens if we hold on so tightly to everything we have. If we do that, we can become imprisoned by it. Generosity breaks that cycle. It teaches us we do not need everything we have. Generosity creates a lifestyle that isn’t overly dependent on money or possessions. The result is a life that is freer, more agile, more able to respond to Christ’s call. Generosity allows us to say yes to following that call.

The early communities of Christ followers were radical because they refused to live individualistically. Instead, they lived for the good of others. The concerns of one were the concern of all, the needs of one were the needs of all. The communities were giving and generous. This allowed them to care for another, support each other, and bear one another’s burdens. Generosity is more that an act; it’s a value and a lifestyle. Generosity is a way of saying yes to others.