08/23/2026
We wrap up our Encounters With Jesus series in Mark 10:13–31, where two very different encounters reveal an important truth about entering the kingdom of God. Jesus welcomes children who come with nothing to offer but trust, while a rich young ruler approaches confident in his accomplishments and righteousness.
Through this contrast, Jesus challenges the ways we measure worthiness and spiritual success. The children remind us that salvation is received with humble dependence, not achieved through our own effort. The rich young ruler, despite his morality and success, struggles to surrender the very thing standing between him and wholehearted devotion to Christ.
This message invites us to examine what we are bringing to Jesus — our trust or our résumé. We're reminded that salvation is not something we can earn, but a gift of grace we receive by trusting and following him.