Let the Children Come Luke 18:15-17 --- Kingdom of God Welcomes Child-likeness

 Let us never outgrow our child-likeness. The energy and the interest to explore and learn whatever with humility and open-mindedness. The ability to ask and to trust. Such are the requirements to receive the kingdom of God.

Lessons:

• Humility:
  • Children are naturally humble, free from the pride and self-reliance that can hinder adults from accepting God's grace.
• Trust:
  • Children often have a simple and trusting faith. Jesus highlights the importance of this kind of trusting belief in God.
• Openness:
  • Children are open to new things and experiences. Entering the kingdom might require letting go of preconceived notions and embracing God's will.
• Dependence:
  • Children rely on their parents for provision and care. This can be seen as a call to depend on God completely.
• Value of Children:
  • Jesus elevates the status of children, implying that they are not to be dismissed or overlooked but rather valued and esteemed.
• Inclusivity
  • Children welcome others even from other ages and races

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Luke 18:9-14 --- The Hypocrite & Repentant Tax Collector

The biggest problem with Confucianism is the value called "礼"， which translates to etiquette, propriety, ritual, good manners, and social order. Love is an inner attitude that cannot be easily seen. So they come out with a set of rules for proper behavior to show the inner attitude of love and respect. However, outward behavior can be performed without the inner attitude, resulting in hypocrisy. While it is good to practice 礼， it could be easily used to mislead people as this proud Pharisee shows. 

Lessons:

• Be not self-righteous and proud and look down on others. Must give others respect.
• Be not a hypocrite to self-justify and look down on others.
• If commit any sin, please repent and ask God for forgiveness and make any restitution when directed by the Holy Spirit
• Be not self-condemning when Christ has forgiven us.