Right after those children came to Jesus, Mark tells a story about a rich man who also came to Jesus. This man wanted the answer to the question, “How do I live with God forever?” Jesus tested his heart, saying, “Have you obeyed the Ten Commandments?” This man replied, “Yes, my whole life!” He may have thought he obeyed all ten all the time, but no one (except Jesus!) has ever done that. So Jesus tested him by seeing if he could keep—right then and there—the first commandment (love God above all) and the last (do not covet). “Sell all that you have and give to the poor . . . and come, follow me” (10:21). The rich man, we are told, “went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (10:22). He couldn’t let go of his stuff! Jesus doesn’t test everyone like he did this man, but he does ask everyone to be totally dependent on him whether we are rich rulers or tiny children. The gospel is for everyone in the world. Because everyone in the world is small, helpless, and weak compared to God. What this rich ruler didn’t understand is that no one can live with God forever until they realize they are as weak and helpless as toddlers. That’s how God wants us to come to him. And when we do, he will take us in his arms and bless us.