The rich young man wanted to secure eternal life. His past and present had been secured by his great wealth. But wealth is not able to buy eternal life. Jesus told him to be a blessing to the poor. He became sad and went away.
People were bringing little children to Jesus that He might touch them. Would that be a healing touch? Likely not. At the end of this episode He picked them up and blessed them. But it is noteworthy that Jesus became “really irritated” at his disciples, because the kingdom of God belongs to them.
Throughout the Bible there are many passages that give parents the task of teaching the faith to their children. Jesus uses very stern words in this regard. Parents who neglect their children’s Christian upbringing will have to answer to God, who entrusted them with their children.
The Apostle likes the tongue to a fire, a world of unrighteousness. He uses the analogy of the rudder on a ship: relatively small, yet it turns the whole boat. A tongue, though small, can stain the whole body. Curse and blessing comes out of the same mouth. “This ought not to be so,” he says.
The Apostle James calls us Christians to action. He warns us strictly not to be partial to various people but treat all with respect. He also says that if someone is in need of food we should not just wish them well. We ought to actually help them, out of love for Christ.