Rewards from God

The Apostles would understand how you feel. They argued with Jesus all the time about the rewards they should get for following Him. This week's Gospel (Luke 17:5-10) is one of those times.

The Apostles asked Jesus, "Give us more faith." Jesus told them, "If you had faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, you could tell a mountain to move, and it would." Then He said, "If a servant came in from working, would his master say, `Sit and eat?' No, he'd tell the servant, `Wait on me, and then eat.' Just like that servant, you should do what you're told and then say, `It's only what I'm supposed to do.'"

The Apostles felt that way sometimes, too. They followed Jesus, but they wanted to get into heaven quicker for doing it. They also wanted more faith, so they would always feel sure they were doing the right thing by sticking with Jesus.

Of course, you know kids don't get paid in money for going to school. Your reward is that you'll learn everything you need to grow up and get a job someday, and then you'll get paid!

Jesus told the Apostles the same thing. He said they should think of themselves like servants or students, doing what they were supposed to so they'd learn what they needed to know -- and not like people who deserved prizes just for doing the right thing.

Jesus admitted some things are tough, from school to following Him -- but He said it would all be worth it someday!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me do what I have to without worrying about rewards! Amen.