Character in Context

In the modern world, children are viewed in some truly idealistic ways regarding inherent innocence and honesty. Does that POV carry any weight in the Bible or in biblical times? What exactly did Yeshua/Jesus mean when He told His disciples that they must become like little children? Was He preaching what many see as an impossible ideal, or something altogether attainable based on the role assigned to children in the ancient world?

Understanding what phrases meant during Bible times can help us to avoid the sometimes tragic consequences of reading our own agendas into the text. Exactly what would the phrase "Greedy for gain" mean in Bible times? Was it a condemnation of capitalism? Or maybe a moratorium on the acquisition of wealth? Something entirely different? This week we are going to find out and we will use this context to explore how we can avoid being greedy for gain in our own lives in a world where such behavior is celebrated and even admired.