Does Jesus play favorites? Do some get an easier path to his heart? At first brush it may seem so. Little children are invited directly into his presence. He has no word of judgment for them, he simply blesses them. When it comes to the rich young man, however, Jesus tells him to go and sell his possessions before following him.
Matthew 19:13-30
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15And he laid his hands on them and went away.
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
What may seem like playing favorites is nothing of the kind. Jesus has no interest in making certain friends or scoring certain points with any special interest group. His treatment of those who come to him is evenhanded in terms of the ultimate intent of his love for all people. Those who would be dismissed by others need the reassurance of his love and blessing. Hence he blesses the children. Those who are consumed in their self-importance need the redirection of humility before God and love for others. So he challenges the rich young man to rid himself of his false-god (wealth) and follow him.
There certainly are favorites of Jesus among his disciples. Peter, James and John are clearly closer than the others. And John seems closest of all. But Jesus’ favoritism never prevents blessings to others. He never allows them to preempt his attention or love for those in need. They share a human connection that is lived out in their sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom. Indeed if any of us would wish a closer fellowship with Jesus it is to be found in sacrifice and humility.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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