He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not ...
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Wow! First they love Jesus just from what he has to say. Then, in the space of a few sentences, they hate him enough actually to attempt to kill him! That sounds like children and their natural tendency to love/hate in the space of minutes. It is in their immature nature not to be able to handle complex relationships. It is usually innocent comments that hurt the other, but they aren't meant actually to kill. Children can be so cruel in their comments and actions. Children have to learn to do the dance of love and hate that so easily come and go in early childhood friendships.