MATTHEW 19.16-30
Jesus said, “… go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. V.22
Pretend for a moment you don’t know this story. Jesus is approached by man while setting out on a journey. This man wants something from Jesus. One might expect him to request that Jesus heal him or someone he cares about. After all, that has typically been the case so far. This man, however, is looking for something else. He asks Jesus, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” It seems that the stage is being set for an amazing conversion story. Certainly, Jesus is capable of closing this deal, right? In an interesting twist, we learn that this man walks away sorrowful. What happened? How is it possible that someone could come to Jesus asking for eternal life but not receive it? In this near paradox, we see the danger of great wealth and are reminded that the greatest riches on earth are no comparison to what awaits those who submit all of who they are to Jesus Christ.
1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Where were you most encouraged, intrigued, or challenged?
2. Read verse 26 again. How does living with a conviction that “with God all things are possible” help rid our hearts of idols?
3. What are you not willing to submit to the lordship of Jesus? What does this reveal?
4. Read Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 and 1Timothy 6:10. What do we learn from these verses about wealth and possessions?
5. Do you give to the church? Why or why not?