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Matthew 19:16-30
In this passage in Matthew, Jesus invites a young, successful man to come and follow him. This man seems like a person you would want to learn from. He’s honest, kind, trustworthy, and has done well for himself in multiple areas of his life. And this person seemed to be seeking relationship with Jesus! But the interaction doesn’t quite go how you would expect or think.
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And 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.” 18 He 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, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus 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.
23 And 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.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus 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. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
It’s important to note that Jesus invited the man to come and follow him. It’s a pretty amazing thing to consider that Jesus invites you into relationship with him. He knows every part of you, great things and flaws, and calls you to follow him. It’s meaningful to consider that relationship with Jesus is costly. It is a surrendering of self and your kingdom for his kingdom. And the promise, if you follow, is greater than anything we have here.
Discussion Questions
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
In this passage in Matthew, Jesus invites a young, successful man to come and follow him. This man seems like a person you would want to learn from. He’s honest, kind, trustworthy, and has done well for himself in multiple areas of his life. And this person seemed to be seeking relationship with Jesus! But the interaction doesn’t quite go how you would expect or think.
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And 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.” 18 He 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, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus 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.
23 And 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.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus 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. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
It’s important to note that Jesus invited the man to come and follow him. It’s a pretty amazing thing to consider that Jesus invites you into relationship with him. He knows every part of you, great things and flaws, and calls you to follow him. It’s meaningful to consider that relationship with Jesus is costly. It is a surrendering of self and your kingdom for his kingdom. And the promise, if you follow, is greater than anything we have here.
Discussion Questions
- What are some key factors the world values as success?
- In the interaction with the rich young ruler, what does Jesus call him to do? What does that reveal about Jesus and his character?
- What promises did Jesus give the rich young ruler, and what does that show us about his kingdom?
- Jesus said frankly it’s difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. How do people worship money today?
- Honest and humble time: How do you value or pursue money/possessions over God? What would God call you to change?
- Jesus called the rich, young ruler to sell everything. He calls us to surrender everything to him. What possession would be challenging to surrender to Jesus, and why?
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
- How is your time with God?
- What are you praying for?
- What are you struggling with?
- Who are you praying for to know Jesus?
- What gospel conversations have you had this week with someone who doesn’t follow Jesus?