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Matthew 19:16-30 | Kingdom Giving
In this passage, a rich man comes to Jesus with a question. He wants to know how to gain eternal life by doing good. Jesus first tells him to obey the commandments, specific ones pertaining to people. He has done this. Bravo for him. Outwardly, he is righteous. This makes him think he has what it takes to buy a ticket to the kingdom. But Jesus gets to his heart, the thing that motivates him - possessions. Jesus tells him to sell the possessions, give them away, then follow Jesus. He left grieving. He was unwilling to give up what he desires, what he believed would give him delight in this life. And in so doing, he missed the opportunity to find eternal life.
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.
Matthew 19:16-30
Kingdom giving starts with the hope of the gospel. Peter was willing to give up his possessions, way, and life to follow Jesus. He received salvation, knowing eternal life was full of reward. Kingdom giving reflects the heart of God. We give because we recognize God’s heart for us. Kingdom giving partners with the ongoing work of Jesus. Jesus invites us on mission with him through giving. Kingdom giving invests in the promise of eternal life.
Discussion Questions
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
In this passage, a rich man comes to Jesus with a question. He wants to know how to gain eternal life by doing good. Jesus first tells him to obey the commandments, specific ones pertaining to people. He has done this. Bravo for him. Outwardly, he is righteous. This makes him think he has what it takes to buy a ticket to the kingdom. But Jesus gets to his heart, the thing that motivates him - possessions. Jesus tells him to sell the possessions, give them away, then follow Jesus. He left grieving. He was unwilling to give up what he desires, what he believed would give him delight in this life. And in so doing, he missed the opportunity to find eternal life.
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.
Matthew 19:16-30
Kingdom giving starts with the hope of the gospel. Peter was willing to give up his possessions, way, and life to follow Jesus. He received salvation, knowing eternal life was full of reward. Kingdom giving reflects the heart of God. We give because we recognize God’s heart for us. Kingdom giving partners with the ongoing work of Jesus. Jesus invites us on mission with him through giving. Kingdom giving invests in the promise of eternal life.
Discussion Questions
- In what ways are we similar to the rich young man? In what ways are we similar to Peter?
- What do we learn about their motives from the questions they ask?
- Why does Jesus challenge the man to sell his possessions?
- What does Jesus promise when we give up our lives for him? How does this promise encourage you?
- In what way is the Lord asking you join him in kingdom giving - to store up treasure in heaven and follow Him?
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?