Read the story of Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-26

As you read the story, imagine what the young man was thinking at each moment.

Having read the story and imagined what the young man was thinking, what is God
saying to you?

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Answer these questions:

• The young man had a lot going for him. He had lived a good, moral life. He was financially successful. But he wanted something else…something he didn’t have. He asked Jesus how he could “obtain eternal life” (v.16). Thus he was a young man interested in spiritual things.
• What are some of the emotions you can imagine the young man felt during his encounter with Jesus? What might he have felt when:
  • he first met Jesus?
  • he heard Jesus initial answer to his question in verse 18?
  • he heard Jesus comment that he needed to give his possessions to the poor (v.21)?
• In verse 21 Jesus invited the young man to “follow” Him. Instead the young man went “away grieving” (v.22).
  • Why? What does that say about what he loved and wanted most in life?
  • What did he miss out on or lose because of this?
• According to verses 23-26 is it possible for someone to love Jesus more than they love money?
  • Do you? Do you love Jesus more than you love other things…other people? How do you know?\
  • Is it possible to be spiritual and look religious while actually loving Jesus less than you love stuff?
  • Is it possible that your attitude about giving says something about how much you love Jesus?

After answering these questions, write or verbalize a personal prayer to God.

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Praying for our church:
We are seeking God’s wisdom for dealing with five specific challenges our church is facing.
Today please pray for God’s wisdom in dealing with the following challenge:

• How can we provide space for growth in our elementary Sunday School?