Matthew 19:16-30
Key Verse 19:21 “Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’”
1. What did the young man believe he had to do to get eternal life? Why might he ask such a question?
What do people today believe about how they can go to heaven?
2. How did Jesus question the young man’s idea of human goodness? (17) Why do you think Jesus mentioned the commandments about loving one’s neighbor, and what was the young man’s claim about himself?
3. How does Jesus’ command, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor,” expose the young man’s delusion about his goodness? Why does Jesus emphasize following him?
4. How does the love of wealth prevent us from entering the kingdom of heaven? (23-24) Why were the disciples astonished? (25) How can anyone be saved? (26)
5. What promises did Jesus give the disciples and us? (28-29; cf. Revelation 4:4) What does verse 30 tell us about the contrast between this world and the kingdom of heaven?