Family Connection – Rich Young Man

Today’s lesson – Jesus and the rich young man

Jesus was travelling and a young man ran up to him and asked Jesus how he can inherit eternal life. Jesus replied, “Why do you call me ‘good’? Only God is good.”

Jesus then told the young man the commandments, and the young man said he has not broken them.

As you drive, discuss how this young man says he has not broken a rule. Talk about the rules of driving — stopping at stop signs, the speed limit, etc. Apply them to the covenant we have with Jesus: to follow His ways and to tell everyone about Him.

At home...

Read Mark 10:17-27

When Jesus was talking to the young man, He knew that this young man held his possessions and money above doing what was needed to inherit the kingdom of heaven. Jesus told the young man to sell everything he owned and give it to the poor.

This was hard for the young man because he had much wealth and valued the things he had. This young man had an opportunity to follow Jesus, but he gave it up because he wanted his earthly possessions more.

Have you ever denied Jesus because you wanted something more than following Him? Like wanting to keep a reputation or keeping something physical instead of sharing Jesus?

Around the table...

When Jesus told the young man to sell everything and give it to the poor, he walked away with his heart sad. Jesus then told His disciples how hard it is for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. This is usually because money and possessions become like a god in their lives. They begin to trust in their money more than in the Lord. Jesus wants our hearts fully devoted to Him and spreading the Gospel. When distractions are around, it’s hard to focus on Jesus.

Talk about a time when you might’ve put your trust in something before you put it in Jesus. Discuss how something might come up that distracts you from Jesus.

GO DEEPER: Jesus explained that those who give will receive abundantly more in heaven. What are some things you give up to follow Jesus (not bragging but awareness)?