Wow! There’s a lot to unpack in today’s verses. In a few, short paragraphs, Jesus welcomes the little children, encourages a rich man to follow him, promises a hundredfold reward in heaven for everything left for his sake, and reminds the disciples all things are possible with GOD. Seems to me, these various stories are all related. After all, we need to have saving faith (believe like a child) to follow Jesus, put him first, and go wherever he calls. Most importantly, we need GOD for any of it to happen. It is GOD who saves and gives us the ability to do as he wills. He is the giver of every good gift including the ability to lay it all down for the Lord. Let’s lay it all down at his feet today and ask him what he wills us to do!
Matthew 19:13-30
13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.
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.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ What do you think Jesus means when he says the kingdom of heaven belongs to little children? (v13-14)
+ How can we benefit from coming to Jesus as children do?
+ What do you think prevented the rich man from selling his possessions and following Jesus? (v22) Love of money, the need for control, comfort or something else?
+ Has there been a time when Jesus called you to give something up for him that you held onto? Are you still holding on to it or have you let that go now?
+ In verse 23, Jesus says it is very difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Aside from money, what is one way you may be rich in yourself and how is that making it difficult for you to follow Jesus?
+ In verse 30, we are told some of the first will be last and the last first. How might this verse relate to the previous ones?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Is there something I have placed ahead of GOD’s will for my life I need to make right today?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Is there someone I can share this step with to help me in the journey?
+ Who can I pray for today for saving faith?