Mark Lesson 34 (2023)

THE RICH AND GOD’S KINGDOM

(Mark 10:17-31)

Open it:

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being wealthy? Why do you think most people want to be rich?

Explore it:

1. Read verses 17-18. What was the attitude of the wealthy man as he came to Jesus? What did the man want Jesus to explain to him? Why did Jesu tell the man, “No one is good – except God alone”?

2. Read verses 19-21a. How did Jesus explain the way to inherit eternal life? How did the rich man respond to Jesus? What does the rich man’s answer to Jesus tell us about his spiritual state? What attitude did Jesus have toward the rich man? (21a)

3. Read verses 21b-22. What was difficult about the instruction that Jesus gave the young man? In what way would selling all of his earthly possessions give the wealthy man “treasure in heaven”? (21) Why could the man not obey Christ’s instructions?

4. Read verses 23-27. What did Jesus mean when he said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”? (24-25) When the disciples were amazed at Jesus’ words, how did he encourage them? (26-27)

5. Read verses 28-31. How did Peter respond to this situation? (28) With what promise did Jesus conclude his teaching in this passage? (29-31)

Apply it:

1. What can you sell or give away in the near future to reflect a concern for God’s kingdom over things?