The King and His Kingdom
Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew
The Kingdom's Loss
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on the interaction between a prominent young man and Jesus. Of special note in this lesson is what we learn about the cost and value of citizenship in God’s Kingdom.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand Jesus’ teachings about the cost and value of citizenship in God’s Kingdom.
- Feel: Commit ourselves to meeting the cost of citizenship in God’s Kingdom.
- Do: Live faithfully according to Jesus’ teachings concerning those who are citizens of God’s Kingdom.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as "right or wrong" responses.
Why did the young man fall short in his quest for salvation?
Among his issues was his trust in the physical elements of life. These are not inherently wrong in themselves, but when they come between us and submission to our Lord, they are idols and blind us to the truth. In this incident, as Matthew records, the young man walked away saddened because he couldn't give up what Jesus asked of him (his great wealth). It seems to have been the greatest restraint to his spiritual development and he was unable to break free from it.
In what ways was the faith of the rich young ruler weak?
He didn't recognize that Jesus was the Son of God, not just another teacher or famous and successful person.
He did not understand the true nature of eternal life and how it is not something we obtain by our efforts but is granted by God through faith. By asking what good deed he must do to inherit eternal life, he demonstrated that he relied on a "works" system of salvation.
Jesus' response concerning what the young man lacked got to the point of the young man's attitude (heart). His faith was in himself (being able to do what was necessary to be saved) instead of faith in Jesus who would do what he needed for his salvation (vicarious atonement).
In what ways was the young man's view of his spiritual condition distorted and what is the danger for us?
He thought that by keeping the law, he would earn eternal life. His response that he had kept the law perfectly was flawed in itself. He did not recognize the sin in his life and the error in his thinking. One can almost hear the pride in his voice as he offered the response that he had kept all the law, what more is there? Perhaps he was hoping for Jesus to respond by saying, "You've done enough." In a same way, we face the danger today if we feel our dedicated service is enough to make us pleasing to God. We are to serve in every way we can so as to bring glory to God. But remember, as Paul states in Ephesians 2:8-10, we're saved by God's grace through faith.
Another critical verse to remember is found in[ [Luke 17:7-10]], when we've done all that the master has commanded, we are still unworthy servants doing only what is our duty.
Jesus states that relying on riches makes it difficult to have the humility necessary to submit to our Lord. He draws the contrast between worldliness and the Kingdom. Riches don't prevent entry into the Kingdom unless that is what one relies on. Whether one is physically rich or poor is of no eternal consequence. Both conditions can lead to separation from God if the condition comes between us and obedience.
Humility is a character not only asked of us by God but demonstrated by Jesus (See Matthew 5:3). He humbly submitted to serving from His birth to even the present time as He presents us before God. Without humility, we are like the rich young ruler, relying on self rather than on God for salvation.
God's blessings will be there for those who willingly give up everything to submit to God. When we do so, we show our faith in God's promise. Some who are considered great(first) because of their wealth and power will be brought down. Some considered lowly because of their physical poverty and lack of power will be exalted. See also Psalms 138:6, Proverbs 3:34, Proverbs 29:23; Isaiah 54:7-8; Matthew 23:12; James 4:6; I Peter 5:5.
The key elements in our relationship and standing before God are our humility and faith. It is not our riches, power or status that represent God in our lives. These things are mankind's understanding concerning the nature of blessings and acceptance before God. In reality, these things are fleeting. In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus teaches us about the value of laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven. These are not physical treasures, but the humble obedience to God we present as acceptable gifts to Him.
Never forget that to God, we are a great treasure. We are treasured so much that He gave Jesus to die for our sins. His only demand is that we obey Him willingly and lovingly. It is something all of us are capable of doing no matter our physical wealth, status or power.