Entering the Kingdom
Matthew 19:13-30 (ESV)
Let the Children Come to Me
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.
The Rich Young Man
And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 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.” 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, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 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.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 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.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 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. 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. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Study Guide Questions:
Observation Questions
Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions.
How did Jesus respond when the disciples tried to stop people from bringing children to Him, and what did He say about the kingdom of heaven?
What two commandments did Jesus highlight to the rich young ruler, and what did He ultimately ask him to do?
How did Jesus describe the difficulty of a rich person entering the kingdom of heaven, and what analogy did He use?
Interpretation Questions
Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point.
Why did Jesus use children—who had no social standing or resources—as the model for kingdom entrance, rather than someone with achievements or moral credentials?
The rich young ruler claimed to have kept the commandments, yet Jesus told him to sell his possessions. How does this reveal the difference between outward obedience and inward idolatry?
Jesus said salvation is “impossible with man” but “possible with God.” How does this statement confront our natural tendency to rely on self-effort or merit?
What does the analogy of a camel passing through a needle’s eye teach about the relationship between human ability and divine intervention?
Life Application Questions
Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity.
In what areas of your life do you still approach God with a “negotiating posture” (e.g., relying on religious habits, moral track records, or achievements) instead of childlike dependence? How can you actively shift that posture this week?
Jesus warned that wealth can make us feel like we don’t need saving. What practical steps could you take to ensure money or comfort doesn’t dull your desperation for God? (Examples: Giving generously, fasting from convenience, etc.)
The rich young ruler walked away sorrowful because he couldn’t release his grip on possessions. What is one thing you’re clinging to (e.g., reputation, control, financial security) that might be hindering you from fully trusting Jesus?