Matthew 19—20: Life in the Kingdom
WHAT IS REALLY important to you? What makes you feel important? Money? Success? Recognition? These are common answers. The values that Jesus teaches, however, have little to do with such things. In the previous study we learned that to be great in the kingdom, we must become "small." In this study we will see how the values of the kingdom conflict with the world's approach to wealth and leadership.
Warming Up to God
What does success mean to you? How does that compare to what our culture says about success?
Read Matthew 19—20. »
Discovering the Word
- How do Jesus' teachings on divorce and remarriage contrast with the values and practices of our culture (19:1-12)?
- In 19:16-22 a young man struggles between choosing wealth or eternal life. Why do you think Jesus required him to choose?
- What wealth does Jesus offer those who follow him (vv. 27-30)?
- What does the parable of the workers teach us about greatness and wealth in the kingdom of God (20:1-16)?
- In what ways is Jesus a model of the values he teaches in 20:25-28?
- How does Jesus' interaction with the two blind men illustrate the values he has just taught?
Applying the Word
- How have you experienced what Jesus describes in 19:29?
- In what ways has Jesus' teaching on greatness and wealth (Mt 18—20) challenged you?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to give you strength to stand against the world and to make his values your values.
For Further Study
Neither Poverty nor Riches by Craig L. Blomberg