Today, we are diving into a topic that’s crucial for you to grow in your faith: “The Rich Young Ruler: Examining the Cost of Discipleship and Surrendering Worldly Attachments.” In our journey as followers of Christ, understanding the value of discipleship and recognizing the things that can hinder our walk with God are vital. Let’s explore this topic together and learn how we can apply these lessons to our lives.
Bible Reading 1: Mark 10:17-22 (NIV)
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”
20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 At this, the man’s face fell. He went away sad because he had great wealth.
Explanation For Teenagers
- The Rich Young Ruler’s Inquiry: This young man approached Jesus with a profound question, seeking eternal life.
- Acknowledging God’s Goodness: Jesus emphasized that only God is truly good, highlighting His divine nature.
- The Commandments: Jesus listed some of the commandments, emphasizing the importance of following them.
- The Challenge: Jesus challenged the young ruler to give up his worldly wealth and follow Him.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think the rich young ruler called Jesus “Good Teacher”?
- How did Jesus respond when the young ruler mentioned that he had kept the commandments?
- What do you think Jesus meant when He asked the young ruler to sell everything and follow Him?
- Why do you think the young ruler went away sad? What was holding him back from following Jesus?
Bible Reading 2: Mark 10:23-27 (NIV)
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Explanation For Teenagers
- The Difficulty for the Rich: Jesus emphasized the challenge for the rich to enter God’s kingdom.
- The Camel and the Needle’s Eye: Jesus used a vivid metaphor to illustrate the difficulty.
- Hope in God: Jesus reassured that, with God, all things are possible, even salvation.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Jesus said it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?
- What did Jesus mean by the metaphor of a camel going through the eye of a needle?
- How does the idea that “all things are possible with God” impact your understanding of salvation and discipleship?
Youth Group Game: “Worldly Attachments Challenge”
Let’s have some fun while reinforcing the lesson! In this game, each participant writes down one thing that they feel attached to in the world on a piece of paper (e.g., phone, money, social media, video games). Then, place all the papers in a hat, mix them up, and have each person draw a paper. Without revealing what’s written, they must share how they would feel if they had to give up that attachment to follow Jesus. It’s a great way to reflect on our own attachments and how they might affect our walk with God.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for this valuable lesson today, reminding us of the cost of discipleship and the importance of surrendering worldly attachments. Help us, Lord, to examine our hearts and identify anything that may hinder our relationship with you. Give us the strength and courage to follow you wholeheartedly, knowing that with you, all things are possible.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, teens, following Jesus is the most incredible journey you can embark on. Keep seeking Him, and don’t be afraid to let go of the things that hold you back from fully surrendering to His amazing love. Have a blessed week!