Interacting With Jesus: The Rich Ruler

Read Luke 18:18-30

Questions

1. How would you describe this man’s encounter with Jesus?
2. How did Jesus challenge him to think about the meaning of the word “good”?
3. What standard do people generally use to measure their goodness?
4. What was Jesus’ standard for goodness?
5. Look at the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). Which ones did Jesus mention?
   1. Which ones did he skip?
   2. What do they have in common?
   3. Why do you think he chose the ones he did?
6. The man claims he has kept all the commands. Do you think he understand what that claim means?
7. What three things did Jesus ask him to do?
8. What was the one thing he lacked?
9. What was his response? What did that show about him?
10. What is Jesus asking of the man?
11. What did Jesus promise the man if he obeyed?
12. Why did the man leave feeling sad?
13. What does that tell you about the power of possessions in his life?
14. What are the things you value? What are you giving your life for?
15. Why is it hard for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God?
16. What extreme image did Jesus use to describe how hard it is?
17. What hope is there for such a person?
18. Peter was concerned about the cost of being a disciple. What does Jesus say to reassure him?
19. What difference would it make in your life if you realized God gives us more than we ever give him?
20. “To inherit eternal life”, “to enter the kingdom of God”, and “to be saved” are all the same thing – what does each one convey?