2025 Study of Matthew’s Gospel

SELL YOUR POSSESSIONS AND GIVE TO THE POOR

Matthew 19:16-30

Key Verses 19:21

1. Why do you think the man focused on the “good thing” to get eternal life (16)? What does Jesus’ reply teach about the source of goodness and salvation (17)? What does Jesus mean by “If you want to enter life, keep the commandments”?
2. Why do you think Jesus lists commandments that focus on relationships with other people (18-19)? What does the man’s statement, “All these I have kept,” reveal about his understanding of the law (20)? What does the man’s question, “What do I still lack?” show about his heart?
3. What does Jesus mean by “If you want to be perfect” (21a)?Why does Jesus tell this man to sell his possessions and give to the poor (21b)? Why do you think the man went away sad instead of obeying Jesus’ invitation (22)?
4. Why do you think wealth can make it difficult for a person to enter the kingdom of heaven (23-24)? What does Jesus mean by saying, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (25-26)? What promise does Jesus give to his disciples in response to Peter’s question (27-30)?
5. What does this passage teach about human limits and God’s grace to get salvation? What does this passage reveal about the relationship between wealth and discipleship?