Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler

Lesson: Let us trust in Jesus

1. Story:

• Tell the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler, based on Luke 18:18-27.
• This young man asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” — He thought he could earn eternal life by what he does

• So Jesus told him what the Law said — You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.
• When God gave the Law to the Israelites, they could not keep it. They’d try and fail. Try and fail.
• But this young man said, “All these I have kept since I was a boy.” He believed that he could keep the Law, and he was proud of it.
• The truth though is that NO one, none of us, can ever fulfill the Law completely. Even if we do many good things, there will be one area where we lack.
• Jesus knew what this young man lacked. So He told the young man to “Sell everything you have and give to the poor. Then follow me.” He knew this young man loved his money and possessions. Even though he did not bow down and worship other idols, money was his god.
• The young man was caught — Jesus had found his weakness. He was not as righteous as he thought he was. So he became very sad and went away.
• The disciples were worried. They saw that human effort to keep the Law was still not good enough. That it was sooo difficult to enter God’s kingdom. God’s standards were so high. If this young man could not qualify for eternal life, how would they be saved?
• Jesus told them, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
• It is impossible for man to “do” enough to qualify for eternal life. It is impossible for you and me to keep the Law fully. It is impossible for you and me to meet God’s standards.
• But with God, it is possible. Jesus is the only one who can fulfill ALL the Law. And He did it for us! So that when we trust in Him, we can inherit eternal life.
• The young man only saw Jesus as a “good teacher”. He couldn’t see Jesus as “God”. If he had trusted in Jesus, he wouldn’t have to go away sad.
• If you and I trust in Jesus (not in our own cleverness, our abilities or skills), we can enjoy His life in us. We don’t have to go away sad.

• Memory verse: Luke 18:27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

• Worksheet