Mark 10:17-30 Rich & the Kingdom of God

In small groups, separate the reading of this passage into 3 sections, as listed below. Discuss O, I, and ?’s
for each section, then discuss O and I overall. Finish with application for the whole passage.

3 Cycles of Conversation

1. Jesus and Rich Man – v. 17-22

2. Jesus and Crowd – v. 23-27
3. Jesus and Peter – v. 28-30

Main Points

This passage is about salvation. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

What is impossible by man is made possible by God because of what Jesus is on the way to do –
going to the cross. We need God!

Following Jesus and being in relationship with him is on-going and without end.

The rich man needs to have a relationship with God.

Good works do not equal salvation.

Learning to give – separate yourself from worldly possessions, don’t let them rule your life.

Don’t put faith in things, only in God.

Money itself is not evil, any idol could be used in place of material possessions in this parable.
It’s what we use our possessions for that can make them an idol or an instrument to glorify God.

Repetition

Saved, entering the Kingdom of God, eternal life

How hard it is for a rich man to enter the Kingdom

Family – we are all adopted children

Parallels

Exodus 20, Deut. 5 – 10 Commandments

Gen. 18:14 – Don’t doubt, nothing is too much for God

Job 1:10 – Wealth as a reward for obedience. He was wise, faithful, didn’t take pride in wealth, and
remains faithful through trials.

1 Tim 6:9-12 – Wealth can drag you away from God, if placed before him and not used for Kingdom
purposes.

Rom. 5:8 – Jesus, looking at him, loved him. “While we were still sinners, He loved us.”
 Mark 10:17-30 Rich & the Kingdom of God
Observations

The commandments given vs the ones left out – is there a theme?

The 10 commandments were1st listed in Exodus 20 and Deut. 5

Rich man has kept the commandments since his youth.

Disciples are addressed as children.

V. 22 - The rich man idolized his possessions. He didn’t go sell everything like Jesus told him to.

V. 28 - Peter tells Jesus how they have done what he told the rich man to do. “Are we in?”

We will receive 100x more!

Interpretations

If these are some of the 10 commandments, why’d Jesus just list these ones?

“You lack 1 thing.” – What did the rich man lack? – A relationship with God! He has idols and is
putting other things before God.

It’s not just about following the commandments, it’s about following God.

The commandments not listed are about relationship – What the rich man lacks.

The rich man was looking for a “Good job! You’re in” but instead, his motivation for asking the ?
is challenged by Jesus.

Our reward is not in this world, but will come from God in Heaven.

The passage isn’t saying that you’re broke because you don’t give to the church.
 Mark 10:17-30 Rich & the Kingdom of God

Questions

Q: What does it mean to inherit?

A: It is given, without earning it (through works) therefore, we can’t earn salvation by good
works alone.

Q: “Why do you call me good?” – Is Jesus saying he isn’t divine?

A: No. He’s asking for the rich man’s motives: Does he realize God is standing right in front of
Him? Jesus is not just a teacher.

Why didn’t the rich man call Jesus good the second time (he just addressed him as
Teacher)?

Deut. 6 form Impact – Follow God – Are you willing to forsake all others?

Q: Isn’t Jesus just saying you should help the poor?

A: If this were true, it would be ironic because the whole point of this passage is that just works
don’t matter. It’s personal!

Q: V. 23 - Why was the crowd perplexed? V. 26 – What about us? Then who can be saved?

A: During this time, wealthy people were seen as blessed by God and having his favor, therefore,
if not even this rich man is saved, who can be?

Believers/followers: Those who have a faith in Jesus and a relationship with him!

Applications

How might we be called to step out in faith?

What is holding us back?

Jesus invited the rich man to follow him, but he has to choose to step out in faith, have a
relationship with Jesus, and trust him above all else in order to follow him.