The bible story about the rich young ruler makes for a great Sunday school lesson. It can be told quickly, if needed, or it can be made into a lesson complete with discussions where the whole class can get involved.
When Jesus is talking to the rich young ruler, he ask him about the
10 Commandments. This is a great opportunity to touch on all ten which will also lead into a different branch of the story.
You can find this bible story in Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, and Luke 18:18-30. We used the King James Bible and the
King James Bible Commentary
for this lesson.
When teaching this Sunday school lesson, a great verse to go over along with the 10 Commandments is...
Luke 1:37 KJV
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
In Matthew 19:26 (KJV), Jesus is talking to his disciples about the rich young ruler and how difficult it is for the rich to get into heaven (more on that below). Jesus tells his disciples, that with men things are impossible, but with God all things are possible.
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Rich Young Ruler
Sunday School Lessons
Photo Courtesy of Theodore Scott, Wikimedia Commons |
Rich Young Ruler Sunday School Lesson
One day, a young man came to Jesus and said, "What good thing must I do to have eternal life?"
You see, Jesus knows everything and he knew what was in the rich young ruler's heart. So, Jesus said to the young man, "Keep the commandments."
Jesus was talking about the 10 Commandments.
The rich young ruler asked, "Which commandment must I keep?"
Jesus said, "Thou shalt do no murder. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Honor thy father and thy mother, and Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
The young man replied, "I have done all of these things since I was a young boy."
Then, Jesus said, "If you have kept all the 10 Commandments and are perfect, take everything that you have and give it to the poor. Then, come and follow me. You will have treasure in heaven."
When the rich young ruler heard what Jesus told him to do, he got up and walked away very sad. How could he give up all that he had for he was very rich?
Instead of choosing to follow Jesus, the young man decided he would rather be rich here on earth than in heaven.
Ask the kids what they love more than anything. Wait for answers.
Some may answer their toys, their games, their pets or even their parents. Then, explain that we are to love God even more than those things we love the most.
We are to put God above all else. Of course, God doesn't expect us to give everything we have away, but he does expect us to put him first. When it is time for church, we shouldn't complain that our favorite TV show is on or that we'd rather play outside.
Instead, we are to be excited about going to church or Sunday school to hear about God and what we can do to tell others about him. We should want to hear bible stories and tell others so they may want to ask Jesus into their hearts too.
Jesus Talks to His Disciples
Even in bible times, Jesus taught his disciples just like we are learning now. When the rich young ruler walked away, Jesus used what happened as an opportunity to teach his disciples something important.
What did he teach them? Let your Sunday school kids try to answer.
He taught them that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven.
To help show the kids how small the eye of a needle is, you should have one with you for them to see.
The disciples were amazed at what Jesus had said and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
You see, Jesus was saying that most, but not all, rich people think more about the money they have right now than they do about life after they die. Many rich people believe that if they have enough money, they can buy all that they want, but sadly, they can not buy their way into heaven.
To answer the disciples, Jesus said, "With men this is impossible (getting into heaven); but with God all things are possible."
What did he mean?
Men can't do anything on their own, especially get into heaven. Thankfully, with God all things are possible. We must put our trust in God if we expect to get anywhere in this life or the life hereafter.
Extra for Sunday School Teachers
This would be a good time to have the children bow their heads and say a prayer. You may even want to ask if anyone would like to ask Jesus to come into their hearts.
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