9: What portion of divorces in the US are for this reason? (The most common figure I have read is about 50%.)
10: What does the disciples' reaction tell you? Did they fall into the permissive divorce camp?
11-12: Some people are meant to stay single so they can focus on the kingdom of heaven.
Perhaps their calling is fully consuming to the point that they would neglect their spouse, so it's better not to marry.
Children
Verses 13-15.
Did the disciples have a hard time changing how they thought of children?
Why did the disciples try to keep the children away?
Don't want Jesus to be interrupted?
They thought Jesus had more important things to do?
Can you think of any truths that we tend to skip over or require regular reminders?
Rich Young Ruler
Verses 16-22.
What commandments did Jesus leave out in his answer?
Have no other gods
Make no idol
Do not misuse God's name
Sabbath
Why?
Question focused on what I can do, not having a good heart/attitude/relationship with God
Jesus answered in a way that hinted that even the actions didn't measure up – does he love his neighbor as himself if he won't give generously to the poor?
To complete his obedience, he must follow Jesus – a summary of the omitted commandments?
What causes difficulty for a rich and powerful person to enter into God's kingdom?
We've got more stuff to lose
We treat that stuff as ours instead of God's
We're used to doing things ourselves
We don't need to rely on God
Kingdom belongs to children/those who act as humble dependents
Possessions and the Kingdom
25: Why were the disciples so surprised by Jesus' statement?
They believed that wealth was a sign of blessing/God's approval?
What makes someone rich?
Being above the median wealth in your locality?
Having more than you really need?
“One-percenter”?
23-24: How do you react to the level of difficulty described, since it applies to just about everyone in the US?
29
Do we appropriately balance family relationships and relationship with God?
Why might parents leave their children for Jesus' name?
Some translations, e.g., NIV, include wife. Others don't. Why would Jesus encourage someone to leave his wife?
30
What does this mean?
Material wealth does not translate into heaven? Being poor now doesn't mean you'll be poor in heaven?
Those who give generously now will be rewarded in haven? Those who hoard now will forfeit heavenly reward?