Verses 9-12.

• 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.

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?

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

• 25: Why were the disciples so surprised by Jesus' statement?
  • They believed that wealth was a sign of blessing/God's approval?
• 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?