Firm Foundations Lesson 44: Jesus loved the children; taught the rich young ruler Memory verse: John 6:29

Introduction

Jesus loved the children Mark 10:13 Disciples didn’t think Jesus would want to bother with children Disciples didn’t think Jesus would want to bother with children Mark 10:14 Jesus loves children! Jesus loves children! He wants you to believe and trust in Him too He wants you to believe and trust in Him too Mark 10:15-16 People must trust God like a child trusts his mother People must trust God like a child trusts his mother Name some ways that a baby trusts his parents Name some ways that a baby trusts his parents We must be born again and live in dependence upon God We must be born again and live in dependence upon God John 1:12-13 God alone can give new life God alone can give new life John 3:16 God saves those who humble themselves and come to Him God saves those who humble themselves and come to Him

The rich young man’s question Mark 10:17 Thought he could please God by his own good efforts Asked Jesus what he had to do to inherit life Asked Jesus what he had to do to inherit life Recall Cain – did God accept him because of the things he brought?

Only God is good Mark 10:18 Didn’t understand that no one is good enough to please God Thought he was good, and Jesus was good man Thought he was good, and Jesus was good man Jesus taught him no ordinary man is good Jesus taught him no ordinary man is good

The way of the Law Mark 10:19,20 He didn’t realize what he was a born sinner All have sinned All have sinned Had not obeyed God, at least in heart Had not obeyed God, at least in heart God judges the heart Example: submitting to parents but remaining angry Example: submitting to parents but remaining angry Why did God give the ten commandments? It is impossible for us to please God with our own efforts

The danger of riches Mark 10:21a Jesus loved the man, didn’t want him to be separated from God Jesus loved the man, didn’t want him to be separated from God Mark 10:21 “sell all you have”: knew this man was greedy “sell all you have”: knew this man was greedy Wanted him to admit his sin and need for a savior “follow me”: knew he loved his wealth more than God “follow me”: knew he loved his wealth more than God What is the first commandment? Tried to show him he had placed his wealth above God Tried to show him he had placed his wealth above God Can’t be accepted by God that way Mark 10:22-24 He made his choice: wealth instead of God! He made his choice: wealth instead of God! Are you making the same choice? Are you making the same choice? Remember: you can’t take it with you when you die! Remember: you can’t take it with you when you die! Rich and poor are the same in God’s eyes Rich and poor are the same in God’s eyes

Conclusion Remember when Jesus fed the five thousand? People came for food, not salvation People came for food, not salvation What did Jesus say to them? John 6:27-29 John 6:27-29