HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
What Is Required? (Matthew 19:16-26)

1) First Thoughts
a. Ever take a long trip and, after packing, wonder if something’s missing? Stressful! Matthew tells us about someone who came to Jesus in search of assurance about eternal life. He wondered if something was missing in his life.
2) Understand the Context (Matthew 19:1 – 20:34)
a. Jesus led His disciples on the journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. Along the way, Jesus responded to questions, warned them about how wealth can prevent a person from being saved, and challenged them to give themselves to the priority of serving instead of being served. Jesus had compassion on two blind men, restoring their sight.
3) Explore the Text
a. Standard Defined (19:16-20)
I. Jesus teaches that loving God is exhibited in our love for our neighbor.
ii. Without Jesus, you will still feel empty even though your life has been filled with religious devotion.
iii. The Old Testament law points to our inability to gain salvation by our own merit. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” ~ Romans 3:20
b. Impossible to Keep (19:21-22)
I. See the application of Jesus’ command to be completely devoted to Him. Jesus expects His followers to get rid of whatever keeps them from giving Him first place in their lives.
ii. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. ~ Col. 1:18
c. Provision to Accept (19:23-26)
I. When people, rich or poor, come to realize that their money can’t give them life, they can be drawn to Jesus Christ. When they place their faith in Him, they will be saved. Salvation is a gift that can only be received by faith and never earned.
ii. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; ~ I Timothy 6:17
4) Memory Verse: But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. ~ Matthew 19:26