Jesus loved God by putting God first: Before your worldly possessions

Mark 10:17-22 | As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

• What kept the man in Mark 10:17-22 from following Jesus? Why is this? 

• How does a love for the things of this world distract people from their relationship with God? 

• Look at your own life. What worldly possessions or treasures are you seeking? Why? In what ways is your pursuit of these treasures getting in the way of your relationship with God? 

• What does loving God before worldly possessions look like? With this in mind, what, if anything, do you need to change?