The Parable of the Good Land Owner

READ: Matthew 19:16-20:34

DISCUSS: What do you think motivated the rich young man to approach Jesus in Matthew 19:16-22? How does Jesus' response challenge conventional notions of wealth and righteousness? / Why would a concern with "having" create a barrier to entering The Kingdom if we are offered such great reward? / Reference Matthew 20:12. Do you think that Jesus is saying that the first and last are equal, or do you think he is saying that the order is reversed? Why?

PRAY: Thank God for the way He reveals His Kingdom. Pray for His help in learning how to become more comfortable in the way He leads.

PRACTICE: Daily thanksgiving (reverse gratitude) / Commit to associating with the lowly and ask God to bring someone to you / Identify where your "standard of living" has outpaced your "standard of giving" and make a plan to set aside resources to give to God / Ask God to show you where you can give those resources away to those in need.

DIVE DEEPER: Read Luke 12:22-33, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, 1 Samuel 30:18-25, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17-18, 2 Corinthians 8-9. What do these verses teach about how God wants us to care for each other with what we have?

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