Is Wealth a Help or Hindrance?

'Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.' — Matthew 19:23-24

'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' — Matthew 19:26

1. The Camel and the Needle

Question: Jesus told His disciples a strange picture: a camel trying to squeeze through the eye of a needle. What did He say this is easier than?

Leader Note: - Theological framing: Jesus uses shocking imagery to show that wealth creates a massive spiritual obstacle. Riches do not damn a person automatically, but they easily become an idol that replaces trust in God. The sermon emphasized that riches are a hindrance because they make the gospel sound unappealing—if you already love stuff, you will not want a Savior who calls you to die to yourself. - Expected answers: A rich person entering the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of God. They should recognize that both terms mean the same thing. - Redirect language: If a child says rich people cannot go to heaven, clarify: 'Jesus is warning that loving money makes it very hard to love Him. It is not about the amount of money in your piggy bank; it is about what your heart loves most.' - Time estimate: 3 minutes

2. What We Want vs. What We Need

Question: The sermon said the gospel does not offer us what our flesh already wants—like health, success, or more toys. What does Jesus actually offer us that we truly need?

Leader Note: - Theological framing: The preacher stressed that the gospel is not a promise of bigger bank accounts or better houses. It offers forgiveness of sins and adoption into God's family. Unregenerate sinners want prosperity; the regenerate heart wants Christ. This protects children from the prosperity gospel and grounds their hope in eternal realities. - Expected answers: Forgiveness of sins, adoption into God's family, a relationship with God, or eternal life. They might simply say 'salvation' or 'being forgiven.' - Redirect language: If a child answers 'Heaven' or 'eternal life,' affirm that and add: 'Yes, and the reason we get heaven is because Jesus first gives us forgiveness and makes us part of God's family. He gives us Himself.' - Time estimate: 4 minutes

3. Impossible for Us, Possible for God

Question: When the disciples asked, 'Who then can be saved?' Jesus answered, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' Why is it important that salvation depends on God's power and not on our own?

Leader Note: - Theological framing: The sermon's big idea is that salvation depends entirely on God's sovereign power. No amount of good deeds, giving away money, or trying harder can open the kingdom. This humbles human pride and exalts grace. It is God who draws, regenerates, and keeps His people. - Expected answers: Because we cannot earn salvation by being good or giving away our stuff. If it depended on us, we would fail. God has to do it because our hearts are too attached to sin and self. - Redirect language: If a child says 'Because God is strong,' affirm and deepen: 'Right. God's power does not just mean He is strong; it means He can change our hearts so that we actually want to love Him instead of our stuff.' - Time estimate: 4 minutes

4. Cross-Reference: Who Draws Us to Jesus?

'No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.' — John 6:44

Question: How does this verse help us understand Matthew 19:26?

Leader Note: - Theological framing: This cross-reference supports the sermon's emphasis on divine sovereignty. Just as it is impossible for a camel to go through a needle's eye, it is impossible for a sinner to self-generate faith. The Father's drawing is the effective grace that makes the impossible possible. This assures children that their salvation rests on God's faithful action, not their fluctuating feelings. - Expected answers: It shows that God is the one who makes it possible for us to come to Jesus. We do not save ourselves; God draws us to Him. - Redirect language: If a child is confused about 'draws,' explain: 'Drawing means God kindly pulls our hearts toward Jesus. We come because He enables us to come, like a parent helping a toddler walk.' - Time estimate: 3 minutes

5. Love God, Not Wealth

Question: If Jesus is better than the richest treasure on earth, what is one way you can show this week that you love Him more than your favorite possession or activity?

Leader Note: - Theological framing: The sermon concluded by calling believers to love God rather than wealth. Application for children must be concrete but not moralistic. We do not earn salvation by giving away toys; rather, a heart that treasures Christ will gladly loosen its grip on stuff. The goal is new affections, not mere behavior modification. - Expected answers: Share a favorite toy or game with a sibling without complaining; spend time reading the Bible even when I want to play video games; give something to someone in need; obey parents quickly instead of arguing. - Redirect language: If answers drift toward 'I will try harder to be good,' redirect: 'Those are great actions, but remember we do them because Jesus already loves us. We are not trying to buy His love; we are showing that we already have it. What is one thing you could share or do that shows Jesus is your real treasure?' - Time estimate: 5 minutes

Application Prompt

This week, have each child choose one possession or privilege (a toy, screen time, or a special treat) and voluntarily give it up or share it as an act of worship. Ask them to write down or draw what they chose and why it shows that Jesus is more valuable than that item. Next week, invite anyone who wants to share what happened and how it felt.