Mark 10:17-28
Bible Study Questions

The Most Important Question

The Bible Teaching Commentary

Paul J. Bucknell

Purpose

We only live one life on earth; we should make the most of it! This somewhat proverbial saying reflects a lot of truth. The rich young ruler was probably affirming his righteousness through his question rather than depicting a moment of guilt. What he didn’t count on was Jesus’ advice to reach that goal, requiring that he give up what he had worked so hard on gaining.

➡ Starter question:
Share one of the most interesting questions you were ever asked?

Bible Study Questions (Mark 10:17-22)

A) Study Questions on Mark 10:17-22

Getting Right With God

17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.” (NASB used)

Study Questions on Mark 10:17-22

  1. Do you like being interrupted when just ready to start a big job? What did the man do to have Jesus focus on this man’s question even though just beginning a long trip (17)?
  2. From the young man’s question in verse 17, would you say he really wanted to know the answer?
  3. How would you answer the man’s important question from verse 17?
  4. How and why did Jesus answer the way He did with another question in verse 18?
  5. Is Jesus intimidating that there are no righteous people in this question in verse 18?
  6. Read verses 19-20. What was Jesus quoting or referring to? Where were they originally found?
  7. What is one original word that Jesus changed? Why might Jesus have done this?
  8. What was the young man’s response to the listing of the commandments? Could you say that? Why?
  9. Why did Jesus state the words in 10:21 rather than commending him and assuring him that he would certainly gain eternal life?
  10. The Jewish people prided themselves on their riches as proof of God’s blessing to their lives. Why would Jesus speak counter to that assumption?
  11. What made the young man go away so sad?
  12. Many of us in this modern generation would be considered rich. How do Jesus’ words affect us?

B) Study Questions on Mark 10:23-28

Getting Things Straight With God

23 And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were even more astonished and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” (NASB used)

Study Questions on Mark 10:23-28

  1. What makes it so hard for wealthy people “to enter the kingdom of God” (23)? Be specific.
  2. What do you think the disciples were so amazed at in verse 24?
  3. There are various possible meanings for “a camel to go through the eye of a needle” (25). The story of the gate named “Eye of the Needle” has no proof, but there are hyperboles in the writings back then that simply place the small object of an eye of the needle next to a large animal, like a camel or an elephant. What is the meaning in such a case?
  4. What was the disciples’ response to that statement of Jesus about the eye of a needle (26)? How did this compare to their response in 24? Why so?
  5. How is it impossible for rich men to save themselves?
  6. Can rich people enter the kingdom of God (27)? Explain.
  7. What is Jesus’ point in all of this?

Summary Question:

  • How do you prove to yourself that your heart is not in your treasures but in God?

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