2019 Lectureship Lesson - Dustin McCrickard
Teachers
Lesson Summary
During the class, the teacher introduced the concept of commitment by using everyday examples and then turned to the biblical narrative of the rich young ruler found in Matthew 19:16‑26. He explained how the young man's desire for eternal life led him to ask Jesus what good deeds would secure it, and how Jesus responded by emphasizing obedience to the commandments and the radical call to sell possessions and give to the poor. The discussion highlighted that the ruler’s sorrowful departure revealed the difficulty of placing God above wealth, reinforcing Jesus’ statement that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom. The lesson then shifted to the importance of seeking Christ early in life, drawing on Ecclesiastes 12:1, 1 Timothy 4:12, and the example of Timothy’s early grounding in Scripture. The teacher urged students to prioritize their relationship with Jesus, using verses such as John 6:68 and Acts 4:11 to illustrate that true fulfillment comes from following the chief cornerstone—Christ Himself. The central message was that genuine commitment to God requires surrendering worldly attachments and aligning one's priorities with the Kingdom of Heaven.
Key Scriptures
And someone came to him and said, Teacher, what good things shall I do that I may obtain eternal life? And he said to him, Why are you asking me about what is good? There is only one who is good. But if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments. Then he said to him, Which ones? And Jesus said, You should not commit murder. You should not commit adultery. You should not steal. You should not bear false witness. You should honor your father and mother. You should honor your father and mother. You should honor your father and mother. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself. A young man said to him, All these things I've kept, what am I still lacking? Jesus said to him, If you wish to be complete, Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. And come follow me. But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving, or he went away sorrowful, for he was one who owned much property.
And Jesus said to his disciples, First off, who's also there with him? His disciples. His disciples are witnessing this rich young ruler come up to him. They witnessed the exchange back and forth, and they witnessed him walk away sorrowful. And then the disciples, when they were there with him, Jesus turns to him and says, Truly I say to you, It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I say to you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter in the kingdom of God.