By Ariel
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Rich Young Ruler for kids points hearts toward Jesus, not stuff.
- Following Jesus means trusting His goodness and letting go of anything that rules us.
- Generosity grows joy, builds community, and mirrors God’s grace.
💎 Hi friends! Ariel here! I’m so excited to share an amazing and life-changing story I read with my family this week—it’s from Matthew 19:16–30, and it’s all about a guy called the Rich Young Ruler! 👑💰
He had everything—money, status, probably cool outfits and shiny sandals too! But even with all of that, he still had a question burning in his heart. So he went to Jesus and asked:
“What must I do to have eternal life?”
Whoa. BIG question, right?
Jesus told him to follow the commandments, which the young man was already doing. But then Jesus said something extra big:
“If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own and follow Me.” 😮
And guess what?
The young man… walked away. He was really sad—because he didn’t want to give up his stuff. 💔
When I read this, I turned to Daddy and asked, “Why would he walk away from Jesus just because of his things?”
Daddy said, “Because Jesus wasn’t just talking about money. He was asking the young man to trust Him completely—to let go of anything that was holding him back.”
That made me stop and think: What’s something I hold onto too tightly?
My favorite toy? My plans? My fear of messing up?
Alice said, “So the real treasure is following Jesus, even if it’s scary or hard?”
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Guided questions, journaling space, and a simple family challenge.
Yaya smiled. “Exactly! True treasure isn’t gold or riches. It’s the peace, love, and joy we get when we walk with God.”
That hit me deep. 💡
So as we explore this story together, let’s think about:
- What’s really most important in our lives?
- Are we brave enough to say “yes” to Jesus?
- And are we willing to trade temporary stuff for forever treasure?
Let’s open our hearts to what really matters and live like the treasure we’re chasing is God’s kingdom—because it is! 💖👑✨
TL;DR
Jesus invites a wealthy rule-keeper to choose Him over possessions. Joy grows where trust replaces control, generosity replaces grip, and treasure shifts from storage to service. Passage anchors: Matthew 19:16–30; parallel accounts in Mark 10 and Luke 18. Sources: BibleGateway & trusted commentaries.
💭 A Question of Eternal Life
One day, a young man came running up to Jesus with a big, important question. You can read about it in Matthew 19:16. He asked:
“Good Master, what good thing should I do so I can have eternal life?”
That’s a huge question, right?! 😲 It made me stop and wonder: Why did he ask what he needed to “do”?
So I asked Daddy, “Why did the man call Jesus ‘good’? What did Jesus mean when He answered?”
Daddy smiled gently and said, “Jesus wanted the man to think deeper—really deeper! He was asking: ‘Do you understand who I really am?’ Because only God is perfectly good. And eternal life? It’s not something you earn by checking things off a list. It’s a gift from God.”
That made me pause and go: Whoa. 💡
Sometimes we act like that young man. We try really hard to be “good enough.”
We think things like:
- “If I’m nice to everyone today, maybe God will love me more.”
- “If I help clean up without being asked, maybe I’ll earn extra heaven points!”
But guess what? 😅
God already loves you.
You don’t have to earn His love or buy a ticket to heaven. He’s already offering it to you—just because He’s good and you’re His child. 💖
Alice said, “It’s like when you get invited to a party, and you don’t have to bring a gift—you’re the guest, and that’s enough!”
Jesus was showing that eternal life isn’t about what you do—it’s about who you trust, just like the verses shared in these Bible passages about eternal life explain beautifully.
That really stuck with me. 🙏
This story reminded me that:
- Eternal life = knowing God
- Salvation = God’s gift, not my scorecard
- Faith = trusting Him, not trying to impress Him
So next time I feel like I need to do all the things to be “good enough,” I’m going to stop and remember: 🕊️ Jesus already loves me. (Humility: The Path to True Greatness)
💝 His grace is the treasure.
💬 And the most important “yes” I can say is, “I want to follow You.”
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Why did Jesus mention commandments first?
Commandment talk surfaces good behavior; following call exposes heart loyalty. Jesus leads from actions toward allegiance.
💔 The Hardest Choice
Okay friends… this next part of the story gave me goosebumps! 😮
The rich young ruler had just told Jesus, “I’ve followed all the commandments since I was a kid!”
But then Jesus said something super bold and kind of shocking:
“If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have, give to the poor, and come follow Me.”
(Matthew 19:21)
My jaw dropped. “Wait… He had to give up everything?” I asked.
Daddy nodded slowly. “For that young man, his stuff had become more important than his faith. Jesus wasn’t trying to take something away. He was inviting him to receive something way better—a life full of purpose, joy, and treasure that lasts forever.”
Whoa. That really made me think. 💡
Alice hugged Mr. Fluffernutter tight and whispered, “But… he didn’t do it, did he?”
Nope. 😔 The Bible says the young man walked away sad—because his heart was so stuck on his riches, he couldn’t let go.
And that made me sad too.
This part of the story taught me something super important: 🧡 Sometimes we have to let go of things we love to follow Jesus more closely.
🌈 God doesn’t ask us to give up stuff to punish us—He wants to give us something even better!
💫 The real treasure isn’t gold or games or stuff—it’s Jesus Himself.
That made me ask myself:
What’s something I hold onto a little too tightly?
My favorite toy?
Always getting my way?
Wanting to be the best at everything?
Sometimes the hardest choice is also the best one. When we say, “Yes, Jesus, I trust You more than my stuff,” we open our hands—and hearts—to receive treasure in heaven.
So here’s my prayer:
💌 Jesus, help me let go of anything that’s holding me back from You.
💖 I want to follow You, even when it’s hard. Because You are my greatest treasure.
Family Activity — Treasure Trade-Up
Gather three household items your family rarely uses. Choose one to bless a neighbor, one to donate, and one to sell so proceeds support a local need. Pray together, asking Jesus for generous hearts.
Goal: Practice generosity + discuss “what rules my heart?”
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Does everyone need to sell everything?
Commands in Scripture meet people personally. Call here uncovers a ruler in that man’s life. Generosity remains universal; specifics vary as Jesus leads.
🐪💡 The Challenge of Riches
Alright friends—get ready for one of the most mind-blowing things Jesus ever said! 😮
After the rich young ruler walked away sadly, Jesus turned to His disciples and said:
“It’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
(Matthew 19:24)
—a phrase explained in more depth on this trusted Christian site.
Wait… what?! 😳 A camel through the eye of a needle?! That’s like trying to fit a giraffe into a mailbox! 📫🦒
Of course, I had tons of questions. So I turned to Yaya and asked, “Why would Jesus say something so impossible-sounding?”
Yaya smiled with a look of wisdom and said, “Because Jesus wanted people to realize how hard it can be to fully trust God when you’re surrounded by stuff. Money and things aren’t bad—but if they become more important than God, they can take over your heart.”
Whoa. That made me think. 💭
Alice, giggling at the idea, said, “I imagined a camel trying to squeeze into a sewing needle! It’s just NOT gonna work!”
Daddy chuckled and added, “That’s exactly the point. On our own, it’s impossible. But Jesus goes on to say, ‘With God, all things are possible.’”
(Matthew 19:26)
And just like that, everything made sense. 💡✨
This story isn’t just about camels and needles. It’s about trusting God more than anything else.
It reminded me that:
- 🛍️ Money and stuff are temporary
- 🙏 God’s love is forever
- 🧡 Our hearts should be full of faith, not things
Yaya added something I’ll never forget: “True treasure isn’t in what you can hold—it’s in who you trust.”
So even if we don’t have lots of things, or even if we do, the most important thing is putting God first in everything.
Now I’m learning to say:
💬 “Thank You, God, for what I have.”
🙏 “Help me trust You more than anything else.”
✨ “I know You can do the impossible!”
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
What does “first will be last” mean for families?
Serving first, sharing credit, and preferring others places hearts near Jesus. Home rhythms shift from comparison toward celebration.
💎 Treasures That Last Forever
So, after the rich young ruler walked away and Jesus shared His amazing lessons about trusting God more than riches, one of His disciples—Peter—had a big question.
He asked:
“We’ve given up everything to follow You. What will we get?”
(Matthew 19:27)
Honestly? That’s a question I might’ve asked too! 😅
I looked at Daddy and asked, “Does God really reward us for following Him?”
Daddy nodded with a kind smile. “Yes, He does. But sometimes the rewards aren’t things we can touch or count like coins. They’re even better—they’re things like peace, joy, and forever life with Him.”
Wow. 💖 That made my heart feel light and full.
Jesus told Peter that anyone who gives up things for His sake—whether it’s time, comfort, or even popularity—will receive so much more in return. Not just a little… but a hundred times more, plus eternal life! 🏰✨
That’s better than any treasure chest or piggy bank, right?
Alice said, “So the treasure isn’t gold or prizes—it’s being with Jesus forever and feeling His love every day!”
Yaya added, “Exactly. And it’s a treasure that never breaks, never fades, and never gets lost.”
This story reminded me that:
- 💝 The BEST treasures are invisible—like love, kindness, and God’s promises
- 🙏 God sees every choice we make for Him
- ✨ Even when it’s hard to follow Him, we can trust that He’s preparing something amazing for us
So here’s what I’m holding onto:
- 💬 I want to be faithful, even when it’s tough.
- 🫶 I want to trust God’s rewards more than the world’s prizes.
- 💡 I want to live like He is my greatest treasure.
And guess what? We don’t have to wait until heaven to enjoy His blessings—we get to walk with Him every day!
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How do kids join giving decisions?
Invite ideas, set a shared goal, track progress visually, pray over recipients, then celebrate together when gifts are delivered.
💖 Embracing True Treasure
After reading the story of the rich young ruler, I couldn’t stop thinking about one big question:
What really matters most in my heart? 🤔
Jesus wasn’t just talking to that young man—He was also talking to us! He was giving us a chance to stop, think, and ask:
“Am I holding on too tightly to things, or am I ready to follow Him with my whole heart?”
Here are 3 simple ways we can live like Jesus is our true treasure every single day:
🙏 Trust God’s Provision
It’s easy to worry about stuff—like school, friends, or even what’s for lunch! 🍕 But Jesus reminds us that God already knows what we need, and He’s always ready to take care of us.
Try this:
- Say a prayer when you feel nervous
- Write down your blessings in a “Thank You, God” list
- Read a Bible verse that reminds you He’s got your back
💬 “God’s love is more than enough.”
👐 Let Go with Faith
Sometimes, we hold on to things that aren’t helping us grow—like fear, pride, or even too much stuff! 😅 Jesus told the rich young ruler to let go of his treasures so he could follow Him completely.
So ask yourself:
- What do I need to let go of to follow Jesus more closely?
- Maybe it’s trying to always be first. Or being afraid to say sorry.
Letting go might feel scary, but it opens your heart to something even better: God’s joy and freedom. 🎈
💡 “When we let go, we make room for God’s best.”
🎁 Share Generously
You don’t need a million dollars to be generous! Sharing your toys, your time, your smiles, or your talents is just as powerful.
Think about this:
- Could you help a classmate who’s feeling left out?
- Could you write a kind note for someone having a hard day?
Every time you give with love, you’re showing others what God’s love looks like in action! 🌟
💖 “Sharing what we have shows who we follow.”
When we trust God, let go of what holds us back, and share with others, we’re living like Jesus is our greatest treasure. And guess what?
🏆 That kind of treasure lasts forever.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Where should families start this week?
Start small: pick one compassionate action, one sharing decision, one prayer for guidance. Consistency shapes hearts.
💖 Final Thought: Treasures That Really Matter
Wow—what a powerful story! 😮
The rich young ruler had everything… except the one thing that matters most: a heart fully trusting in Jesus.
Jesus didn’t just want the young man to follow a bunch of rules. He wanted his whole heart. And you know what? He wants ours too. 💗
In a world where people talk about being rich, having the coolest stuff, or getting the most likes, Jesus says:
- 🌟 “True treasure lives in My kingdom.”
- 🌈 “Follow Me, and I’ll show you joy that lasts forever.”
- 👑 “Let go of the things that hold you back, and I’ll give you something better.”
That’s amazing, right?
As I thought more about this story with Daddy, Yaya, and Alice (and Mr. Fluffernutter, of course 🐰), I realized something important:
💭 Sometimes we’re so busy holding onto things—like worries, stuff, or trying to be perfect—that we miss the amazing adventure Jesus is inviting us on!
So here’s what I’m learning:
- ✨ Let go of what doesn’t help me grow
- 🙌 Say YES to following Jesus every day
- 💝 Remember that God’s love is my greatest treasure
Even when it’s hard. Even when I don’t understand. Even when I want to hold on tight to my way.
Because Jesus’ way is better. Always.
He promises:
- Peace when things feel scary
- Joy that can’t be stolen
- Love that never gives up
And that’s the kind of treasure I want to chase after with my whole heart! 💎💖
Let’s keep walking this journey of faith together, holding hands, letting go of what we don’t need, and grabbing onto the amazing life Jesus offers.
Are you ready? I am. Let’s go! 🕊️
Grace, peace, and treasure that lasts forever,
Ariel 💕
More from Blogging4Adventure
Quick Check Quiz
Compare & Discern
| Response | Goal | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Keep rules, keep control | Self-confidence | Achievement without deep joy |
| Ignore Jesus’ call | Comfort | Attachment grows; sorrow lingers |
| Follow Jesus with open hands | Trust | Generosity, freedom, lasting treasure |
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Treasure in heaven | Lasting reward with God that grows from trust and love. |
| Follow | Live under Jesus’ leadership, learning His ways daily. |
| Generosity | Joyful giving that reflects God’s heart for people in need. |
| First/Last | Kingdom reversal where humility outruns status. |
References
| Citation | Link |
|---|---|
| Blogging4Adventure — Understanding DNA | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Minecraft Zoo | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Love & Responsibility (1 Cor 10) | Open |
| BibleGateway — Matthew 19:16–30 | Open |
| Enduring Word — Matthew 19 Commentary | Open |
| GotQuestions — Rich Young Ruler | Open |
Practice & Pray
Hearts flourish where Jesus leads, possessions serve, and generosity sings. Rich Young Ruler for kids becomes a family path toward trust, compassion, and joy.
Ariel — Kid Author & Faith Explorer
Homeschool writer for Blogging4Adventure, blending Bible study, science, and hands-on family activities. Posts reviewed by Mom & Dad for accuracy and safety; Scripture cross-checked with BibleGateway and trusted commentaries.
FAQ
Why did the man go away sad?
Attachment fought surrender. Hands stayed full; joy slipped away.
How can families talk about money without shame?
Set a grace tone, name blessings, plan giving together, thank God for provision.
What memory verse fits this study?
1 Corinthians 13:4–8 supports generous, unselfish love.
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