Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Blessing the Children,”

pp. 511–517; “ ‘One Thing Thou Lackest,’ ” pp. 518–523, in The Desire

of Ages.

“Jesus was ever a lover of children. He accepted their childish

sympathy and their open, unaffected love. The grateful praise from

their pure lips was music in His ears, and refreshed His spirit when

oppressed by contact with crafty and hypocritical men. Wherever the

Saviour went, the benignity of His countenance, and His gentle, kindly

manner won the love and confidence of children.”—Ellen G. White,

The Desire of Ages, p. 511.

“To those who, like the young ruler, are in high positions of trust

and have great possessions, it may seem too great a sacrifice to give

up all in order to follow Christ. But this is the rule of conduct for all

who would become His disciples. Nothing short of obedience can be

accepted. Self-surrender is the substance of the teachings of Christ.

Often it is presented and enjoined in language that seems authoritative,

because there is no other way to save man than to cut away those things

which, if entertained, will demoralize the whole being.”—The Desire

of Ages, p. 523.

Discussion Questions:

Ê What are ways that you can help children and young people

stay connected to Christ and the church congregation? Why is it

so important that we do this?

Ë We sometimes hear people say that they don’t care about

money. That is not true. Everyone cares about money, and there

is nothing wrong with that. What, then, can be the problem with

money, and why must faithful Christians, either rich or poor, be

careful in how they relate to money?

Ì If Jesus were to ask you, “What do you want Me to do for

you?” how would you respond?

Í Dwell more on Jesus’ words in Mark 10:43–45. What does it

mean to live like this? How do we learn to serve as opposed to

being served? What does this mean in regard to how we live and

interact with others?