YEA Lesson Library
Don’t Be Greedy
About This Lesson
Using the encounter with the rich young ruler, this lesson teaches the importance of obedience to God and being willing to share with others.
Scriptures
Deuteronomy 4:2
Psalm 39:6
Proverbs 1:7
Proverbs 15:2
Ecclesiastes 11:9
Jeremiah 17:11
Matthew 19:16-26
Matthew 19:26
Acts 8:20
1 Timothy 6:10
Words to Know
GREEDY - wanting more than you need or deserve
RICH - to have lots of money
The Lesson
One day a young man came to Jesus. He was a very rich young man. He had lots and lots of money. He was very important. He asked Jesus a question. “What do I have to do to live forever?”
Jesus’ answer surprised the young man. He said, “You have to keep God’s rules. Jesus told him not to kill, don’t lie, don’t steal, obey your parents and love other people as you love yourself.
The rich young man said, “That’s easy! I have kept God’s rules since I was a little boy. Is there anything else?”
Then Jesus said something that made the young man sad. Jesus told him to sell everything he had. Then, He said to give everything to poor people. After that, Jesus told the young man to follow Him.
The rich young man didn’t want to sell his houses. He didn’t want to give away everything he had. He wanted to keep everything for himself. He was greedy! He went away very sad.
Jesus told His helpers, “If he really loved me he would do what I say. It is very hard for a rich person to give away everything. But with God, all things are possible.”
Our Friend Jesus wants you to keep God’s rules. He wants you to share with people who don’t have all the nice things you have. When you love God with all your heart, you won’t be greedy. You will try to keep God’s rules like Jesus did. Remember, “With God, all things are possible.”
Daily Devotions
Sunday - Ecclesiastes 11:9
Monday - 1 Timothy 6:10
Tuesday - Jeremiah 17:11
Wednesday - Acts 8:20
Thursday - Proverbs 1:7
Friday - Proverbs 15:2
Saturday - Psalm 39:6
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. Tell what Jesus said you must do to live forever.
2. Explain why the young man was sad.
3. State that we show love by giving to God and to others.
Topics & Themes
Eternal Life
God’s Omnipotence
Helping Others
Jesus, His Ministry
Loving God
Obedience
Rich Young Ruler
Sacrifice
Ten Commandments
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA Students’ and Teacher’s books, attendance and memory verse charts, stars, songbook, CD or cassette tape, music player, treasure chest, costume jewelry, play money, small gifts, construction paper, glue, scissors, large cardboard box, pictures of food
Preparation
This age group is building confidence by learning to do things for themselves. They have not mastered the art of cooperating and working together. They can learn better how to do this by helping in small ways. Make your job easier by letting them help. Ask them to hand out supplies. Have them collect supplies at the end of the class, put their chairs in place, and throw waste materials in the trash. Praise them for doing a good job. Positive reinforcement will help establish good habits. By complimenting the children who listen well, others will follow their example. They, too, will want to be praised. Don’t let good behavior go unrecognized.
Before you come to class, make a treasure chest form a shoe box. Cover the bottom of the box with brown paper. Hinge the lid to the box on one side with tape. Make a rounded lid by arching a sheet of brown construction paper and taping it to the shoe box lid. Fill the box with costume jewelry, beads and play money.
Procure a large cardboard box. Cut out food items from magazines. Cut out red and pink heart shapes from construction paper.
Review Questions
Ask the following questions. As the children answer correctly, give each one a small wrapped gift (pencil, eraser, bookmark, candy, etc.). Make sure each child receives something.
1. What does it mean to be rich?
2. What did the rich man ask Jesus?
3. Do you remember one of the rules the rich man had to keep?
4. Did the rich man want to sell everything he had?
5. Who did Jesus say he should give his money to?
6. When you love God with all your heart, what will you do?
REACH Activity
Letter: R
Words: rich, remember, reward, rules, really
Sentence:
REMEMBER TO OBEY GOD AND YOUR PARENTS. JESUS WANTS YOU TO SHARE AND NOT BE GREEDY. LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART!
Song
“This Is My Commandment” is on page 4 of the Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I love you. I want to live with you forever in your Kingdom. Help me to always keep your rules. Help me show my love by giving to you and to those in need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Printable Pages
