Earthly and Heavenly Rewards

Matthew 19:16-30

1. What indications can you find that suggest why the young man decided not to follow the Savior?

Even though the young man had kept all the commandments of God he was asked to sell all that he had and give it to the poor. If he gave up all that he had, he was promised that he would have "treasure in heaven." Someone who was obedient to this promise ultimately would have been happy, but this young man "went away sorrowful."

2. How does Matthew 6: 19-24 help explain his choice?

The Savior teaches his disciples stating that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Meaning, earthly possessions are hard to give up for some--they would rather have their stuff, then have eternal blessings.

3. What blessings did the Savior promise to those who make sacrifices to follow Him?

Eternal life and many eternal blessings "an hundred fold." (verse 29) They will be eternal blessings, not temporary ones like earthly possessions are.

4. Based on the Savior's response to Peter, write a paragraph that could help you put the Lord first in your life.

For me, riches do not make me happy. Do they make things easier, of course, but you can't bring your money or possessions with you into the next life. I know the Savior loves me and that if I am obedient to all that He asks of me I can return to live with Him forever. The Savior loves unconditionally, our possessions only offer temporary happiness in our live--to me having unconditional love far outweighs any happiness an object brings. Knowing the eternal happiness I can have helps me make choices in my life to put the Lord first.


Parable in Matthew 20:1-16 about what rewards come to those who serve in the Lord's kingdom

The hour the laborers How much the man Hours How much they were
were hired agreed to pay worked actually paid

Early morning a penny a day 12 a penny
3rd hour whatsoever is right 9 a penny
6th hour whatsoever is right 6 a penny
9th hour whatsoever is right 3 a penny
11th hour whatsoever is right 1 a penny

5. What do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord's kingdom?

That no matter how long or short you serve in the Lord's vineyard the end result is the same for all the laborers. There is not a minimum or maximum amount of hours required of the Lord. He just requires for us to serve diligently and with our whole hearts.

6. What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the Church?

That they don't have to play a catch up game with those who have been in the church their whole lives. The Lord doesn't require quantity, but quality and effort.

7. What would you tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally?

I would say to them that though it visually appears to be unbalanced or unfair this would be how the world views life--who did more than the next. Heavenly Father judges us as individuals. This life isn't a race to see who can "one-up" the next person or who has done more service or giving than the next. Heavenly Father see us for what we do as individuals with the trials and challenges put in our paths.