Session 11: Jesus Is Worth More – The Rich Young Ruler & C. T. Studd

Scripture: Mark 10:17–27
Mission Focus: C. T. Studd (England → China, India & Africa)
Key Verse: Mark 10:27
Series: Missions: Big World, Bigger God

Lesson Overview

What matters most to us?

In this session, children meet a rich young ruler who wanted eternal life but could not let go of his possessions. They then discover the story of C. T. Studd—a famous cricketer who gave up wealth, success, and comfort to follow Jesus.

Together, these stories help children understand that good things must never take Jesus’ place in our hearts.

What Children Will Learn

• Jesus looks at the heart.
• Good things can become too important to us.
• We cannot earn eternal life or save ourselves.
• Jesus is worth more than wealth, success, or popularity.
• Following Jesus means giving Him our whole heart.
• What is impossible for us is possible with God.

📖 Bible Focus: The Rich Young Ruler

This session begins with a wealthy young man asking Jesus:

“What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Children explore why the man went away sad and discover that his possessions had taken first place in his heart.

They’ll see that:

• Jesus looks beyond appearances and sees the heart.
• Money and possessions cannot save us.
• Jesus loves us and invites us to follow Him.
• Salvation is God’s gift, not something we earn.

The story encourages children to consider what matters most in their own hearts—and to recognise that Jesus is the greatest treasure.

🏏 Mission Story: C. T. Studd

Children are then introduced to C. T. Studd—a famous English cricketer who had wealth, success, and a comfortable future.

They’ll discover how:

• he realised that fame and success would not last
• he left England to share Jesus in China
• he gave away a large inheritance
• he later served God in India and Africa
• he continued following Jesus even when it cost him comfort and health

Unlike the rich young ruler, C. T. Studd opened his hands and put Jesus first.

His well-known words become the heart of the lesson:

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”

This session helps children see that Jesus is worth more than anything we could own or achieve.

🎥 Watch the Story Videos

The Rich Young Ruler Bible Story (1:41)

C. T. Studd – Short Biography (1:48)

C. T. Studd – Full Story (9:33)

Lesson Resources

Everything you need to teach this session in one printable pack:

• Step-by-step teaching guide
• Illustrated Bible and missionary stories
• Colour and black-and-white story pages
• Group games and discussion questions
• Mark 10:27 memory verse activities
• Missionary focus cards
• Worksheets and word search
• Camel puppet craft
• Mini cricket game
• Treasure chest craft
• Colouring pages
• Jesus First take-home challenge
• Printable reward badges
• Answer page

Printable Story Booklets Optional:

Includes fully illustrated CT Studd story booklets. Ideal for take-home use, review, and helping children retell the lesson.

FREE DOWNLOAD

Translations