Matthew 19
Berean Study Bible

Teachings about Divorce

When Jesus had finished saying these things,

Matthew closes another major section of Jesus’ teaching and turns to the final stage of His public ministry.

Mat 7:28 When Jesus had finished saying these things,…
Mat 26:1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things,…
Mat 13:53 When Jesus had finished these parables, He withdrew…

He left Galilee

After extensive ministry in the northern region where He had taught, healed, and trained His disciples, Jesus began His deliberate journey toward Jerusalem.

Jhn 7:10 But after His brothers had gone up to the feast,…
Luk 9:51 As the day of His ascension approached,…
Jhn 7:1 After this, Jesus traveled throughout Galilee.…

and went into the region of Judea

Judea included Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship and the seat of the religious authorities who increasingly opposed Him. His arrival there brought His ministry closer to the events of His death and resurrection.

Mrk 10:1 Then Jesus left that place and went into Judea…
Luk 18:31 Then Jesus took the Twelve aside and said to them…

beyond the Jordan.

Jesus traveled through the territory east of the Jordan, commonly called Perea, before continuing toward Jerusalem. The route placed Him among crowds who came seeking His teaching and healing.

Jhn 10:40 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place…
Jhn 1:28 All this happened at Bethany beyond the Jordan,…
Mat 4:25 Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee,…

Large crowds followed Him,

Jesus’ teaching and miracles had become widely known, drawing people from Judea, Galilee, and surrounding regions. Many came seeking help for themselves or their families, while others came to hear Him and witness His works.

Mat 4:24-25 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought…
Mat 12:15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place.…
Mrk 3:7-8 So Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea,…

and He healed them

His miracles displayed both compassion for human suffering and authority over disease and physical weakness. These healings confirmed that the promised kingdom had arrived in the ministry of the Messiah.

Mat 8:16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed…
Mat 14:14 When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd,…
Luk 4:40 At sunset, all who were ill with various diseases…

there.

The region beyond the Jordan had been associated with John the Baptist’s earlier ministry and lay near areas inhabited by both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus’ work there showed that His ministry was extending beyond Jerusalem and its religious leaders to all who came to Him.

Mrk 6:53-56 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret…
Mat 15:30-31 Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind…
Luk 9:11 But the crowds found out and followed Him.…

Then some Pharisees came and tested Him by asking,

The Pharisees sought to trap Jesus rather than learn from Him. Their question concerned a disputed issue and could have been used to discredit Him before the people or provoke opposition from religious and political authorities.

Mrk 10:2 Some Pharisees came to test Him. “Is it lawful for a man…
Mat 16:1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested…
Mat 22:18 But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites,…

“Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”

Jewish teachers debated the meaning of Moses’ provision for divorce in Deuteronomy 24:1–4. Some limited divorce to serious marital unfaithfulness, while others allowed it for nearly any displeasing matter. The Pharisees pressed Jesus to choose between these views, treating marriage as subject to a husband’s preference rather than God’s design.

Deu 24:1-4 If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing…
Mat 5:31-32 It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife…’…
Luk 16:18 Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman…

Jesus answered,

Jesus replied to the Pharisees’ question about divorce by appealing to God’s authority rather than to later customs or disputed interpretations of the Law.

Mrk 10:3 “What did Moses command you?” He replied.
Luk 16:18 Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman…
1Co 7:10 To the married I give this command: A wife must not separate…

“Have you not read

He held them accountable to the Scriptures they studied and taught.

Mat 12:3 Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did……
Mat 12:5 Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath…
Mrk 12:10 Have you never read this Scripture: ‘The stone the builders…

that from the beginning

God’s purpose for marriage was established at creation, before human sin and later legal concessions affected society.

Jhn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God…
Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Pro 8:23 From everlasting I was established, from the beginning,…

the Creator

God Himself instituted marriage and defines its order and purpose.

Isa 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD…
Act 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it…
Isa 45:18 For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens—…

‘made them male and female,’

Humanity was created as male and female in God’s image, and this created distinction forms the foundation for marriage as the union of a man and a woman.

Mrk 10:6 However, from the beginning of creation,…
Gen 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God…
Gen 5:2 Male and female He created them, and He blessed them.…

and said,

Jesus cites Genesis 2:24 as God’s authoritative design for marriage, grounding His teaching in the creation account.

Luk 16:18 Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman…
1Co 7:10-11 To the married I give this command: A wife must not separate…
Heb 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed…

‘For this reason

Marriage begins with God’s purpose in creating man and woman for one another.

Gen 2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother…
Mrk 10:6-9 However, from the beginning of creation,…
1Co 11:8-12 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man.…

a man will leave his father and mother

A husband establishes a new household in which his marriage becomes his primary human relationship.

Psa 45:10-11 Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear:…
Gen 24:58 They called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?”…
Rut 1:16-17 But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you”…

and be united to his wife,

Husband and wife are joined in a faithful, lifelong covenant marked by shared life and mutual belonging.

Mal 2:14-16 Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness…
1Co 7:3-5 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife,…
Pro 5:18-19 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice…

and the two will become one flesh’?

Marriage joins one man and one woman in an exclusive union that includes bodily, relational, and spiritual unity.

Eph 5:31-32 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother…
1Co 6:16 Or don’t you know that he who unites himself……
1Co 7:2 But because there is so much sexual immorality…

So they are no longer two, but one flesh.

Marriage joins a man and woman in a covenantal union established by God from creation. Jesus affirms the order given in Genesis, where husband and wife leave their former households and form a new, permanent family bond. Their union includes physical, spiritual, and shared life together.

Gen 2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother…
Eph 5:31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother…
1Co 6:16 Or don’t you know that he who unites himself……

Therefore what God has joined together,

Marriage is not merely a human agreement or social custom. God ordained it and regards the vows of husband and wife as binding before Him. The union reflects His purpose for companionship, family, and faithful covenant commitment.

Mrk 10:9 Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate…
Mal 2:14-15 Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness…
Gen 2:22 And from the rib that the LORD God had taken…

let man not separate.”

Jesus rejects the casual treatment of divorce common in the debates of His day. Human sin may damage marriages, but it does not change God’s original design for lifelong faithfulness. No person has authority to dissolve what God has united.

1Co 7:10-11 To the married I give this command: A wife must not separate…
Mal 2:16 “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel.…
Mrk 10:11-12 So He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife…

“Why then,” they asked,

“Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”

Mrk 10:2-4 Some Pharisees came to test Him. “Is it lawful for a man…
Mat 5:31-32 It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife…’…
Luk 16:18 Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman…

“did Moses order a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”

They referred to Moses’ allowance for divorce, treating it as a command. Moses did not establish divorce as God’s ideal but regulated it because of human sin and hard hearts. The written certificate formally ended the marriage and prevented a man from casually reclaiming a woman after dismissing her.

Deu 24:1-4 If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing…
Jer 3:8 She saw that faithless Israel had committed adultery,…
Mal 2:16 “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel.…

Jesus replied,

Jesus answered the Pharisees with the authority of one who rightly interpreted God’s Law and exposed the error behind their question.

Mrk 10:5 But Jesus told them, “Moses wrote this commandment for you…
Mat 5:31-32 It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife…’…
Luk 16:18 Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman…

“Moses permitted you to divorce your wives

Moses regulated divorce in Israel because it existed among the people, placing limits on it and providing protection within a sinful society. His provision did not establish divorce as God’s design for marriage.

Deu 24:1-4 If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing…
Jer 3:8 She saw that faithless Israel had committed adultery,…
Mal 2:16 “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel.…

because of your hardness of heart.

Divorce was permitted because of Israel’s persistent resistance to God’s will. Their sin made such regulations necessary, though it did not make the breaking of marriage desirable.

Deu 9:6 Understand, then, that it is not because of your…
Psa 95:8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,…
Heb 3:15 Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden hearts…

But it was not this way from the beginning.

God established marriage as a permanent union of a man and woman. Jesus directed the Pharisees beyond later concessions to God’s original purpose in creation.

Mrk 10:6-9 However, from the beginning of creation,…
Gen 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God…
Gen 2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother…

Now I tell you

Jesus speaks with divine authority, giving the true meaning of God’s design for marriage.

Mrk 10:6-9 However, from the beginning of creation,…
1Co 7:10-11 To the married I give this command: A wife must not separate…
Mal 2:14-15 Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness…

that whoever divorces his wife,

Marriage is a binding covenant, not a relationship to be ended for personal dissatisfaction or lesser disputes.

Deu 24:1-4 If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing…
Mal 2:16 “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel.…
Rom 7:2-3 For instance, a married woman is bound by law…

except for sexual immorality,

Sexual unfaithfulness violates the one-flesh union and provides the stated ground for divorce.

Mat 5:32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife…
1Co 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin…
Act 15:20 Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain…

and marries another woman

A new marriage following a divorce not permitted by this exception disregards the continuing bond of the first marriage.

Luk 16:18 Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman…
Mrk 10:11-12 So He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife…
1Co 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives.…

commits adultery.”

Jesus identifies such remarriage as adultery because the original marriage covenant remains in force.

Exo 20:14 You shall not commit adultery.
Lev 20:10 If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife…
Pro 6:32 He who commits adultery lacks judgment;…

His disciples said to Him,

In private, the disciples continued to question Jesus about His teaching. They understood that He had rejected the casual divorce practices accepted by many in their day and had restored marriage to God’s original design as a lifelong union.

Mrk 10:10 When they were back inside the house, the disciples…
Jhn 16:29 His disciples said, “See, now You are speaking plainly…
Luk 8:9 Then His disciples asked Him what this parable meant.

“If this is the case between a man and his wife,

Jesus’ instruction placed both husband and wife under the same obligation of faithfulness. Marriage was not to be ended simply because of dissatisfaction or personal preference, despite the allowances that had developed under Moses’ law because of human hardness of heart.

Gen 2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother…
Mrk 10:6-9 However, from the beginning of creation,…
Eph 5:31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother…

it is better not to marry.”

The disciples recognized the weight of such a permanent covenant and responded with surprise. Their words show how greatly Jesus’ standard differed from common expectations, where divorce could be treated as an available solution to marital difficulty.

1Co 7:38 So then, he who marries the virgin does well,…
1Co 7:26 Because of the present crisis, I think it is good…
1Co 7:8 Now to the unmarried and widows I say this:…

“Not everyone can accept this word,”

Jesus recognizes that His teaching on the lifelong bond of marriage and the calling of some to remain unmarried for God’s kingdom is difficult to receive. His disciples had reacted as though such a standard made marriage undesirable, revealing how deeply common expectations differed from God’s design.

1Co 7:7 I wish that all men were as I am; each man has his own…
Jhn 6:60 On hearing it, many of His disciples said…
Mat 13:11 He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries……

He replied,

Jesus answers with divine authority, correcting their assumptions rather than lowering the standard He had given.

Jhn 6:61 Aware that His disciples were grumbling about this teaching,…
Mat 15:16 “Do you still not understand?” Jesus asked.
Mrk 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible,…

“but only those to whom it has been given.

The ability to receive this instruction comes from God. Marriage is God’s ordinary provision, while celibacy for the kingdom is a calling granted to particular people, not a command imposed on all.

Jhn 3:27 John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him…
1Co 4:7 For who makes you so superior? What do you have…
Jas 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above…

For there are eunuchs who were born that way;

Some people are born without the ordinary capacity for marriage or sexual relations. Jesus recognizes their condition without contempt, affirming that such limitations do not place anyone outside God’s care or purpose.

Isa 56:3-5 Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say,…
Deu 23:1 No man with crushed or severed genitals…
Act 8:27-39 So he started out, and on his way he met…

others were made that way by men;

In the ancient world, some men were forcibly made eunuchs for service in royal courts and households. Their condition often resulted from the power and cruelty of others rather than personal choice.

2Ki 20:18 And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood…
Isa 39:7 And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood…
Dan 1:3-7 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court…

and still others live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.

Others willingly remain unmarried and abstain from sexual relations in order to give themselves more fully to the work and interests of God’s kingdom. Jesus does not require this of all believers, nor does He diminish the goodness of marriage.

1Co 7:32-35 I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man…
1Co 7:7-8 I wish that all men were as I am; each man has his own…
Rev 14:4 These are the ones who have not been defiled with women…

The one who can accept this should accept it.”

Celibacy for the kingdom is a calling that must be received with wisdom and self-control. Those who are not able or called to live this way are free to marry.

1Co 7:37-38 But the man who is firmly established in his heart…
Mat 11:15 He who has ears, let him hear.
Rev 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says…

Jesus Blesses the Children

Then little children were brought to Jesus

Parents or guardians brought their children to Him, trusting His compassion and blessing. In a society where children held little public status, their presence before Jesus showed that they were not beneath His care.

Mrk 10:13 Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus…
Luk 18:15 Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus…
Mat 18:2 Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.

for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them.

The laying on of hands expressed personal blessing and prayerful care. Jesus welcomed the opportunity to intercede for these children and to show that they belonged within the concern of God’s kingdom.

Mrk 10:16 And He took the children in His arms…
Mrk 5:23 My little daughter is near death. Please come…
Gen 48:14 But Israel stretched out his right hand…

And the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

The disciples treated the children as an interruption and failed to understand Jesus’ concern for the humble and dependent. Their response exposed the same mistaken ideas about greatness and importance that Jesus repeatedly corrected.

Mrk 10:14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them…
Luk 18:16 But Jesus called the children to Him and said,…
Mat 20:31 The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out…

But Jesus said,

Jesus intervened when His disciples rebuked those bringing children to Him. Their actions reflected common attitudes that regarded children as socially unimportant, yet Jesus gave them His personal attention.

Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father…
Luk 10:21 At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit…

“Let the little children come to Me,

He welcomed children into His presence and showed that no person is too insignificant to be received by Him.

Mrk 10:14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them…
Luk 18:16 But Jesus called the children to Him and said,…
Jhn 6:37 Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me,…

and do not hinder them!

The disciples were to stop placing barriers between the children and Jesus. Those who serve Him are not to prevent others from coming to Him.

Mrk 10:13 Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus…
Luk 18:15 Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus…
Mat 18:6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones…

For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Children illustrate the humility, dependence, and trusting reception required of those who enter God’s kingdom. Jesus did not praise childishness, but the lowly posture of those who recognize their need for Him.

Mat 18:3-4 “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change…”…
Mrk 10:15 Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive…
Luk 18:17 Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive…

And after He had placed His hands on them,

Jesus personally blessed the children brought to Him, showing that they were not insignificant in God’s sight. His touch expressed care and favor, confirming His welcome of those whom others had tried to turn away.

Mrk 10:16 And He took the children in His arms…
Luk 18:15 Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus…
Luk 4:40 At sunset, all who were ill with various diseases…

He went on from there.

Jesus continued His journey toward Jerusalem, carrying out His ministry with purposeful resolve as He moved toward the events that would fulfill His mission.

Mat 9:27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men…
Mat 15:29 Moving on from there, Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee.…
Mat 11:1 After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples…

The Rich Young Man

Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired,

Jesus was traveling toward Jerusalem when a wealthy, influential young man approached Him with an urgent spiritual question. His willingness to seek Jesus showed respect for His authority, yet his later response revealed that his wealth held a controlling place in his heart.

Mrk 10:17 As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up…
Luk 18:18 Then a certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher,”…
Jhn 3:2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi,…

“Teacher,

He recognized Jesus as a respected instructor capable of giving a trustworthy answer about God’s requirements.

Mat 8:19 And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher”…
Luk 7:40 But Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something”…
Jhn 13:13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am.

what good thing must I do

He assumed eternal life could be secured by accomplishing some additional righteous act. Jesus would expose that outward obedience, though important, could not overcome a heart divided by love for earthly possessions.

Luk 10:25 One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him.…
Jhn 6:28-29 Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works…
Act 16:30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs,…”…

to obtain eternal life?”

He sought assurance of resurrection life in God’s kingdom, but he needed to understand that eternal life requires wholehearted devotion to God and faith in His provision rather than confidence in personal achievement.

Jhn 3:15-16 that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.…
Jhn 5:24 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word…
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God…

“Why do you ask Me about what is good?”

The wealthy young ruler approached Jesus believing that eternal life could be secured by a sufficient good deed. Jesus directs him away from confidence in human achievement and toward God, the true standard of goodness.

Mrk 10:18 “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied.…
Luk 18:19 “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied.…
Rom 3:12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless;…

Jesus replied.

Jesus answers in a way that exposes the man’s deeper need. The issue is not merely what he has done, but whether he recognizes God’s authority and his own need before Him.

Mrk 12:29 Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear, O Israel,…
Mat 22:37 Jesus declared, ‘Love the Lord your God…
Luk 10:26 “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied.…

“There is only One who is good.

Perfect goodness belongs to God alone. Jesus does not deny His own divine identity; He confronts the man with the truth that no human work can measure up to God’s holiness.

Psa 100:5 For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures…
Nam 1:7 The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress;…
Jas 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above…

If you want to enter life,

Eternal life is life with God, not simply a reward earned by outward religious effort. Jesus leads the man to consider whether he truly desires to submit to God.

Mrk 9:43-47 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.…
Mat 18:8-9 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off…
Jhn 5:24 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word…

keep the commandments.”

The commandments reveal God’s righteous standard and test the young man’s claim to obedience. In the following conversation, his attachment to wealth shows that his heart was not fully devoted to God.

Jhn 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
1Jn 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.…
1Jn 2:3-4 By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him…

“Which ones?” the man asked.

The rich young ruler knew that the Law contained many commands and asked which ones were required for eternal life. Jewish teachers discussed the relative weight of commandments, but his question also showed that he viewed obedience as something that could be measured and completed.

Mrk 10:19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, ……
Luk 18:20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery…

Jesus answered, “‘Do not murder,

Jesus began with commandments governing conduct toward other people. Murder violates the sacredness of human life, for mankind bears God’s image. The command reaches beyond the outward act to the hatred and anger that give rise to it.

Exo 20:13 You shall not murder.
Deu 5:17 You shall not murder.

do not commit adultery,

Adultery breaks the covenant of marriage and violates the faithfulness God intended for husband and wife. Though outwardly condemned in Israel’s law, it also exposes the sinful desires of the heart.

Exo 20:14 You shall not commit adultery.
Deu 5:18 You shall not commit adultery.

do not steal,

Stealing disregards another person’s property and livelihood. God’s law required His people to deal honestly and to respect what belonged to others.

Exo 20:15 You shall not steal.
Deu 5:19 You shall not steal.

do not bear false witness,

False testimony corrupts justice and can bring serious harm upon the innocent. Truthfulness was essential in Israel’s courts and in daily life, reflecting the righteousness God requires.

Exo 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Deu 5:20 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

honor your father and mother,

God established the family as a primary sphere of authority, care, and instruction. Honor includes respectful obedience in youth and continued care for parents as they age. In Israel, such faithfulness strengthened the household and preserved the order God intended for His people.

Exo 20:12 Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long…
Deu 5:16 Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God…
Eph 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment…)…

and love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Love for others requires seeking their good with the same concern shown for one’s own needs. Though “neighbor” was often understood as a fellow Israelite, Jesus extends love beyond ethnic and religious boundaries. He places this command alongside duties toward God and family, revealing that genuine obedience reaches beyond outward behavior to the heart. The rich young ruler’s claim to have kept these commands is tested by Jesus’ call to surrender what he valued most.

Lev 19:18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your…
Mat 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Rom 13:9 The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,”…

“All these I have kept,”

The young man claims obedience to the commandments Jesus had named, including honoring parents and avoiding murder, adultery, theft, and false testimony. His answer reflects confidence in his outward observance of the Law, yet his question shows that he recognizes something remains unsettled in his pursuit of eternal life.

Mrk 10:20 “Teacher,” he replied, “all these I have kept”…
Luk 18:21 “All these I have kept from my youth,” he said.
Luk 1:6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God…

said the young man.

He was young and wealthy, possessing the status and security that many would have considered signs of blessing. Still, material success and moral effort had not given him assurance before God.

1Ti 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example…
1Jn 2:13-14 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him…
Pro 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair…

“What do I still lack?”

He senses that keeping commandments externally has not satisfied the deeper demand of God. Jesus will expose the ruling attachment of his heart and call him to leave everything behind and follow Him.

Mrk 10:21 Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him,…
Luk 18:22 On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing:…
Luk 14:33 any one of you who does not give up everything he has…

Jesus told him,

Jesus answered the rich young ruler personally, exposing the difference between outward obedience and wholehearted devotion to God.

“If you want to be perfect,

He called the man to the complete surrender required of a true disciple—a spiritual maturity and completeness, not flawlessness—not merely to greater religious effort.

Mat 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Jas 1:4 Allow perseverance to finish its work, …
Heb 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings…

go, sell your possessions and give to the poor,

The man’s wealth had become the ruling attachment of his heart. Giving it away would demonstrate that he valued obedience to Christ above earthly security and status.

Luk 12:33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor.…
Mrk 10:21 Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him,…
Luk 18:22 On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing:…

and you will have treasure in heaven.

What is surrendered for Christ’s sake is not lost but exchanged for an eternal reward beyond the reach of earthly loss.

Mat 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,…
1Ti 6:19 treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation…
Heb 10:34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted…

Then come, follow Me.”

Jesus invited him into discipleship, requiring him to place Christ above possessions, position, and self-interest.

Mat 4:19 “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make…
Mat 8:22 But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead…
Jhn 1:43 The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee.…

When the young man heard this,

When the young man heard this, he understood that Jesus was calling him to surrender the wealth that held his heart. Rather than following Jesus, he went away sorrowful because he had many possessions.

Jhn 6:60-61 On hearing it, many of His disciples said…
Mat 13:20-21 The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word…
Mrk 4:16-17 Some are like the seeds sown on rocky ground…

he went away in sorrow,

He did not reject Jesus in anger, but his grief showed that he recognized the cost of obedience and could not bring himself to surrender what he valued most.

Mrk 10:22 But the man was saddened by these words and went away…
Luk 18:23 But when the ruler heard this, he became very sad,…
Jhn 6:66 From that time on many of His disciples turned back…

because he had great wealth.

His possessions had become an obstacle to following Christ. Though wealth was often viewed as evidence of divine blessing, it could also become an idol that kept a person from wholehearted faith and discipleship.

Mrk 10:23-25 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples,…
Luk 18:24-25 Seeing the man’s sadness, Jesus said, “How hard it is…
1Ti 6:9-10 Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation…

Then Jesus said to His disciples,

After the rich young ruler walked away, Jesus turned to His disciples, those following Him closely for deeper teaching. His words explained the spiritual danger revealed by the man’s unwillingness to part with his possessions.

Mrk 10:23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples,…
Luk 18:24 Seeing the man’s sadness, Jesus said, “How hard it is…

“Truly I tell you,

Jesus spoke with divine authority, stressing the certainty and seriousness of what followed.

Mrk 10:15 Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive…
Luk 18:17 Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive…
Jhn 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you,…

it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Wealth was widely viewed as evidence of God’s blessing, yet Jesus warned that riches can foster self-sufficiency, attachment to earthly security, and reluctance to surrender fully to God. Entering God’s kingdom requires humble dependence on Him rather than confidence in possessions.

Mrk 10:24-25 And the disciples were amazed at His words.…
Luk 18:25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass…
1Ti 6:9-10 Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation…

Again I tell you,

Jesus repeats the warning given after the rich young ruler’s departure, pressing the point upon His disciples.

Mrk 10:24 And the disciples were amazed at His words.…
Luk 18:24 Seeing the man’s sadness, Jesus said, “How hard it is…

it is easier for a camel

The camel, the largest familiar animal in the region, vividly portrays an obstacle beyond human ability.

Mrk 10:25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye…
Luk 18:25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass…

to pass through the eye of a needle

The image describes literal impossibility, not a narrow city gate or a difficult but achievable task.

Mrk 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible,…
Luk 18:27 But Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible…

than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Wealth can bind a person to self-reliance and earthly security, making surrender to God’s rule exceedingly difficult. Entrance into the kingdom depends not on possessions or human effort, but on God’s power.

Mrk 10:23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples,…
Jas 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor…
1Ti 6:17-19 Instruct those who are rich in the present age…

When the disciples heard this,

The disciples had just heard Jesus explain how difficult it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven after His encounter with the rich young ruler. The man’s unwillingness to surrender his possessions revealed the hold wealth had on his heart.

Mrk 10:24 And the disciples were amazed at His words.…
Mat 22:33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished…
Mrk 1:22 The people were astonished at His teaching…

they were greatly astonished

They were greatly astonished because wealth was commonly regarded as evidence of God’s blessing. If those considered especially favored could not easily enter the kingdom, the disciples realized that human status, possessions, and outward success could not secure salvation.

Mrk 10:26 They were even more astonished and said to one another…
Mrk 7:37 The people were utterly astonished and said,…
Mat 7:28 When Jesus had finished saying these things,…

and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

Their question expressed the realization that no one can attain salvation by personal merit. Jesus’ answer would make clear that what is impossible for man is possible with God.

Luk 18:26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Mrk 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible,…
Luk 18:27 But Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible…

Jesus looked at them and said,

Jesus deliberately addressed the disciples after their astonishment over His teaching about the rich young ruler and the difficulty of entering the kingdom of heaven. His attention underscored the seriousness of their question about who could be saved.

Mrk 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible,…
Mrk 3:34 Looking at those seated in a circle around Him, He said,…

“With man this is impossible,

Salvation cannot be attained through wealth, personal effort, religious standing, or human merit. The disciples had grown up in a culture that often viewed prosperity as evidence of God’s blessing, so Jesus’ words challenged their assumptions.

Gen 18:14 Is anything too difficult for the LORD?…
Jer 32:17 Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth…
Job 42:2 I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours…

but with God all things are possible.”

What no person can accomplish, God accomplishes by His grace and power. Entrance into His kingdom depends on God’s saving work, not human ability.

Luk 1:37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
Luk 18:27 But Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible…
Mrk 9:23 “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible…”…

“Look,” Peter replied,

Peter spoke for the Twelve after Jesus’ warning about the spiritual danger of wealth. Having watched the rich young man turn away, he drew attention to the disciples’ own decision to remain with Jesus.

Mrk 10:28 Peter began to say to Him, “Look, we have left everything…
Luk 18:28 “Look,” said Peter, “we have left all we had to follow You.”

“we have left everything to follow You.

Peter and the others had set aside occupations, homes, possessions, and normal family responsibilities to accompany Jesus in His ministry. Their commitment was real, though they still had much to learn about the cost and purpose of discipleship.

Luk 5:11 And when they had brought their boats ashore, they left…
Luk 5:28 and Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him.
Mrk 1:18 And at once they left their nets and followed Him.

What then will there be for us?”

Peter asked what their sacrifice would mean in the kingdom. His question reflected both confidence that Jesus would reward faithfulness and an incomplete understanding of the coming kingdom. Jesus answered by promising a future role for the apostles and eternal reward for all who leave earthly security for His sake.

Mrk 10:29-30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home…
Luk 18:29-30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left…
Luk 12:33-34 Sell your possessions and give to the poor.…

Jesus said to them,

Jesus addressed the disciples in response to Peter’s question about the reward for leaving everything to follow Him.

“Truly I tell you,

He gave them a certain promise concerning their future place in God’s kingdom.

Mat 5:18 For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away…
Jhn 3:3 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you,…
Luk 4:24 Then He added, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted…”…

in the renewal of all things,

God will restore creation under Christ’s reign, bringing the present order to its appointed renewal.

Act 3:21 Heaven must take Him in until the time comes…
Rev 21:5 And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold,…
Isa 65:17 For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth.…

when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne,

Jesus will openly reign as the Messiah and Judge, exercising the authority given to Him by the Father.

Mat 25:31 When the Son of Man comes in His glory,…
Dan 7:13-14 In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw…
Rev 3:21 To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right…

you who have followed Me

The disciples had left their former lives and identified themselves with Jesus despite opposition and uncertainty.

Mrk 10:28 Peter began to say to Him, “Look, we have left everything…
Luk 18:28 “Look,” said Peter, “we have left all we had to follow You.”
Jhn 12:26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am…

will also sit on twelve thrones,

The apostles will receive positions of honor and delegated authority in Christ’s kingdom.

Rev 20:4 Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them…
2Ti 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him;…
Rev 4:4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones…

judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

They will share in the administration of the restored nation of Israel under the righteous rule of the Messiah.

Luk 22:30 so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom…
1Co 6:2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?…
Psa 122:5 For there the thrones of judgment stand…

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields

Following Jesus may require costly separation from possessions, livelihood, and even the closest family relationships. In first-century Judea, land and family provided identity, inheritance, and security. Jesus does not diminish these gifts, but He requires that loyalty to Him take precedence over every earthly claim. His disciples had already begun to experience this reality by leaving their work and homes to follow Him.

Mrk 10:29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home…
Luk 18:29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left…
Luk 14:33 any one of you who does not give up everything he has…

for the sake of My name

Such sacrifices are made because of allegiance to Jesus Himself and His mission. His name carries His authority and reveals His identity as the Messiah and Lord. The early believers would face rejection and persecution because they openly identified with Him.

Mat 10:22 You will be hated by everyone because of My name,…
Jhn 15:21 But they will treat you like this because of My name…
Mat 24:9 Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted…

will receive a hundredfold

Jesus promises that no sacrifice made for Him is lost. God provides a larger spiritual family and the resources of His people, along with the blessing of sharing in His kingdom. The promise does not guarantee greater personal wealth, but God’s faithful care and abundant provision for those who belong to Christ.

Mrk 10:30 will fail to receive a hundredfold…
Mat 13:8 Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop…
Gen 26:12 Now Isaac sowed seed in the land, and that very year…

and will inherit eternal life.

Eternal life is the final and lasting inheritance of all who follow Christ. It includes forgiveness, restored fellowship with God, and life in His coming kingdom. What is surrendered in this present age cannot compare with the life God gives through His Son.

Luk 18:30 will fail to receive many times more in this age…
Luk 10:25 One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him.…
Tit 3:7 so that, having been justified by His grace,…

But many who are first

Earthly wealth, influence, and religious standing were often viewed as signs of divine favor. Jesus had just exposed the rich young ruler’s attachment to possessions, showing that outward success does not prove wholehearted obedience to God.

Mat 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Mrk 10:31 But many who are first will be last, and the last…
Luk 13:30 And indeed, some who are last will be first…

will be last,

Those who trust in privilege, possessions, or reputation may find themselves without the honor they expected in God’s kingdom.

Mat 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled,…
Luk 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,…
Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

and the last will be first.

Those regarded as insignificant or disadvantaged, yet who follow Christ in faith, will receive honor from God. His kingdom judges by faithful obedience and humility rather than worldly rank.

1Sa 2:7-8 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.…
Psa 113:7-8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy…
Jas 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor…

This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com.



Bible Hub


Matthew 18
Top of Page
Top of Page