◄ Matthew 19 ►
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Summary Jesus Blesses the Children Matthew 19 invites us to reevaluate our understanding of commitment, wealth, and sacrifice. Jesus highlights the sacredness of marriage, celebrates childlike faith, and cautions against the spiritual danger of wealth. His teachings remind us that earthly sacrifices made for His sake result in heavenly rewards, challenging us to cultivate a mindset of eternal perspective, humility, and sacrificial love. Verses 1-12: Teaching about Divorce In this section, Jesus teaches about the sacredness and permanence of marriage. The Pharisees test Jesus with a question about divorce, to which He responds by reinforcing God's original design for marriage. He explains that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of people's hearts, but from the beginning, God intended marriage to be a lifelong commitment. Verses 13-15: Blessing the Little Children Children are brought to Jesus for His blessing. The disciples initially rebuke those who bring the children, but Jesus corrects them, affirming that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those with childlike faith. Verses 16-22: The Rich Young Ruler A rich young man asks Jesus what good thing he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus advises him to keep the commandments. When the man claims he has kept all these, Jesus then tells him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The man leaves in sorrow, unable to part with his riches. Verses 23-30: Wealth and the Kingdom of God & The Rewards of Sacrifice Jesus comments on the difficulty for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, likening it to a camel passing through the eye of a needle. The disciples, confused, ask who then can be saved, to which Jesus responds that with God all things are possible. Peter asks about their reward for leaving everything to follow Him. Jesus promises that those who have left homes, families, or fields for His sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life. Matthew 19 delves into Jesus' teachings about commitment, love, sacrifice, and faith. As He journeys towards Jerusalem, He provides profound insights into marriage and divorce, the importance of childlike faith, the dangers of riches, and the rewards for those who sacrifice for His sake. Teaching Points The Sanctity of Marriage Jesus emphasizes the original design for marriage, quoting Genesis, For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh (Matthew 19:5). He underscores that marriage is a divine union that should not be separated by human intervention. Divorce and Hardness of Heart Jesus acknowledges Moses' allowance for divorce due to the hardness of human hearts but clarifies that it was not God's original intention (Matthew 19:8). He teaches that divorce, except in cases of sexual immorality, leads to adultery (Matthew 19:9). The Value of Childlike Faith Jesus welcomes little children, saying, Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14). He highlights the importance of humility and trust in entering the kingdom of heaven. The Rich Young Man Jesus challenges the rich young man to sell his possessions and follow Him, illustrating the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:21-24). This encounter teaches about the dangers of material wealth and the call to prioritize eternal treasures. The Reward of Discipleship Jesus assures His disciples that those who sacrifice for His sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:29). He concludes with the paradoxical statement, But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first (Matthew 19:30). Practical Applications Commit to Your Marriage Reflect on the sanctity of marriage and seek to strengthen your relationship with your spouse, honoring the covenant you made before God. Cultivate Childlike Faith Embrace humility and trust in your relationship with God, approaching Him with the openness and sincerity of a child. Evaluate Your Priorities Consider what possessions or pursuits may be hindering your relationship with God, and be willing to let go of anything that competes with your devotion to Him. Embrace Sacrifice Recognize the cost of discipleship and be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of following Jesus, trusting in His promise of eternal reward. People 1. Jesus The central figure in the chapter, Jesus is teaching and responding to questions about marriage, divorce, and the kingdom of heaven. He is referred to as "Jesus" (Ἰησοῦς in Greek), emphasizing His role as the Messiah and teacher. 2. Pharisees A group of Jewish religious leaders who approach Jesus to test Him with questions about the lawfulness of divorce. The term "Pharisees" (Φαρισαῖοι in Greek) indicates their role as strict adherents to Jewish law and tradition. 3. Moses Although not physically present, Moses is referenced by Jesus in the context of the law regarding divorce. Moses (Μωϋσῆς in Greek) is acknowledged as the lawgiver who permitted divorce due to the hardness of people's hearts. 4. Disciples The followers of Jesus who are present during His teachings and ask questions for further clarification. The term "disciples" (μαθηταί in Greek) highlights their role as learners and followers of Christ. 5. Little Children Brought to Jesus for blessings, these children represent innocence and the qualities necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven. The Greek term used is παιδία, emphasizing their youth and purity. 6. Rich Young Man A man who approaches Jesus to inquire about eternal life. He is described as wealthy and young, and his interaction with Jesus highlights the challenges of wealth in relation to spiritual commitment. 7. Peter One of Jesus' disciples who speaks on behalf of the group, asking about the rewards for those who have left everything to follow Jesus. Peter (Πέτρος in Greek) is often seen as a spokesperson among the disciples. Places 1. Judea In Matthew 19:1, Jesus departs from Galilee and goes into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. Judea is a significant region in the southern part of ancient Israel, known for its historical and religious importance, including Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship. 2. Jordan The passage refers to the area "beyond the Jordan" (Matthew 19:1). The Jordan River is a major waterway in the region, often serving as a geographical marker. It holds religious significance, being the site of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. Events 1. Jesus Teaches about Divorce (Matthew 19:1-9) Jesus leaves Galilee and goes to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. Large crowds follow Him, and He heals them there. The Pharisees test Him by asking if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. Jesus responds by referring to the creation account, stating, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?" (Matthew 19:4-5). He emphasizes that what God has joined together, man should not separate. The Pharisees question why Moses allowed divorce, and Jesus explains that it was due to the hardness of their hearts, but from the beginning, it was not so. He concludes by stating, "Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9). 2. Jesus Blesses the Little Children (Matthew 19:13-15) People bring little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuke them, but Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). He lays His hands on the children and then departs from there. 3. The Rich Young Man (Matthew 19:16-22) A young man approaches Jesus, asking what good thing he must do to obtain eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, and when the young man asks which ones, Jesus lists several, including, "You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness" (Matthew 19:18). The young man claims he has kept all these and asks what he still lacks. Jesus tells him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me" (Matthew 19:21). The young man leaves sorrowful because he has great wealth. 4. The Difficulty for the Rich to Enter the Kingdom (Matthew 19:23-26) Jesus tells His disciples that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, comparing it to a camel going through the eye of a needle. The disciples are astonished and ask who then can be saved. Jesus looks at them and says, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). 5. The Reward of Discipleship (Matthew 19:27-30) Peter asks what they will receive for leaving everything to follow Jesus. Jesus assures them that in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, they will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. He adds, "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life" (Matthew 19:29). Jesus concludes with the statement, "But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first" (Matthew 19:30). Connections to Additional Scriptures Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Mark 10:14-15 When Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Prayer Points Pray for Marriages Ask God to strengthen and protect marriages, helping couples to honor their vows and seek His guidance in their relationship. Pray for Humility Request a heart of humility and childlike faith, enabling you to trust God fully and follow His lead. Pray for Detachment from Materialism Seek God's help in detaching from material possessions and focusing on eternal values. Pray for Commitment to Discipleship Ask for the courage and strength to make sacrifices necessary for true discipleship, trusting in God's promises for the future. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' teaching on divorce challenge societal norms around marriage and divorce? 2. What does Jesus' interaction with the little children teach us about faith and entering the Kingdom of Heaven? 3. What can we learn from the rich young ruler's reaction to Jesus' instruction to sell all he has? 4. How does Jesus' assurance of rewards for those who sacrifice for His sake impact your understanding of discipleship? 5. Why do you think Jesus focused on the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven? 6. How can we apply Jesus' teachings on marriage and divorce in a contemporary context? 7. How does the faith of a child differ from adult faith, and how can we foster this type of faith in our lives? 8. In what ways does the story of the rich young ruler challenge our values and priorities? 9. How can Jesus' promise of rewards for sacrifices made in His name influence our life decisions? 10. How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about divorce uphold the sanctity of marriage? 11. How can we maintain a childlike faith in a world that often values cynicism and skepticism? 12. How do you reconcile the call to give up everything to follow Jesus with practical life needs and responsibilities? 13. How can we navigate the tension between living in the world and not being overly attached to worldly riches? 14. How does Jesus' assurance of rewards affect your willingness to make sacrifices for His sake? 15. How does the concept of a rich person struggling to enter the Kingdom of Heaven challenge societal success metrics? 16. In what ways can we reflect Jesus' welcoming attitude towards children in our communities? 17. How can we ensure our wealth and possessions don't become barriers to our relationship with God? 18. How can the teachings of this chapter shape our understanding of eternal life? 19. In what ways can Jesus' discussion about rewards influence our perspective on giving and sacrifice? 20. How can we uphold the sanctity of marriage in a culture with differing views on commitment and divorce? Topics 1. Teaching on Divorce (Matthew 19:1-12) Jesus addresses the Pharisees' question about the lawfulness of divorce, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage as instituted by God. He refers to Genesis, highlighting that "a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh" (Matthew 19:5). The Greek term for "joined" (κολληθήσεται, kollēthēsetai) implies a strong, inseparable bond. 2. Jesus Blesses the Little Children (Matthew 19:13-15) Jesus welcomes little children brought to Him, rebuking the disciples for hindering them. He states, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). The Greek word for "belongs" (ἐστιν, estin) indicates possession or rightful ownership, underscoring the value of childlike faith. 3. The Rich Young Man (Matthew 19:16-22) A young man inquires about eternal life, and Jesus instructs him to keep the commandments. When the man claims adherence, Jesus challenges him to sell his possessions and follow Him, revealing the man's attachment to wealth. The Greek word for "perfect" (τέλειος, teleios) in verse 21 suggests completeness or maturity in faith. 4. The Difficulty for the Rich to Enter the Kingdom (Matthew 19:23-26) Jesus comments on the difficulty for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven, using the metaphor of a camel passing through the eye of a needle. The disciples are astonished, prompting Jesus to affirm that "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). The Greek term for "possible" (δυνατά, dunata) conveys the idea of divine capability and power. 5. The Reward of Discipleship (Matthew 19:27-30) Peter questions what the disciples will receive for leaving everything to follow Jesus. Jesus promises that those who have sacrificed for His sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life. The passage concludes with the statement, "But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first" (Matthew 19:30), emphasizing the reversal of worldly expectations in God's kingdom. Themes 1. Marriage and Divorce Jesus addresses the Pharisees' question about divorce, emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of marriage. He refers back to the creation account, stating, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh" (Matthew 19:5). The Greek word for "joined" (κολληθήσεται, kollēthēsetai) implies a strong, inseparable bond. 2. Celibacy for the Kingdom Jesus acknowledges that not everyone can accept the teaching on marriage and divorce, highlighting that some choose celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He says, "The one who can accept this should accept it" (Matthew 19:12). The Greek term for "accept" (χωρεῖν, chōrein) suggests making room or understanding a difficult teaching. 3. Jesus Blesses the Children Jesus welcomes little children, rebuking the disciples for hindering them. He declares, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). This theme underscores the value of childlike faith and humility in the kingdom. 4. The Rich Young Man A young man inquires about eternal life, and Jesus challenges him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The narrative highlights the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven, as Jesus states, "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24). The Greek word for "eye" (τρῆμα, trēma) refers to a small opening, emphasizing the impossibility without divine intervention. 5. The Reward of Discipleship Jesus assures His disciples that those who have left everything to follow Him will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life. He concludes with, "But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first" (Matthew 19:30). This theme highlights the reversal of worldly values in God's kingdom, where true reward comes from sacrificial discipleship. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions