Matthew Chapter 19

At a Glance

  • Matthew 19 centers on relationships—divorce, children, and the call to the kingdom.
  • The scene then turns to blessing: Jesus lays hands on little children and welcomes them, underscoring that the kingdom belongs to such as these.
  • Historical & Literary Context.
  • Matthew 19 continues the narrative arc toward Jerusalem, weaving ethical teaching with eschatological expectations.
  • - Marriage, covenant, and sin: God’s intention for marriage as a lasting union; human hardness leads to divorce—Jesus re-centers God’s design.

Chapter Overview

Matthew 19 centers on relationships—divorce, children, and the call to the kingdom. The Pharisees test Jesus on whether it is lawful to divorce for any reason. Jesus cites the creation narrative: male and female, united by God in a one-flesh bond, and asserts that divorce was permitted by Moses because of human hard-heartedness but was not God’s original intent. He emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the permanence of the covenant. The dialogue then shifts to the question of eunuchs and single-minded devotion to the kingdom—a broader reflection on celibacy and commitment for the sake of the gospel.

The scene then turns to blessing: Jesus lays hands on little children and welcomes them, underscoring that the kingdom belongs to such as these. A rich young man approaches, seeking eternal life; Jesus challenges him to sell his possessions and follow, revealing the depth of discipleship and the difficulty of wealth as a barrier to divine allegiance. The chapter ends with Jesus discussing wealth, reward, and the difficulty of the rich entering the kingdom, followed by the famous invitation to the disciples about the reward for those who have left all to follow him.

Historical & Literary Context

Matthew 19 continues the narrative arc toward Jerusalem, weaving ethical teaching with eschatological expectations. It is a cluster of teachings on discipleship that interrogates social norms and personal allegiance to God’s kingdom. The divorce debate echoes Deuteronomic and Mosaic legislation while reframing it through Jesus’ radical call to covenant fidelity. The cameo of the rich young ruler is a diagnostic moment about the idol of wealth and the necessity of radical faith.

Key Themes

- Marriage, covenant, and sin: God’s intention for marriage as a lasting union; human hardness leads to divorce—Jesus re-centers God’s design.

- Kingdom allegiance over security: The call to discipleship may require leaving family, wealth, or status behind.

- Childlike welcome: The kingdom welcomes the vulnerable and unpretentious trust of children.

- Wealth and discipleship: Wealth is a potential barrier to entering the kingdom; true discipleship requires generous, costly surrender.

- Reward and radical generosity: Following Jesus entails a generous life and a radically different trajectory.

Modern Application

- Reconsider the meaning of commitment: If you’re in a marriage, honor it as God’s design; if you’re contemplating separation, seek reconciliation and biblical wisdom.

- Prioritize kingdom over comfort: Let your life reflect the belief that God’s reign is of ultimate value, even when it costs.

- Welcome all to the community: Embrace the vulnerability and trust of those who come to Jesus like children.

- Reassess wealth’s role: Examine how money shapes priorities; consider generosity as spiritual discipline.

- Follow Jesus with courageous obedience: Move beyond superficial desire for eternal life to a radical, present-tense commitment to Christ.

- Genesis 2:24 (creation ordinance of marriage)

- Malachi 2:14-16 (God’s faithfulness in marriage)

- Mark 10:1-12 (parallel account on divorce)

- Luke 18:18-30 (rich young ruler in a parallel Gospel)

- 1 Timothy 6:9-11 (warning about wealth)

Recommended Personas

- Jesus (teacher of kingdom realities and marriage); Paul (theology of freedom in Christ); Peter (pastor’s perspective on leadership under pressure); Moses (lawgiver; contrasts on covenant faithfulness); a Rich Young Ruler (to illuminate heart-surrender questions)

Chapter Text

1

And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

2

And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

3

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

4

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

5

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

6

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

7

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

8

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

9

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

10

His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

11

But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

12

For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

13

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

14

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

15

And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

16

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19

Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20

The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

25

When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

27

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

28

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

30

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Discuss This Chapter with Biblical Personas

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