Matthew 19

30 verses

TL;DR

Jesus teaches that marriage is a divine covenant, that children and humility are valued, and that wealth hinders entry into the kingdom, while promising disciples rewards in the future.

Summary

Matthew 19 begins with Jesus leaving Galilee and teaching on divorce, affirming the sanctity of marriage and explaining the law of Moses as a concession to human hardness. He then calls children to his presence, showing that the kingdom belongs to those who are childlike. A young man asks how to obtain eternal life; Jesus lists the commandments, but the young man is unable to part with his wealth, leading Jesus to warn that a rich person will find it hard to enter the kingdom. The disciples, amazed, ask who can be saved, and Jesus reminds them that what is impossible for humans is possible for God. Peter and the disciples express devotion, and Jesus promises them future judgment and reward, noting that those who sacrifice for his name will inherit everlasting life, while the proud will be humbled.

Outline

Jesus teaches on divorce and the sanctity of marriage (vv. 1‑12)
Childlike faith, the rich young man, and disciples’ amazement (vv. 13‑26)
Promises of reward and judgment for those who follow Jesus (vv. 27‑30)

Themes

The sanctity and permanence of marriageChildlike humility and faithWealth’s hindrance to salvation and the call to sacrifice

Keywords

divorceeunuchchildrichkingdomfaithcommandmentslovetreasurethronecamelneedleperfectionsacrifice

People

JesusPhariseesMosesThe young manPeterDisciplesChildren

Places

GalileeJudeaJordan

Things

Divorce decreeEunuchs (three types)ChildrenCamel through the eye of a needleThroneTreasure in heavenCommandments

Key Verses

Matt 19:3: Jesus is first challenged about the legality of divorce.
Matt 19:9: Jesus teaches that divorce (except for fornication) constitutes adultery.
Matt 19:13-15: Jesus declares that the kingdom belongs to the childlike.
Matt 19:23-24: Jesus warns the rich that entering the kingdom is difficult.
Matt 19:28: Jesus promises disciples future judgment and reward.

Questions

Why did Jesus emphasize that God has joined husband and wife together, and how does this shape Christian marriage today?
What does Jesus mean when he says children belong to the kingdom, and how should that influence the church’s view of children?
How can the warning about the rich and the need to sell possessions be applied to modern believers who have financial resources?
In what ways does Jesus’ statement that 'what is impossible for man is possible for God' challenge the disciples’ expectations of salvation?
What does the promise of judging the twelve tribes reveal about Jesus’ view of the future Christian community?

Sentiment

mixed
Jesus shows compassion toward children and humility, condemns unjust divorce, warns against wealth, yet ultimately offers hope for those who sacrifice.