As Jesus travels beyond the Jordan, he encounters questions that strike at the heart of human relationships and aspirations. From marriage to wealth, his insights are as relevant today as they were then.
The Reading: Matthew 19
World English Bible1 When Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.
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2 Great multitudes followed him, and he healed them there.
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3 Pharisees came to him, testing him, and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
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4 He answered, “Haven’t you read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,
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5 and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?’
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6 So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart.”
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7 They asked him, “Why then did Moses command us to give her a bill of divorce, and divorce her?”
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8 He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so.
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9 I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.”
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10 His disciples said to him, “If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.”
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11 But he said to them, “Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given.
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12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake. He who is able to receive it, let him receive it.”
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13 Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
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14 But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”
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15 He laid his hands on them, and departed from there.
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16 Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
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17 He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
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18 He said to him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not steal.’ ‘You shall not offer false testimony.’
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19 ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ And, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
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20 The young man said to him, “All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?”
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21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
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22 But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions.
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23 Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty.
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24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
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25 When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
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26 Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
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27 Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?”
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28 Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
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29 Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life.
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30 But many will be last who are first; and first who are last.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
# Jesus on Divorce and Marriage
As Jesus makes his way into Judea, he's followed by large crowds who come to seek healing and wisdom. The Pharisees, always keen to challenge him, ask whether it's lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. Instead of getting tangled in legal arguments, Jesus refers back to the creation story - reminding them that marriage is a divine union meant to be cherished.
He emphasizes that what God has joined together should not be separated. While Moses allowed divorce due to people's hardened hearts, Jesus highlights that this was not part of the original plan. He teaches that divorce should only occur in cases of sexual immorality and warns that remarrying can lead to adultery.
# Jesus Welcomes Children
Next, some children are brought to Jesus for blessings, but the disciples try to dismiss them. Jesus, however, welcomes the children, saying that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like them - innocent and trusting.
# The Rich Young Ruler
Soon after, a wealthy young man approaches Jesus, asking how he can secure eternal life. Jesus reminds him of the commandments, and the young man claims he has followed them all. But then Jesus challenges him to sell everything and give to the poor to truly follow him.
This request reveals the difficulty for those with riches to enter the Kingdom of Heaven; in fact, Jesus compares it to a camel squeezing through the eye of a needle! The disciples, astonished by this, wonder who can possibly be saved. Jesus reassures them that what seems impossible for humans is possible for God.
# Peter's Assurance
Peter then speaks up, reminding Jesus that he and the disciples have left everything behind to follow him. Jesus responds with encouragement, stating that those who have sacrificed for his sake will be rewarded in the age to come.
Why It Matters
# The Nature of Marriage
Matthew 19 reminds us that marriage is a sacred bond ordained by God. The teachings encourage us to view relationships through a lens of commitment and love rather than convenience.
The Challenge of Wealth
Jesus' teaching on wealth is a wake-up call. It's not about how much you have, but how attached you are to it. The rich young ruler's sorrow resonates with many today, showing that sometimes our possessions can hinder us from deeper spiritual fulfillment.
Embracing Childlike Faith
The warmth with which Jesus welcomes children encourages us to embrace a simple, trusting faith. In a world often driven by complexity, his invitation to be like children reminds us of the beauty found in innocence and openness.
If you're looking to explore these themes more deeply, consider connecting with your local faith community. You can find a church near you to share and grow in understanding.
Rewards of Discipleship
Lastly, Jesus promises that sacrifices made for the sake of following Him will not go unnoticed. The notion that the last will be first and the first will be last serves as a profound reminder of how God's economy often flips our expectations upside-down.
Coming Up Next: Matthew 20
In the next part of our journey through Matthew, we will see Jesus share a powerful parable about workers in the vineyard, revealing God's generous grace. Don't miss it!