In this chapter, Jesus faces challenging questions about marriage and wealth, offering wisdom that still resonates today. His responses reveal a deeper understanding of relationships and our priorities in life.
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
Divorce and Commitment
As Jesus travels from Galilee to Judea, he's approached by the Pharisees, who throw a tricky question his way: Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason? Instead of jumping into legalities, Jesus refers back to the creation story, emphasizing that God designed marriage to be a sacred union - two people becoming one. He explains that while Moses allowed divorce due to people's hard hearts, God's original intent was for lifelong commitment.
Children are Welcome
In a touching moment, people bring little children to Jesus for blessings. His disciples, perhaps thinking they're protecting him from distractions, try to send them away. But Jesus warmly insists that children should come to him, asserting that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those with childlike faith. This teaches us to embrace innocence and trust in our own spiritual journeys.
Wealth's Challenge
Next, a wealthy young man approaches Jesus, eager to learn how to secure eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, but when the man claims he's done so, Jesus challenges him to sell his possessions and follow him. The man leaves saddened, revealing the struggle many have with attachment to wealth. Jesus comments that it's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, highlighting the spiritual barriers wealth can create. Yet, he reassures that with God, nothing is impossible.
Rewards for Sacrifice
The disciples, seeing this, wonder what will happen to them since they've left everything to follow Jesus. He promises that those who have sacrificed for his name will receive far more in the age to come, reinforcing that the values of this world often flip in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Why It Matters
Importance of Commitment
Jesus' teachings about marriage challenge us to reflect on the seriousness of our commitments. Relationships thrive on love, respect, and promise, and it's vital to approach them with intentionality and care.
Welcoming Innocence
His response to children emphasizes the value of humility and openness. In our fast-paced, often cynical world, we can learn from the simplicity and trust children embody. This invites us to approach our faith with a similar heart.
Wealth and Values
The interaction with the rich young man raises critical questions about materialism. It prompts us to examine what we hold dear and how it aligns with our spiritual goals. Wealth isn't inherently bad, but it can distract us from deeper spiritual truths. Remember, it's not about how much we have but how we use what we're given.
Community and Support
In the journey of faith, having a supportive community can be invaluable. Just as the disciples supported one another, finding a church where you feel connected can help you navigate these challenges. If you're looking for a community that mirrors these values, find a church near you.
![Belem, Lisbon, Portugal DESCRIPTION The Jerónimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Portuguese pronunciation: [muʃˈtɐjɾu ðuʃ ʒɨˈɾɔnimuʃ]), is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome near the Tagus river in the parish of Belém, in the Lisbon Municipality, Portugal.](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/sancta-91eb1.firebasestorage.app/o/blog-images%2Fscripture%2F90610364.webp?alt=media&token=2a64174b-dc18-448b-92f4-cce1f042c9a7)
Coming Up Next: Matthew 20
In the next part of the journey, Matthew 20, Jesus shares a parable that flips conventional ideas about fairness on their heads. Stay tuned as we discover more about grace and the Kingdom of Heaven!