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Summary

Matthew 19:1–12 – Teaching on Divorce

What happens:
Jesus leaves Galilee and goes to Judea, where Pharisees ask him if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. He replies that marriage is God’s design from creation: a man and woman become one flesh, and what God has joined no one should separate. When they ask why Moses permitted divorce, he explains it was because of hard hearts, but from the beginning it was not so. He adds that anyone who divorces and marries another commits adultery, except for sexual immorality. His disciples say it is better not to marry, and Jesus acknowledges that some choose celibacy for the kingdom’s sake, but not everyone can accept it.

What it means:
Jesus upholds the sacred covenant of marriage, calling couples to reflect God’s faithfulness. He acknowledges human weakness yet points back to God’s original intention. The call to celibacy for kingdom work highlights different gifts within the body of Christ.


Matthew 19:13–15 – Jesus Blesses Little Children

What happens:
People bring little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuke them. Jesus says to let the children come and not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. He places his hands on them and then goes on his way.

What it means:
Childlike receptivity—trust, dependence, and humility—is essential for entering the kingdom. Jesus honors the lowly and instructs his followers to do the same.


Matthew 19:16–30 – The Rich Young Ruler

What happens:
A man asks Jesus what good deed will lead to eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, which he claims to have done. Jesus then instructs him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him. The man leaves sorrowful because of his wealth. Jesus tells his disciples that it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom but that with God all things are possible. Peter reminds Jesus that they have left everything to follow him, and Jesus promises that anyone who has given up houses, family, or fields for his sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life. He concludes that many who are first will be last, and the last first.

What it means:
Jesus calls for wholehearted surrender, showing that attachment to wealth hinders full devotion. The promise of abundant reward underscores God’s grace, making impossible obedience possible. Kingdom values overturn worldly rankings.


Application

  • Honor God’s design for marriage by pursuing faithfulness and understanding the heart behind his commands
  • Welcome and value children as exemplars of the humility and trust required to receive God’s kingdom
  • Examine attachments to material possessions and be willing to sacrifice for the sake of following Jesus
  • Trust that God’s power enables radical obedience and rewards sacrificial commitment
  • Embrace the upside-down values of the kingdom, where true greatness is found in humble service and dependence on God

Bible

1And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

2And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

3The 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?

4And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

5And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

6Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

7They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

8He 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.

9And 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.

10His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

11But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

12For 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.

13Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

14But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

15And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17And 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.

18He 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,

19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21Jesus 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.

22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24And 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.

25When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

28And 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.

29And 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.

30But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

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