Matthew 19 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Matthew 19

The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew, a former tax collector, had a unique perspective on the teachings and ministry of Jesus. Jesus addresses some critical questions about marriage, divorce, and the challenges of wealth and salvation in this chapter. These topics were of great importance to the people of that time, and Jesus’ responses provide profound insights that continue to guide us today. We’ll see how Jesus navigates these sensitive issues with wisdom and compassion, while also emphasizing the importance of faith, humility, and the kingdom of God.

Throughout this passage, we’ll find echoes of Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount, as well as references to the Old Testament prophets. These connections help us understand the continuity of God’s plan and the fulfillment of His promises through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 19:1-2

Verse 1 of Matthew 19 sets the scene by stating that Jesus finished speaking these words, alluding to the teachings of the previous chapter. Jesus then departed from Galilee and went to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. This geographical shift symbolizes a transition in Jesus’ ministry, moving towards Jerusalem, where he knows his ultimate purpose awaits. The mention of Judea also foreshadows the events to come, including Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. This departure signifies a pivotal moment in Jesus’ journey, as he moves closer to fulfilling his mission on earth. Jesus healed great crowds that followed him there, as told in verse 2. This reaffirms Jesus’ reputation as a healer and miracle worker, drawing people to him seeking physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. His acts of compassion and power demonstrate his divinity and authority, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament regarding the coming Messiah. The crowd’s response underscores the deep longing for restoration and wholeness that existed among the people, a theme that runs throughout the gospels.

The juxtaposition of these two verses highlights the dual nature of Jesus’ ministry – one of teaching and preaching the kingdom of God and another of demonstrating that kingdom through acts of mercy and power. This balance serves as a model for his followers to both proclaim the message of salvation and to embody that message through their actions. It also underscores the interconnectedness of Jesus’ words and deeds, showing that his teachings were not just intellectual discourse but living truths meant to be incarnated in the lives of believers. In examining these verses in the context of Matthew 19, remember to consider that they are part of a larger narrative leading up to pivotal events such as Jesus’ confrontation with the religious leaders, his teachings on marriage and divorce, and his interactions with the rich young ruler. Each of these episodes sheds light on different aspects of Jesus’ identity and mission, revealing his compassion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the will of the Father. By delving deeper into these stories, we gain a more profound understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to follow him wholeheartedly.

Matthew 19:3-6

The verse in Matthew 19:3-6 features a dialogue between the Pharisees and Jesus about marriage and divorce. Let’s break it down into sections for a deeper understanding.

Verses 3-4: “Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason? The Pharisees in this section are trying to test Jesus by asking Him about divorce laws. The Pharisees were well-versed in the Mosaic Law, which allowed for divorce under certain circumstances as outlined in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Jesus, in His response, goes back to the creation account in Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24, emphasizing that God’s original design for marriage was for a man and a woman to become one flesh. This highlights the sacredness and permanence of the marriage union as intended by God.

Verses 5-6: “‘and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’”

Here, Jesus further emphasizes the unity and indivisibility of marriage. Quoting from Genesis 2:24, He underscores that in marriage, a man and woman become one flesh before God, symbolizing the intimate union and lifelong commitment that marriage entails. Jesus unequivocally states that what God has joined together should not be torn asunder by man. This statement holds vital significance as it upholds the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution and reinforces God’s intention for lifelong commitment in the marital covenant. This passage echoes the concept of marriage as a covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and God in a broader biblical context. Throughout the Bible, marriage is often portrayed as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33), highlighting the sacrificial love, faithfulness, and unity that should characterize the marital bond. The permanence and sanctity of marriage are recurring themes that underscore the importance of upholding God’s design for human relationships and the inherent value of commitment, love, and fidelity within marriage. Matthew 19:3-6 emphasizes the divine perspective on marriage and the seriousness of the marital covenant. Jesus reinforces the eternal principles of unity, commitment, and fidelity that should govern marital relationships by pointing back to God’s original design and intention for marriage. This passage challenges us to honor and preserve the sanctity of marriage, viewing it as a sacred union established by God Himself, and to approach the institution of marriage with reverence, faithfulness, and love.

Matthew 19:7-9

Jesus and the Pharisees have a significant interaction regarding the topic of divorce in Matthew 19:7-9. Let’s break down these verses step by step:

1. “They said to Him, ‘Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce and to put her away?’” – The Pharisees are referencing the law of Moses in Deuteronomy 24:1-4, where it does indeed outline the procedure for divorce. They are trying to test Jesus by pitting His teachings against the Mosaic law.

2. “He said to them, ‘Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.’” – Jesus responds by stating that while Moses did allow for divorce due to human stubbornness and sinfulness, it was not part of God’s original intention for marriage. Here, Jesus is pointing back to the creation account in Genesis where God instituted marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24).

3. “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” – Jesus then lays down a higher standard for divorce than what was allowed by the Mosaic law. He clarifies that divorce is only permissible in cases of sexual immorality (often interpreted as adultery) and that remarriage after an illegitimate divorce would constitute adultery.

This passage highlights Jesus’ teachings on the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of the marriage covenant. Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, love, and mutual respect within the marital relationship by insisting on the original intention of God for marriage to be a lifelong commitment. It also underscores the significance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the face of difficulties rather than choosing the easy way out through divorce.

These verses challenge us to reflect on the permanence and sacredness of marriage, urging us to prioritize nurturing and maintaining healthy and loving marital relationships. They also serve as a reminder of God’s grace and mercy in helping couples navigate challenges and strengthen their bond, mirroring Christ’s unwavering commitment to His bride, the Church.

Matthew 19:10-12

The passage in Matthew 19:10-12 discusses the disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce. Let’s analyze this verse step by step.

1. Verse 10: “The disciples said to him, ‘If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.’”

Commentary: The disciples’ response indicates their astonishment at the seriousness of Jesus’ teaching on marriage. Divorce was relatively common and often easy to obtain in Jewish culture at that time. However, Jesus raised the bar by emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of marriage. The disciples’ statement shows their initial shock at the high standard set by Jesus, suggesting that it might be better to forgo marriage altogether if the commitment was so demanding. This reaction reflects the prevalent cultural norms of the time that contrasted with Jesus’ teachings on marriage.

1. Verse 11: Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.”

Commentary: Jesus acknowledges that not everyone is called to remain single for the sake of the kingdom. He clarifies that celibacy is a gift and not a command for everyone. This underscores the importance of discerning one’s calling and understanding that different people have different paths in life. Some are called to marriage, while others are called to a life of singleness and devotion to God. This verse highlights the diversity of roles within the body of Christ and the importance of each person’s unique calling and purpose.

1. Verse 12: “For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”

Commentary: This verse introduces the concept of eunuchs and their different categories. Eunuchs were often associated with serving in royal courts or high positions where trustworthiness was valued. Jesus expands the meaning of eunuchs beyond the physical castration to include those who choose a life of celibacy for the sake of the kingdom. It implies that celibacy is a valid and honorable choice for those who can accept it. This verse recognizes the sacrifices that some may make in order to wholly devote themselves to God’s work without the distractions of marriage and family obligations. This passage in Matthew 19:10-12 emphasizes the importance of discerning one’s calling in relation to marriage and celibacy. It highlights the value of both marriage and singleness in the context of following Christ. Jesus underscores the significance of each person’s unique role in God’s kingdom by acknowledging the diverse paths that individuals may take. This teaching challenges us to consider the calling God has placed on our lives and to embrace it wholeheartedly, whether that be in the context of marriage or celibacy, for the glory of God.

Matthew 19:13-15

Jesus lays his hands on the children brought to him in Matthew 19:13-15 and prays for them in a beautiful moment. This seemingly simple interaction holds profound significance in the larger biblical narrative. Let’s break it down.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the societal context of that time. Children in the ancient world were often viewed as insignificant or of little importance, especially in the midst of adult matters. The people demonstrated a departure from this societal norm by bringing the children to Jesus, recognizing the value and worth of these little ones.

Jesus’ response is illuminating. He says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Here, Jesus is not just affirming the importance of children, but he is also making a profound statement about the Kingdom of God. Children are seen as models of faith – they possess a simplicity, trust, and dependence that adults often lack. Jesus highlights the need for humility, trust, and unreserved faith in God by saying that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like children.

This interaction also reflects Jesus’ general attitude towards the marginalized and vulnerable in society. Throughout the gospels, we see how Jesus gravitated towards those who were often overlooked or mistreated, whether they were children, the sick, the poor, or the outcasts. Jesus is challenging societal norms and reminding his followers of the importance of humility and inclusivity by blessing the children and elevating them as exemplars of what it means to enter the kingdom of heaven.

The episode of Jesus blessing the children in Matthew 19 is reminiscent of another moment in the gospels when Jesus speaks about the importance of children. Jesus tells his disciples in Matthew 18:1-5 that they will never enter the kingdom of heaven unless they change and become like little children. This consistency in Jesus’ teachings underscores the significance he placed on childlike faith and humility in the journey of faith. The interaction with the children in Matthew 19:13-15 is not just a heartwarming moment, but a deeply theological one. It challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards the marginalized and vulnerable, and it reminds us of the kind of faith that truly pleases God – a faith that is trusting, humble, and unpretentious.

Matthew 19:16-22

The rich young ruler approaches Jesus with a question in Matthew 19:16-22. Let’s break down this passage into its essential sections:

1. “Now behold, one came and said to Him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’” – This rich young man comes to Jesus with a pressing question about how to inherit eternal life. The young man acknowledges Jesus’ authority and wisdom by addressing Him as “Good Teacher.” However, his question reveals a misunderstanding of how one attains eternal life. He believes in his own ability to earn salvation through good deeds, reflecting a common sentiment among the religious leaders of the time.

2. “So 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.’” – Jesus’ response challenges the young man’s perception of goodness and righteousness. Jesus highlights the young man’s need for a deeper realization of his own spiritual state by directing the man’s focus towards God as the ultimate standard of goodness. Jesus then instructs him to keep the commandments, addressing the foundation of moral conduct in relation to eternal life.

3. “He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Jesus lists some of the Ten Commandments and emphasizes the importance of both interpersonal relationships and personal righteousness in the pursuit of eternal life. The inclusion of “love your neighbor as yourself” encapsulates the essence of the commandments in one unifying principle of love.

4. “The young man said to Him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’” – The young man proudly declares his observance of the commandments, indicating his reliance on his own works for righteousness. However, his question reveals a sense of incompleteness and a recognition of a need for something more, pointing to an underlying spiritual emptiness that material wealth and adherence to the law cannot satisfy.

5. “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.’” – Jesus, in His omniscience, addresses the young man’s heart issue – his attachment to his wealth and his self-reliance. The command to sell his possessions and give to the poor is a test of the young man’s willingness to surrender his worldly security and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. This demand reveals the depth of discipleship required beyond mere external observance of the law.

6. “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” – The young man’s response to Jesus’ challenge is poignant and revealing. Despite his desire for eternal life, his love for his material wealth outweighs his willingness to follow Jesus completely. This interaction underscores the biblical theme of the cost of discipleship and the challenge of placing God above all temporal possessions. The account of the rich young ruler serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual obstacles that wealth and self-righteousness can pose to true discipleship. It emphasizes the need for humility, genuine surrender, and a heart willing to prioritize God above all else. This story echoes throughout the Bible, underscoring the consistent message of wholehearted devotion to God and the recognition that salvation is a gift of grace, not something that can be earned by human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Matthew 19:23-26

Jesus makes a powerful statement about the challenges the wealthy face in entering the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 19:23-26. The verse reads: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Jesus emphasizes the difficulty faced by the wealthy in attaining salvation in the first part of this passage. He uses the metaphor of a camel passing through the eye of a needle to underscore the immense challenge for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. This statement might seem perplexing at first glance, but the underlying message is not about wealth being inherently evil, but rather the potential pitfalls that often come with it. Wealth can lead to a sense of self-sufficiency and reliance on material possessions rather than on God. It can also distract individuals from prioritizing their spiritual well-being and serving others in need.

The disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ teaching reflects a common misconception of their time – that wealth was a sign of divine favor and thus ensured one’s place in heaven. Their astonishment at Jesus’ words shows the radical nature of his message, challenging societal norms and expectations. The disciples’ question, “Who then can be saved?” underscores the deep-seated belief that wealth equated to righteousness and salvation.

Jesus’ response shifts the focus from human limitations to divine power. He reassures the disciples that while it may be impossible for the rich to save themselves, God’s grace makes all things possible. This statement reflects a central theme in the Bible – the idea that salvation is a gift from God, which cannot be earned through human effort alone. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s power to transform lives and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, demonstrating his sovereignty and grace.

This passage challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards wealth and priorities in life. It prompts us to consider whether we are putting our faith in material possessions or in God, and whether we are using our resources to serve others and advance God’s kingdom. It serves as a reminder that true wealth is found in spiritual treasures and in our relationship with God, rather than in earthly riches which are temporary and fleeting (Matthew 6:19-21). The message of this passage endures, urging us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33), trusting in his power to transform our lives and grant us eternal salvation.

Matthew 19:27-30

Peter and Jesus have a conversation in Matthew 19:27-30. Let’s break down this verse into its important sections to provide a comprehensive commentary on its implications.

**Section 1: “Then Peter said to him, ‘We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us? Peter acknowledges the sacrifice he and the other disciples have made in leaving everything to follow Jesus in this section. It reflects the dedication and commitment of the disciples to Jesus, forsaking their previous lives to be his disciples. Peter’s question about their future rewards can be seen as human nature seeking reassurance for their sacrifices and faithfulness. This highlights the theme of discipleship and the rewards that await those who follow Jesus faithfully.

Section 2: “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’”
Here, Jesus reassures Peter and the disciples that their sacrifices will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. He promises them positions of authority and honor in the future kingdom, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and commitment in following Him. Jesus highlights the symbolic significance of the number twelve in representing completeness and unity in God’s plan for His people by mentioning the twelve thrones and the twelve tribes of Israel.

**Section 3: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. Jesus extends the promise of rewards beyond just the twelve disciples to all who make sacrifices for His sake in this section. He emphasizes the principle of divine reciprocity, where those who give up worldly possessions for the kingdom of God will receive abundant blessings in this life and in the life to come. This highlights the biblical theme of God’s faithfulness in rewarding those who prioritize Him above all else, echoing verses like Mark 10:29-30 which also speak of the hundredfold blessings for those who sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.

Section 4: “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”
Jesus closes this conversation with a proverbial statement that challenges the traditional notions of status and hierarchy. He often used such paradoxical statements to teach profound truths about the kingdom of God. Here, Jesus emphasizes that earthly success and prominence do not necessarily equate to spiritual importance in God’s eyes. The concept of the first being last and the last being first underscores the importance of humility, servanthood, and a right heart attitude in the kingdom of God. This passage in Matthew 19:27-30 emphasizes the themes of discipleship, sacrifice, rewards, and the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom. It encourages believers to prioritize their commitment to Jesus above all else, knowing that their sacrifices will be richly rewarded both in this life and in the eternal kingdom to come.

After Matthew 19

Jesus taught about marriage and divorce in this chapter, emphasizing the sanctity of the marital bond. He also welcomed children with open arms, highlighting the importance of childlike faith. As we reflect on these teachings, let us remember the value of commitment in relationships and the purity of heart that comes from trusting in the Lord. We should carry these lessons with us as we continue on our journey of faith, seeking to follow Jesus’s example in all aspects of our lives.