Matthew 19
What We Hold and Whom We Trust
Jesus teaches about marriage, welcomes children, and meets a rich young man who wants eternal life. Through these moments, He shows that following Him means trusting God rather than our own strength, standing, or wealth.
Walking Through Matthew 19
Marriage Begins with God’s Purpose (Matthew 19:1-9)
1 Now when Jesus finished these sayings, he left Galilee and went to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan River. 2 Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. 3 Then some Pharisees came to him in order to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful to divorce a wife for any cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female , 5 and said, ‘ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh ’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?” 8 Jesus said to them, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hard hearts, but from the beginning it was not this way. 9 Now I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another commits adultery.”Matthew 19:1-9 · NET Bible
Jesus heals the crowds, and then some Pharisees test Him with a question about divorce. Jewish teachers disagreed about what reasons allowed a man to divorce his wife. Instead of starting with those debates, Jesus takes them back to creation. God made marriage as a lasting union between a man and a woman. They become one, and people should not treat that bond lightly.
The Pharisees bring up Moses’ permission for divorce. Jesus explains that this permission addressed hard hearts; it did not express God’s first purpose. He warns that divorce and remarriage can involve adultery, while naming sexual immorality as an exception. Christians differ on some details of that exception, but His main point is clear. Marriage is not something to throw away when it becomes hard. I want us to hear both the weight and the care in His words. God values the promises people make and the lives those promises protect.
Not Everyone Has the Same Calling (Matthew 19:10-12)
10 The disciples said to him, “If this is the case of a husband with a wife, it is better not to marry!” 11 He said to them, “Not everyone can accept this statement, except those to whom it has been given. 12 For there are some eunuchs who were that way from birth, and some who were made eunuchs by others, and some who became eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept this should accept it.”Matthew 19:10-12 · NET Bible
The disciples react strongly to Jesus’ teaching about marriage. They suggest that it might be better not to marry. Jesus answers that not everyone can receive this way of life. Remaining unmarried is not a rule He places on every follower.
He speaks of eunuchs, a term often used for men unable to have sexual relations or father children. Some were born with such conditions, while others had been made that way by people. Jesus also describes those who freely give up marriage to serve God’s kingdom. He is speaking about choosing an unmarried life, not harming the body.
Marriage is good, but it is not every person’s path. An unmarried person can belong fully to God and serve Him with a rich and meaningful life.
The Children Are Welcome (Matthew 19:13-15)
13 Then little children were brought to him for him to lay his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded those who brought them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 And he placed his hands on them and went on his way.Matthew 19:13-15 · NET Bible
People bring children to Jesus so He can place His hands on them and pray. The disciples try to stop them. Matthew does not tell us their reasons, so we should not supply motives the text does not give.
Jesus corrects them. Children are not a bother to Him. God’s kingdom belongs to people like these, and He lays His hands on them before moving on. Children had little power or public standing in that world. Yet Jesus welcomes them without asking what they can offer Him.
Don’t rush past this small scene. Right beside serious questions about marriage and eternal life, Jesus makes room for children. His welcome shows that a person’s worth is not measured by age, influence, or usefulness.
The Possession That Held Its Owner (Matthew 19:16-22)
16 Now someone came up to him and said, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to gain eternal life?” 17 He said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” he asked. Jesus replied, “ Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself .” 20 The young man said to him, “I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.Matthew 19:16-22 · NET Bible
A rich young man asks Jesus what good thing he must do to have eternal life. Jesus directs him toward God’s goodness and names commands about how people treat one another. The man says he has kept them, but he still senses something is missing.
Jesus then calls him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. When Jesus speaks of being perfect, the point here is a whole and undivided response to God, not simply adding one more good deed. The man’s wealth has a hold on him. He leaves sad because he owns much.
Jesus is not teaching that eternal life can be bought through gifts to the poor. His call exposes the thing this man will not release in order to follow Him. The command is personal, but the warning reaches all of us. Outward obedience can hide a heart that still wants to keep control.
What Only God Can Do (Matthew 19:23-30)
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven! 24 Again I say, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God.” 25 The disciples were greatly astonished when they heard this and said, “Then who can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but for God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said to him, “Look, we have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth: In the age when all things are renewed, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. 29 And whoever has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.Matthew 19:23-30 · NET Bible
Jesus says wealth can make entering God’s kingdom very hard. His picture of a camel passing through a needle’s eye describes something humanly impossible. The disciples are shocked. Many people viewed wealth as a sign of God’s favor. If the rich cannot easily enter, who can be saved? Jesus answers that salvation depends on God’s power, not human ability.
Peter then asks about the disciples, who have left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus promises that, in the renewal of all things, they will share in His rule, with a special place connected to Israel’s twelve tribes. He also promises that losses suffered for His name will not be forgotten. His followers will receive far more and inherit eternal life.
This is not a promise that every believer will become wealthy now. It is assurance that God is faithful. The closing warning about the first and last also guards against pride. Following Jesus does not give us the right to rank ourselves above others.
- Kingdom — God’s rule, welcomed by those who trust and follow Jesus.
- Eternal life — Life with God that lasts forever and is received through His saving power.
What would be hardest for you to release if Jesus called you to follow Him without it?
Father, thank You for welcoming people who have nothing to offer but their need. Help us honor Your wisdom and trust Your saving power. Give us hearts that are free to follow Jesus. Amen.