Matthew 19

Chapter Summary

Matthew 19 begins with Jesus teaching on marriage and divorce, citing Genesis 1:27 and 2:24 to emphasize the sacred nature of marriage (Matthew 19:3-12). The Pharisees then test Jesus on the issue, but He redirects their attention to the heart of the matter: the hardness of their hearts (Matthew 19:8). Jesus then blesses the children, teaching that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who become like them (Matthew 19:13-15). A rich young man approaches Jesus, seeking eternal life, but is unwilling to give up his wealth (Matthew 19:16-22). Jesus teaches that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:24). The chapter concludes with Jesus reassuring the disciples that they will be rewarded for their sacrifices, but also warning them that many who are first will be last, and the last will be first (Matthew 19:27-30).

Context for the Chapter

Matthew 19 is situated in the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry, as He journeys towards Jerusalem and the cross. The chapter follows Jesus' teachings on community and forgiveness in Matthew 18, and precedes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem in Matthew 21. The Pharisees' attempts to test Jesus and the disciples' misconceptions about the kingdom of heaven reflect the growing tensions between Jesus and the religious leaders, which will ultimately lead to His crucifixion.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Jesus' teachings in Matthew 19, we are reminded of the importance of humility, faith, and obedience in following Him. We are called to trust in God's power, even when faced with seemingly impossible challenges, and to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. May we, like the disciples, be willing to surrender our attachments and ambitions, and may we, like the children, receive the kingdom of heaven with humility and wonder.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Matthew 19 teaches us that following Jesus requires humility, faith, and obedience. Jesus emphasizes the importance of marriage, the dangers of wealth, and the need to trust in God's power. As we read this chapter, we are reminded that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who become like children, humble and dependent on God (Matthew 19:14). We are also warned that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:24).

Voices from the Church

“The kingdom of heaven is not a place where the proud and mighty reign, but where the humble and lowly are exalted.”

— John Calvin

“The greatest miracle of all is not the creation of the world, but the creation of a new heart in a sinner, and this is the work of God's almighty power.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Jesus Teaches on Marriage and Divorce (Matthew 19:1-12) — Jesus emphasizes the sacred nature of marriage, citing Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, and warns against the hardness of heart that leads to divorce.
2. Jesus Blesses the Children (Matthew 19:13-15) — Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who become like children, humble and dependent on God.
3. The Rich Young Man (Matthew 19:16-22) — Jesus teaches that wealth can be a hindrance to entering the kingdom of heaven, but also emphasizes that God's power can overcome even the greatest obstacles.
4. Jesus Teaches on Discipleship (Matthew 19:23-30) — Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility, faith, and obedience in following Him, and promises great rewards to those who surrender their attachments and ambitions.
5. Conclusion (Matthew 19:27-30) — Jesus reassures the disciples that they will be rewarded for their sacrifices, but also warns them that many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

Core Doctrines

The Sacrament of Marriage

Matthew 19 teaches that marriage is a sacred institution, ordained by God, and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and commitment in marriage.

The Dangers of Wealth

Jesus warns that wealth can be a hindrance to entering the kingdom of heaven, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power rather than material possessions.

The Importance of Humility

Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who become like children, humble and dependent on God.

The Power of God

Jesus emphasizes that God's power can overcome even the greatest obstacles, and that with God all things are possible.

Lessons from Matthew 19

1. The Importance of Faithfulness in Marriage — Jesus teaches that marriage is a sacred institution, and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and commitment in marriage.
2. The Dangers of Wealth and Materialism — Jesus warns that wealth can be a hindrance to entering the kingdom of heaven, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power rather than material possessions.
3. The Importance of Humility and Dependence on God — Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who become like children, humble and dependent on God.
4. The Power of God to Overcome Obstacles — Jesus emphasizes that God's power can overcome even the greatest obstacles, and that with God all things are possible.
5. The Cost of Discipleship — Jesus teaches that following Him requires sacrifice, humility, and trust in God's power, but also promises great rewards to those who surrender their attachments and ambitions.

Themes from Matthew 19

1. Marriage and Divorce — Jesus teaches that marriage is a sacred institution, and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and commitment in marriage.
2. Wealth and Materialism — Jesus warns that wealth can be a hindrance to entering the kingdom of heaven, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power rather than material possessions.
3. Humility and Dependence on God — Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who become like children, humble and dependent on God.
4. The Power of God — Jesus emphasizes that God's power can overcome even the greatest obstacles, and that with God all things are possible.
5. Discipleship and the Cost of Following Jesus — Jesus teaches that following Him requires sacrifice, humility, and trust in God's power, but also promises great rewards to those who surrender their attachments and ambitions.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does Jesus teach about the nature of marriage, and how does this relate to our understanding of God's character?
2. How does Jesus' interaction with the rich young man challenge our own attitudes towards wealth and material possessions?
3. What does Jesus mean by saying that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who become like children, and how can we apply this teaching in our own lives?
4. How does Jesus' emphasis on the power of God challenge our own limitations and weaknesses, and what does this teach us about the nature of faith and trust?
5. What does Jesus' teaching on discipleship reveal about the cost of following Him, and how can we apply this teaching in our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Matthew 19

	Sermon	Description
	A Jug of Water by Richard Wurmbrand	In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a man who had forgotten his purpose in life and became consumed by worldly desires. The man had a happy life with a wealthy wife and
	Please Sir Save Me! by William Booth	In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a gold miner on a ship that gets caught in a storm and starts sinking. A little girl asks the miner if he can swim, and he realizes
	Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He th
	(Revelation) 09 Revelation 20 - the Millennium by David Pawson	In this sermon, the speaker shares about his experiences preaching to prisoners for several hours at a time. He tells the prisoners that if they remain faithful to Jesus and overco
	(The Testimony of Jesus Is the Spirit of Prophecy) Selling All Your Possessions by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issues he sees in the foundation of life and reality. He criticizes the impersonal and materialistic nature of modern universities, where
	The Spirit and the Bride Say Come by R.G. Lee	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus Christ as one's Savior. He warns that if someone were to die without accepting Christ, they would be consider
	Pride by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of divorce and the breaking up of families, stating that it is a plague that is sweeping the church. The preacher emphasizes the im
	K-048 One Thing You Lack by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the deep attachment and love we can have for animals, which may ultimately be a love of self. He emphasizes the need to cut the cord on this
	Our God Can Fix Anything by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that no matter how far gone someone may seem, they are never too far gone for God to fix. He shares a story of a father who went to great le
	Husbands Love Your Wifes! by Keith Daniel	Keith Daniel emphasizes the biblical command for husbands to love their wives, drawing from Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:25. He highlights the importance of 'cleaving' to one's spo

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 19

In Matthew 19, Jesus teaches on the sacred institution of marriage, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and commitment. He also warns against the hardness of heart that leads to divorce, citing God's original intention in creating man and woman. Jesus' interaction with the rich young man highlights the dangers of wealth and materialism, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power rather than material possessions. As we reflect on Jesus' teachings in this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of humility, faith, and obedience in following Him. May we, like the disciples, be willing to surrender our attachments and ambitions, and may we, like the children, receive the kingdom of heaven with humility and wonder. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The kingdom of heaven is not a place where the proud and mighty reign, but where the humble and lowly are exalted.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?