Matthew 19: Jesus on Marriage and Divorce

Read Matthew chapter 19

Introduction: In Matthew 19 gives us a variety of teachings from Jesus on several different topics, including marriage and divorce, wealth and possessions, and the kingdom of heaven. As we get further into the outline of this chapter, we will look at the wisdom imparted by Jesus and its relevance to our lives today. The chapter’s teachings challenge societal norms and encourage us to consider the spiritual implications of our actions in marriage and divorce. Through cross references from other parts of the Bible, we will seek to deepen our understanding of these teachings and their significance to the believers.

I. Matthew 19:1-12 – Marriage and Divorce
Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ question about the lawfulness of divorce by referring to Genesis 2:24, affirming the sacredness of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. He emphasizes the gravity of divorce, allowing it only in the case of sexual immorality, as per Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Jesus’ teaching lifts up the covenant of marriage, and brings to mind Malachi 2:16, which speaks against the betrayal displayed in a divorce. The disciples’ reaction reveals the countercultural nature of Jesus’ teaching, as it challenges the accepted norms of the time.

II. Matthew 19:13-15 – Jesus Blesses the Children
Jesus rebukes the disciples for hindering children from approaching Him, an affirmation to the value of children in the kingdom of heaven. This echoes Psalm 127:3, which describes children as a heritage from the Lord. Jesus’ action of laying hands on the children and blessing them exemplifies the inclusivity of God’s kingdom, as seen in Mark 10:14.

III. Matthew 19:16-30 – The Rich Young Man
The encounter with the rich young man points out the challenge of wealth and possessions, even for believers. Jesus’ directive to sell all possessions and follow Him (Matthew 19:21) is a radical call to discipleship, aligning with Luke 12:33-34, which emphasizes the importance of treasure in heaven over earthly wealth. The young man’s inability to part with his riches shows us the pitfalls and dangers of materialism, as pointed to in 1 Timothy 6:10. Jesus’ statement about the difficulty for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:23-24) shows us the spiritual hindrance of wealth, paralleling the teaching in Luke 18:25.

IV. Matthew 19:27-30 – The Reward of Sacrifice
In response to Peter’s question about the disciples’ sacrifice, Jesus promises rewards both in this life and the age to come. This aligns with Mark 10:29-30, which speaks of receiving a hundredfold in this time and eternal life in the age to come. Jesus’ teaching on the first being last and the last being first (Matthew 19:30) challenges societal hierarchies and calls for humility, as seen in Luke 13:30.

Conclusion: Matthew 19 gives us Jesus’ teachings on marriage, the value of children, the dangers of wealth, and the rewards of sacrifice. Jesus’ teachings challenge us to reevaluate our priorities, placing spiritual matters above what is politically correct, and material possessions. The cross references from other parts of the Bible help us to better understand of these teachings, reminding us of the consistent message throughout the Bible. We as Christians should embrace the wisdom of Jesus and strive to live according to the values of the kingdom of heaven.