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THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Robert Bobo & David Dycus / Fall 2024

Chapter 19

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MATTHEW CHAPTER 19

  • The Pharisees and Divorce (vs. 1-12)

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    • Jesus leaves Galilee traveling South to Judea
      • Multitudes are still following him, and he continues to heal them

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    • Here come the Pharisees, yet again, trying to trap Jesus v. 3
      • The question they ask is not so much abut divorce as it is about the law

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    • What do we notice about how Jesus responds to the question?
      • Not his opinion or judgement; not Roman law, not Jewish law
        • He goes to the author of marriage and gives God’s word

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    • Then the Pharisees ask, ‘Why did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?’ v. 7
      • A direct answer is given and follows with an ‘I say ….’ vs. 8-9

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MATTHEW CHAPTER 19

  • The Pharisees and Divorce (vs. 1-12) cont’d

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    • Now the disciples weigh in
      • If that’s the case, it is better to not marry … v. 10
      • They clearly understood the seriousness of marriage

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    • Jesus responds to the disciples
      • Not everyone can accept that it is better to never marry
      • There is risk of sin in either state, married or single

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MATTHEW CHAPTER 19

  • The Disciples and Children (vs. 13-15)

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    • The disciples get a lesson on humility

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    • The disciples seemingly think that Jesus has much more important things to spend his time and attention on than children
      • Consider the culture of the time and the view toward both women and children

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    • ‘… for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’ v.14
      • ‘to such’ seems to mean more than these specific children
        • To those such as these might be another way to say this

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MATTHEW CHAPTER 19

  • The Rich Young Man and Eternal Life (vs. 16 – 22)

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    • Matthew, Mark, and Luke all tell this story of a rich man
      • Matthew says he is young
      • Luke says that he is a ruler

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    • Different versions: vs. 16-17
      • KJV, NKJV - Man addresses Jesus as Good Master or Good Teacher and Jesus asks why he calls him good
      • ESV, NIV, ASV, NASB – Man addresses Jesus as Teacher and Jesus asks why do you ask me what is good
      • Mark 10:17-18 and Luke 18:19 both use have Good Teacher

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    • Jesus’ response to keep the commandments and lists some of them
      • Those that speak to human relationships or how we treat each other

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MATTHEW CHAPTER 19

  • The Rich Young Man and Eternal Life (vs. 16 – 22)

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    • Note that Mark 10:21 tells us that Jesus looked at him and loved him before telling him he lacked one thing; to sell, give, follow

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    • Are we commanded to sell all and give to the poor?
      • This seems to be specific to this man and this situation
      • I believe this can be wrongly considered as applying to either ‘all’ OR ‘none’
      • The following verses serve as our warning with regard to riches

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    • Could the ‘one thing that we are lacking’ be something else?

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    • Recall Matt. 16:24 … ”If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

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MATTHEW CHAPTER 19

  • The Difficulty of Riches (vs. 23 – 30)

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    • Poverty is not a condition of discipleship

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    • Wealth and riches can and will be a stumbling block to many

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    • Are riches always a blessing?

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    • Our reward for following Christ will be beyond what we can imagine

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