Matthew 19: Marriage, Discipleship, and the Kingdom of Heaven
This chapter of Matthew primarily deals with questions and challenges posed to Jesus by various groups, particularly the Pharisees and a wealthy young man, on matters related to marriage, divorce, the nature of salvation, and the cost of following Jesus. It also includes a moment where Jesus blesses little children, emphasizing their place in the Kingdom of Heaven. The central themes revolve around the core tenets of Christian teachings, such as the nature of marriage, the importance of obedience to God, and the difficulty of attaining salvation.
Key Themes and Ideas:
- The Nature of Marriage:God's Design: Jesus asserts that marriage is a divine institution created by God from the beginning, meant to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman. He cites Genesis 1:27 and 2:24: "‘Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator “made them male and female,” 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."
- Indissolubility: Jesus emphasizes the permanence of marriage, stating that it should not be broken by human intervention: "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
- Divorce: Jesus challenges the prevailing cultural practice of divorce, stating that Moses permitted it because of the "hardness of heart" of the people, but it was not God's original intention. He allows for divorce only in the case of "sexual immorality" and asserts that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery except in cases of sexual immorality. He says, "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
- Disciples' Response: The disciples, after hearing Jesus' teaching on divorce, respond with, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry." This reflects how difficult Jesus' high standard for marriage is perceived to be.
- The Kingdom of Heaven and Children:Acceptance of Children: Jesus welcomes little children, rebuking his disciples for trying to keep them away and says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." He emphasizes that children possess the simple faith that is necessary for entering the kingdom of heaven.
- Eternal Life and the Rich:Good Works vs. Obedience: A young man asks Jesus what good thing he must do to gain eternal life. Jesus directs him to the commandments and highlights their importance but also points out that true goodness comes from God, stating "There is only One who is good."
- The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus challenges the wealthy man to sell his possessions and give to the poor and to "come, follow me" as a prerequisite for perfection and "treasure in heaven." He explains this requirement after the young man claims to have kept all the commandments. The young man's sadness at this demonstrates the difficulty of giving up worldly possessions for the sake of following Christ.
- Wealth as a Barrier: Jesus emphasizes the difficulty the wealthy have in entering the kingdom of heaven, stating, "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." This shows the danger of attachment to material possessions.
- God's Grace: In response to the disciples' astonishment, Jesus says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” This highlights that salvation is not achievable by human effort alone but requires God's grace.
- The Rewards of Following Jesus:Sacrifice and Reward: Peter asks what reward the disciples will receive, having left everything to follow him. Jesus promises that those who have left worldly possessions and relationships for His sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. He also promises the disciples thrones and positions of authority in the coming age, saying, "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."
- Reversal of Fortune: Jesus closes with the saying, "But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first," indicating that those who prioritize earthly success and status may not be rewarded in God's kingdom, and vice-versa. This highlights God’s unique perspective that sometimes differs from human understanding of value.
Important Quotes:
- “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
- “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
- “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
- “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
- “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 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.”
- “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
- “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. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”
