19Matthew 19

Teaching about Divorce

1When Jesus finished teaching, he left Galilee and went to the part of Judea east of the Jordan River.Select Matthew 19:1

2Large crowds followed him, and he healed their sick.Select Matthew 19:2

3Some Pharisees wanted to test Jesus. They came up to him and asked, “Is it right for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?”Select Matthew 19:3

4Jesus answered, “Don't you know in the beginning the Creator made a man and a woman?Select Matthew 19:4

5That's why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. He becomes like one person with his wife.Select Matthew 19:5

6Then they are no longer two people, but one. And no one should separate a couple God has joined together.”Select Matthew 19:6

7The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Why did Moses say a man could write out divorce papers and send his wife away?”Select Matthew 19:7

8Jesus replied, “You are so heartless! That's why Moses allowed you to divorce your wife. But from the beginning God did not intend it to be that way.Select Matthew 19:8

9I say if your wife has not committed some terrible sexual sin, you must not divorce her to marry someone else. If you do, you are unfaithful.”Select Matthew 19:9

10The disciples said, “If that's how it is between a man and a woman, it's better not to get married.”Select Matthew 19:10

11Jesus told them, “Only those people who have been given the gift of staying single can accept this teaching.Select Matthew 19:11

12Some people are unable to marry because of birth defects or because of what someone has done to their bodies. Others stay single in order to serve God better. Anyone who can accept this teaching should do so.”Select Matthew 19:12

Jesus Blesses Little Children

13Some people brought their children to Jesus, so he could place his hands on them and pray for them. His disciples told the people to stop bothering him.Select Matthew 19:13

14But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and don't try to stop them! People who are like these children belong to God's kingdom.”Select Matthew 19:14

15After Jesus had placed his hands on the children, he left.Select Matthew 19:15

A Rich Young Man

16A man came to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?”Select Matthew 19:16

17Jesus said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. If you want to have eternal life, you must obey his commandments.”Select Matthew 19:17

18“Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “Do not murder. Be faithful in marriage. Do not steal. Do not tell lies about others.Select Matthew 19:18

19Respect your father and mother. And love others as much as you love yourself.”Select Matthew 19:19

20The young man said, “I have obeyed all of these. What else must I do?”Select Matthew 19:20

21Jesus replied, “If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own! Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and be my follower.”Select Matthew 19:21

22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he was very rich.Select Matthew 19:22

23Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you, it's terribly hard for rich people to get into the kingdom of heaven!Select Matthew 19:23

24In fact, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God's kingdom.”Select Matthew 19:24

25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly surprised and asked, “How can anyone ever be saved?”Select Matthew 19:25

26Jesus looked straight at them and said, “There are some things people cannot do, but God can do anything.”Select Matthew 19:26

27Peter replied, “Remember, we have left everything to be your followers! What will we get?”Select Matthew 19:27

28Jesus answered: Yes, all of you have become my followers. And so in the future world, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, I promise you will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.Select Matthew 19:28

29All who have given up home or brothers and sisters or father and mother or children or land for me will be given 100 times as much. They will also have eternal life.Select Matthew 19:29

30But many who are now first will be last, and many who are last will be first.Select Matthew 19:30