Matthew 19

This chapter marks the transition into the latter part of the Gospel of Matthew. The phrase "when Jesus had finished these sayings" (19:1) signals the close of the teaching on community life in Matthew 18. From this chapter on, Jesus leaves Galilee and heads toward Jerusalem.

Outline

• Verses 1–2 Jesus leaves Galilee and comes into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. Great multitudes follow him, and he heals them.
• Verses 3–9 The Pharisees ask whether it is lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause. Jesus answers by appealing to creation, when God made them male and female and joined the two as one flesh. He says that Moses permitted a writing of divorcement because of the hardness of their hearts, and that whoever puts away his wife, except for fornication, and marries another commits adultery.
• Verses 10–12 When the disciples say that it is better not to marry, Jesus speaks of three kinds of eunuchs and says, "He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."
• Verses 13–15 The disciples rebuke the people who bring little children to Jesus. Jesus tells them not to forbid the children and lays his hands on them.
• Verses 16–22 A man asks what good thing he must do to have eternal life. When Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, he replies that he has already kept them. When Jesus tells him to sell what he has, give to the poor, and follow him, the young man goes away sorrowful, for he has great possessions.
• Verses 23–26 Jesus says that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. To his astonished disciples he replies that with God all things are possible.
• Verses 27–30 Peter asks what he and the others, who have forsaken all, will receive. Jesus answers that the disciples will sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, and that they will receive many times what they have left and inherit everlasting life. He concludes by saying that many who are first shall be last.

Key Verses

• Matthew 19:6 "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." This is a key text for the Christian understanding of marriage.
• Matthew 19:14 "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me." This verse shows Jesus' attitude toward children.
• Matthew 19:26 "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." This verse is often cited to show that salvation depends on God.

People and Places

• Jesus: teaches and heals.
• Pharisees: test Jesus over the interpretation of the Law.
• Rich young man: a wealthy young man who asks about eternal life. The Gospel of Luke calls him a "ruler."
• Peter: asks about reward on behalf of the Twelve.
• Moses: mentioned in connection with the regulation on the writing of divorcement (Deuteronomy 24).
• Galilee and the Jordan River: the region Jesus leaves and the river he crosses. The "region of Judea" (KJV "coasts of Judaea") refers to Judean territory beyond the Jordan.

Points for Reflection

• The divorce exception clause: Interpretations differ over the phrase "except it be for fornication" (v. 9). Protestant traditions, such as Presbyterian churches that follow the Westminster Confession of Faith, read this verse as permitting divorce on the ground of adultery. The Catholic Church holds that a valid marriage cannot be dissolved. For details, see the article Divorce and Remarriage.
• The saying on eunuchs (v. 12): Catholic tradition reads this saying in connection with clerical celibacy. Protestants generally understand celibacy as a gift that is not to be imposed.
• The laying of hands on children (vv. 13–15): Some Presbyterian and Reformed writings cite this passage as circumstantial support for infant baptism. Baptists and others hold that the passage does not address baptism. See also the infant baptism debate.
• The "Needle's Eye gate" story: Sermons sometimes explain the "eye of a needle" as the name of a small gate in Jerusalem. Many scholars point out, however, that no ancient evidence confirms the existence of such a gate.
• Parallel passages: The same events also appear in Mark 10 and Luke 18. The command "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (v. 19) appears only in Matthew's account. The saying in verse 30 is repeated at the end of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard in Matthew 20 (20:16).

In the Korean Church

Matthew 19:5–6 is frequently read at wedding services, and the wording of verse 6 is commonly used in the pronouncement of marriage. Verses 13–15 are often used as a sermon text on Children's Sunday.