In Matthew chapter 19, we journey with Jesus as He teaches about the sacred institution of marriage, the seriousness of divorce, and the demanding nature of following Him—even when it means letting go of worldly treasures. This chapter challenges us to re-examine our values and priorities, reminding us that God’s ways often call us to higher commitments than the world expects.
The chapter opens when the Pharisees come to Jesus with a question designed to trap Him. They ask, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?” Their inquiry reflects the prevailing traditions of the time, which allowed divorce under certain conditions. However, Jesus responds by taking us back to the beginning of creation. He asks, “Have you not read that the Creator made them male and female, and said: ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined with his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” He continues by emphasizing that what God has joined, no man should separate. In His words, we see that marriage is intended to be a lifelong covenant—a union ordained by God from the very beginning. Jesus explains that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of human hearts, but that it was not meant to be so in God’s original design. He declares that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another commits adultery. In this teaching, we are reminded that our relationships should reflect the divine commitment, and that true love and unity come only when we follow God’s intended plan.
As we continue reading, Jesus turns His attention to the topic of children and the kingdom of heaven. When people bring little children to Him for a blessing, the disciples rebuke them, thinking that such interruptions are unimportant. Yet Jesus corrects His disciples, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” His words challenge us to embrace a childlike trust and humility—a reminder that the heart of the kingdom is open to those who come with genuine simplicity and faith.
Soon after, the narrative shifts dramatically when a rich young ruler comes to Jesus. This man, earnest in his desire for eternal life, asks, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, that I may have eternal life?” Jesus, rather than offering a checklist of moral achievements, responds by inviting him to keep the commandments. The ruler replies that he has kept all the commandments since his youth, prompting Jesus to challenge him further: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Here, we see a stark test of discipleship. The rich young man, attached to his possessions and comfortable in his wealth, finds it difficult to let go of what he holds dear. His sorrowful departure reveals the powerful grip that material wealth can have on our hearts and warns us that earthly riches can become stumbling blocks to entering God’s kingdom.
Jesus then reflects on the difficulty for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of heaven. He tells His disciples, “It is hard for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of heaven.” The disciples are astonished by this statement. Peter, filled with both wonder and concern, asks, “See, we have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus replies with words that both comfort and challenge us: “With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” In this promise, we are invited to trust that God can overcome even the most challenging obstacles in our lives. It is a call to rely not on our own strength or resources but on the limitless power of our Heavenly Father.
The remainder of the chapter shifts focus as Jesus further teaches about the cost of discipleship and the unexpected nature of God’s kingdom. He reminds us that in His kingdom, many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. This paradoxical truth overturns the worldly notion of success and status, urging us to value humility, service, and obedience above wealth and power.
Matthew chapter 19 challenges us to reflect on several important themes. First, we are reminded of the sanctity of marriage. Jesus’ words call us to view our marital relationships as a divine covenant—a union not to be broken lightly, but nurtured with love, faithfulness, and mutual respect. Second, the encounter with the rich young ruler confronts us with the reality that following Jesus may require us to surrender our worldly attachments. It asks us to examine what we value most in our lives and to consider whether our treasures align with God’s eternal purposes. Finally, the chapter reinforces that the way of God is not measured by human standards. The promise that “with God all things are possible” reassures us that even in our moments of weakness or struggle, His grace is sufficient to carry us through.
In reflecting on Matthew chapter 19, we are invited to adopt a posture of humility and total dependence on God. We are encouraged to let go of any attachments that hinder our relationship with Him and to embrace a life that mirrors the divine love and commitment exemplified in marriage. We are also called to trust that God’s kingdom operates on principles that transcend our earthly systems, inviting us into a life marked by faith, sacrifice, and eternal hope.
As we continue our journey of faith, may the teachings of this chapter challenge us to reorient our lives—placing our trust not in riches or worldly success, but in the everlasting promise of God’s grace, love, and unfailing provision.