Matthew 19: Jesus on Marriage, Divorce, and Eternal Life

Matthew 19 is a pivotal chapter in the New Testament, where Jesus discusses crucial topics like marriage, divorce, and eternal life. It’s a chapter that challenges our understanding of these issues and invites us to align our lives with God’s design.

In this chapter, I’ll jump into Jesus’ teachings on the permanence of marriage and the only permissible grounds for divorce. We’ll also explore His encounter with the rich young ruler, which reveals the true cost of following Christ.

Jesus Teaches on Marriage and Divorce

After leaving Galilee, Jesus entered Judea beyond the Jordan, attracting large crowds that followed Him. He took this opportunity to heal them and teach on important matters like marriage and divorce.

The Pharisees’ Question About Divorce

The Pharisees approached Jesus with a loaded question, attempting to trap Him: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” (Matthew 19:3, NKJV). They referred to Moses’ command allowing a certificate of divorce for “uncleanness” or “indecency.”

Jesus, aware of their intentions, responded by emphasizing God’s original design for marriage.

Jesus’ Response: God’s Original Design for Marriage

Jesus quoted Genesis, saying, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4-5, NKJV).

He stressed that marriage is a sacred union created by God, where two individuals become one. “Hence what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6, NKJV).

The Exception Clause for Divorce

When pressed about Moses’ allowance for divorce, Jesus clarified that it was permitted due to the hardness of their hearts. But, He declared, “whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9, NKJV).

Jesus allowed divorce only in cases of sexual immorality, emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of marriage.

Celibacy for the Kingdom of Heaven

Jesus’ disciples, surprised by His strict stance on divorce, remarked that it might be better not to marry. Jesus acknowledged that celibacy is not for everyone, stating, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given.” (Matthew 19:11, NKJV).

He mentioned three types of eunuchs:

1. Those born that way
2. Those made eunuchs by men
3. Those who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake

Jesus concluded, “He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19:12, NKJV), recognizing that the call to celibacy is a special gift not given to all.

Jesus Blesses the Little Children

In the second story of Matthew 19, children are brought to Jesus for a blessing. But, the disciples tried to prevent them from approaching Jesus.

Jesus intervened, saying, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14 NKJV). This powerful statement reveals several important truths:

1. Children are welcome in God’s presence
2. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those with childlike faith
3. We should not hinder children from coming to Christ

Jesus demonstrated His love and care for children by laying His hands on them and praying for them (Matthew 19:15). This act of blessing the children showcases Jesus’ compassion and the value He places on the youngest members of society.

As followers of Christ, we should:

• Welcome children into our churches and ministries
• Encourage children to develop a relationship with Jesus
• Pray for and bless the children in our lives
• Learn from the faith and trust that children exhibit

“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it” (Mark 10:15 NKJV). Let us embrace childlike faith and trust in our Heavenly Father, just as these children did when they came to Jesus.

The Rich Young Ruler

In Matthew 19:16-30, we see Jesus’ interaction with a rich young ruler who sought eternal life. This story reveals important truths about the cost of discipleship and the danger of trusting in wealth.

The Man’s Question About Eternal Life

The rich young ruler approached Jesus with a crucial question: “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16 NKJV). He recognized Jesus as a wise teacher and wanted to know the key to obtaining eternal life.

Jesus’ Challenge to Keep the Commandments

Jesus responded by challenging the man to keep the commandments, specifically mentioning several from the Ten Commandments:

• “You shall not murder”
• “You shall not commit adultery”
• “You shall not steal”
• “You shall not bear false witness”
• “Honor your father and your mother”

He also added, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:18-19 NKJV).

The Man’s Claim of Righteousness

The rich young ruler confidently claimed to have kept all these commandments from his youth. He believed he had lived a righteous life according to the law.

Jesus’ Call to Sacrifice Possessions

Jesus then revealed the true cost of following Him: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21 NKJV). This challenged the man’s attachment to his wealth and possessions.

The Difficulty of the Rich Entering the Kingdom

When the rich young ruler heard this, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Jesus then remarked:

“Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:23-24 NKJV)

This powerful statement emphasizes the difficulty of those who trust in riches to surrender their lives to Christ and enter His kingdom.

The Disciples’ Reward for Following Jesus

In Matthew 19, Jesus teaches about the rewards for those who follow Him. He makes a powerful promise to His disciples about the blessings they’ll receive for their sacrifices.

Peter’s Question About Leaving Everything

Peter asks Jesus a pointed question, prompted by the rich young ruler’s unwillingness to give up his possessions. “See, we have left all and followed You. Hence what shall we have?” (Matthew 19:27 NKJV). Peter wants to know what’s in store for the disciples who’ve given up everything to follow Christ.

The disciples had:

• Left their homes
• Abandoned their livelihoods
• Parted from their families

They had sacrificed much to follow Jesus. Now, Peter wonders what reward awaits them for their commitment and obedience.

Jesus’ Promise of Rewards and Eternal Life

Jesus offers a reassuring response to Peter’s query. He promises that anyone who has left houses, family, or lands for His name’s sake will receive:

• A hundredfold return in this life
• Eternal life in the age to come

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29 NKJV)

Sacrifice	Reward
Houses	Hundredfold return
Family	Hundredfold return
Lands	Hundredfold return
–	Eternal life

Jesus assures the disciples that their sacrifices are not in vain. He promises abundant blessings in this life and the ultimate reward of eternal life in His kingdom.

Conclusion

Matthew 19 offers profound insights into Jesus’ teachings on marriage, divorce, childlike faith, and the cost of discipleship. It’s clear that marriage is a sacred union designed by God, and divorce should only be considered in cases of sexual immorality. I’m inspired by Jesus’ love for children and His call to embrace a childlike faith, trusting in God with purity and simplicity.

The rich young ruler’s encounter with Jesus reveals the challenge of surrendering worldly attachments to follow Christ wholeheartedly. It’s a reminder that true discipleship requires sacrifice, but the rewards are immeasurable. As I reflect on this chapter, I’m encouraged to examine my own faith journey, to trust in God’s promises, and to follow Jesus with unwavering devotion, knowing that eternal life awaits those who faithfully serve Him.

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