Opening Summary
Matthew 19 records a series of important teachings from Jesus as He travels toward Jerusalem. In this chapter, Jesus addresses questions about marriage and divorce, blesses children, and challenges a wealthy young man about the true cost of following Him. Together, these moments reveal God’s heart for faithfulness, humility, and wholehearted devotion. Jesus makes clear that life in the kingdom of God is not built on status, wealth, or legal loopholes, but on surrender, trust, and obedience.
Read the Passage
You can read Matthew chapter 19 here on Bible.com:
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.19.NLT
I also encourage you to read this chapter in your own Bible and take time to reflect on what God may be showing you through it.
What Happens in This Chapter
Jesus begins by teaching about marriage and divorce after religious leaders attempt to test Him with a legal question. He points back to God’s original design for marriage as a lifelong union. Next, Jesus welcomes little children and rebukes His disciples for trying to keep them away, explaining that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like them. The chapter concludes with the story of the rich young man who struggles to give up his wealth in order to follow Jesus, leading Jesus to teach about the danger of riches and the reward of sacrificial obedience.
Historical and Cultural Background
Marriage in first century Jewish society was governed by Mosaic Law and heavily debated among religious teachers. Some allowed divorce for almost any reason, while others were more restrictive. Jesus’ response challenges both views by pointing beyond legal arguments to God’s original intent in creation. Children held little social status and were often overlooked, making Jesus’ blessing of them countercultural. Wealth was commonly seen as a sign of God’s favor, so Jesus’ warning about riches would have shocked His listeners and challenged deeply held assumptions.
Notes on the Original Language
The New Testament was written primarily in Greek. In verse 6, the word translated as “joined” comes from the Greek word kollao, meaning to be glued or bonded closely, emphasizing permanence in marriage. When Jesus speaks of becoming “like little children,” the Greek word paidion refers to young children who are dependent and trusting. In the story of the rich man, the word translated as “treasure” comes from thesauros, meaning a storehouse or accumulated wealth, highlighting where a person’s security truly lies. These word choices reinforce Jesus’ emphasis on commitment, humility, and trust in God rather than possessions.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jesus’ teaching on marriage echoes Genesis 2:24, where God establishes the one flesh union between husband and wife. His blessing of children connects with Psalm 127:3, which describes children as a gift from the Lord. The challenge to the rich young man parallels Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:19 to 21 about storing up treasures in heaven. The statement that “many who are first will be last” connects to themes found later in Matthew 20, reinforcing kingdom values.
What This Story Teaches
- God designed marriage to be a faithful and lasting covenant
- Legal obedience without heart commitment misses God’s intent
- Childlike humility and trust are essential for entering God’s kingdom
- Wealth can become a barrier to fully following Jesus
- God rewards those who surrender earthly security for His sake
Closing Thoughts
I use the New Living Translation because it presents Scripture in clear and readable language. I am not a Bible scholar, and I do not claim to have a complete understanding. My purpose is to help others engage with God’s Word and reflect on its meaning. I encourage you to read the Bible for yourself, seek God’s guidance, and listen to how He may be speaking to you through His Word.