Notes for Matthew Chapter 19
NEW AMERICAN BIBLE REVISED EDITION
Marriage and Divorce
1. Jesus Leaves Galilee (Matthew 19: 1-2)
- After speaking, Jesus
left Galilee for Judea across the Jordan.
- Large crowds followed him, and he healed
them.
2. Pharisees Test Jesus on Divorce (Matthew 19: 3-6)
- Pharisees tested Jesus, asking if it's
lawful to divorce for any reason.
- Jesus referred to creation, stating that
God made male and female.
- He emphasized that what God joins
together, no one should separate.
3. Question about Moses' Command (Matthew 19: 7-9)
- Pharisees questioned why Moses allowed
divorce.
- Jesus explained it was due to hard hearts
but clarified that divorce, except for unlawful marriages, leads to adultery.
4. Disciples' Reaction (Matthew 19: 10-12)
- Disciples, hearing this, remarked that it
might be better not to marry.
- Jesus acknowledged that not everyone can
accept this teaching, but those who can should.
Blessing of the Children (Matthew 19: 13-15)
- Children brought to
Jesus for a blessing.
- Disciples tried to stop them, but Jesus
welcomed them, stating the kingdom of heaven belongs to such.
The Rich Young Man (Matthew 19: 16-22)
- A man asked Jesus about gaining eternal
life.
- Jesus listed commandments; the man claimed
to follow them all.
- Jesus challenged him to sell possessions,
give to the poor, and follow Him.
- The man, saddened by this, had many
possessions.
Difficulty for the Rich to Enter Heaven (Matthew 19:
23-24)
- Jesus remarked it's hard for the rich to
enter the kingdom of heaven.
- He used the metaphor of a camel passing
through the eye of a needle.
Disciples' Astonishment and Jesus' Response (Matthew
19: 25-26)
- Disciples were astonished, questioning who
could be saved.
- Jesus emphasized that for humans, it's
impossible, but for God, all things are possible.
Peter's Inquiry and Jesus' Assurance (Matthew 19:
27-30)
- Peter asked what they would receive for
leaving everything to follow Jesus.
- Jesus assured them of rewards in the new
age, with positions of authority and eternal life.
- He concluded with a reminder that the
first shall be last, and the last shall be first.