Matthew 19
When Jesus had finished saying these things, He left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there. Some Pharisees came to Him to test Him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” “Haven’t you read,” He replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” The disciples said to Him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.” Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” Matthew 19:1-12 NIV
Jesus clarifies His stance on divorce. Scripture says that when a man and a woman are married, they are joined as one flesh. Jesus confirms that the couple is now joined together by God, and that no man can separate them. He lets them know that although Moses allowed for divorce, it was not because that was God’s original intention for marriage. Jesus explains that because of the hard hearts of the Israelites, Moses needed to institute certain civil laws (see Deuteronomy 24:1-4). These laws were mainly to protect women, who were very vulnerable without a husband to support and protect them. God takes a very clear stance on divorce: “‘I hate divorce,’ says The Lord God of Israel...” (Malachi 2:16). When problems arise in marriage, remember that a commitment made before God is one that should not be taken lightly. Husbands and wives should focus their efforts on how they can work out their problems and stay together, rather than considering divorce.
Then people brought little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there. Matthew 19:13-15 NIV
Jesus tells His disciples not to hold the little children back from coming to Him. This scripture shows His heart for children, and is an example of what our hearts for children ought to be: one of love and acceptance. He also states that the Kingdom of God belongs to such children. This means that His Kingdom is full of people who take Him at His word and follow Him with abandon, like children do.
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Peter answered Him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” Matthew 19:16-30 NIV
Here we have the story of the rich young ruler, who followed all of the commandments, and “did” everything by the law. But when Jesus asks him to sell everything and follow Him, the ruler goes away sad because he was very wealthy, and he was not willing to give up his earthly treasures for Christ. This parable is particularly important to Americans, or citizens of other developed nations, who generally have a lot and enjoy our abundant wealth. We all have so much in comparison to the rest of the world. Each and every one of us is actually considered rich when compared to the extreme poverty in the majority of the world. We need to be careful and continually ask God to show us any areas where we value material things over our walk with Him. In verse 24 He warns us that “…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.” However, we can still have hope, for He states that with God’s help it is, in fact, possible to do this! We need to make sure we place our faith in Jesus. The way to eternal life is simple: follow Him! Praise the Lord!