March through Matthew with Jesus:

Matthew 19

During Lent in March we continue reading through the Gospel of Matthew, one chapter a day--28 chapters--with points to ponder, background information and personal application. Pray God strengthens our faith on this spiritual journey in His Holy Word.

Some Points to Ponder as we read Matthew 19:

1. Matthew 19 says Jesus is now heading south on His way to Jerusalem. He is east of the lower Jordan River when the Pharisees tested Jesus by asking Him about divorce. Before responding about divorce, Jesus refers back to Genesis and affirms God’s created order and the God given institution of marriage as a lifelong, monogamous union between a man and a woman. Matthew 19:4-6 is often read at the beginning of a Christian wedding service.            > NOTE: Society and our courts may now permit same sex marriage, but as we hear in Genesis which is verified by Jesus, there is NO SUCH THING as same sex marriage--according to God’s unchanging Word.

2. The Lutheran Study Bible comments on what Jesus says in Matthew 19:1-12 about divorce, being single, and human and family relationships:

Few problems afflict the Church and society more than those of marital infidelity and divorce. Sin has deeply affected our human relationships to the point that its effects seem normal, but they are not. When questioned about marriage and divorce, Jesus emphasizes that a lifelong, monogamous union is God’s intent for a man and a woman. He instituted marriage to be a gift and a blessing. He also affirms the value of a single lifestyle. With His forgiveness, grace, and guidance, our relationships can be a blessing.

+Prayer+ Be with all Christian families, Lord, granting them strength, mutual affection, and the grace to raise their children in faith. Amen.

    (Lutheran Study Bible, p.1623)

3. In Matthew 19:13-15 we hear again how much Jesus values little children. Jesus welcomes children, blesses them, and holds them up as the prime example of humility and dependence as members of the kingdom of heaven. The version of this story in Mark 10 is read during the Rite of Holy Baptism.

4. Jesus interacts with a rich young man who thinks his obedience to the Commandments and good deeds can earn him eternal life. The young man is sincere in his attempts at being righteous, but Jesus says it is not enough. Jesus tells him to sell all he has and give it to the poor. The rich young man was not able to give up his many possessions and love of earthly wealth and went away sorrowful.                                           

> Jesus is crystal clear: NO human being can earn salvation by our human attempts or good works; we can only be saved by God’s grace. We ask with the original disciples: “Who then can be saved?” With us it is IMPOSSIBLE, and only with God is it POSSIBLE (Matthew 19:26).

We now read Matthew 19…    

Matthew 19 (ESV)

Teaching About Divorce

19 Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. 2 And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”

10 The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”

Let the Children Come to Me

13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.

The Rich Young Man

16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Closing commentary: The Lutheran Study Bible provides excellent and succinct comments on Matthew 19:16-30 about God’s gift of salvation and eternal life: 

We cannot earn eternal life through our good works; we can only receive it by God’s grace. But Jesus still rewards our sacrifices and service for Him. Trying to earn eternal life is a losing proposition. The perfection this requires is impossible for us sinners. Through faith in Christ, God freely gives us the gift of eternal life. And if that were not enough, He rewards the sacrifices made for His kingdom a hundredfold!  

+Prayer+ By Your grace, Father, You have adopted us and made us heirs of eternal life. Move us to respond to such kindness by willingly sacrificing for You. Amen.    (Lutheran Study Bible, p.1624)

APPLICATION: How can I encourage and/or support a single parent I know?

What are some specific ways I can thank God in my life for giving me the priceless gifts of forgiveness and salvation?

Pastor Scott Schmieding

Senior Pastor

Immanuel Lutheran Church and School

115 S. Sixth Street

Saint Charles, MO 63301

636.946.2656