Matthew 19 Summary - Quick Bible Study

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MATTHEW 19 SUMMARY IN 5 MINUTES

• WHEN:

  • The birth of Jesus probably occurred around 4 B.C..

  • From Luke 3:23, we know Jesus began His ministry when He was about 30 years old.

  • This would place the events of Jesus’ ministry roughly between 26-31 A.D..

• CHARACTERS:

  • Jesus - The Messiah. God’s “beloved Son.”

  • Rich Young Ruler - He asked Jesus what he needed to do to have eternal life.

  • Pharisees - Jewish religious leaders who wanted to trick Jesus.

  • Children - Little children were brought to Jesus for a blessing.

• WHERE:

  • Chapter 19 opens with Jesus “entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan” (Matthew 19:1; Mark 10:1). 

  • This likely refers to the land just east of the Jordan river in the region of Perea.

• OUTLINE:

  • JESUS TEACHES ABOUT DIVORCE (19:1-19:12):

    • Jesus was healing large crowds beyond the Jordan River.

    • The Pharisees tested Jesus by asking Him when divorce was permissible.

    • Jesus told them a man wasn’t to divorce His wife.

    • Anyone who divorced his wife, except for sexual immorality, and married someone else, was committing adultery.

    • The disciples were shocked by this teaching.

  • LITTLE CHILDREN VISIT JESUS (19:13-19:15):

    • Children were brought to Jesus so He could “lay His hands on them and pray.” The disciples turned them away, thinking Jesus didn’t have time for them.

    • But Jesus told the disciples the Kingdom of Heaven belonged to those who were like children.

  • A RICH YOUNG MAN STRUGGLES WITH MONEY (19:16-19:22):

    • A young rich man asked Jesus what he needed to do to have eternal life.

    • He told Jesus he had kept all the commands from the Old Testament.

    • Jesus told the man to sell all of his possessions, give them to the poor, and follow Him.

    • But the rich man couldn’t do it, because he loved his possessions.

  • THE CHALLENGE OF RICHES (19:23-19:30):

    • Jesus said it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

    • Peter asked what reward the Apostles would receive sense they had left everything to follow Jesus.

    • Jesus told them they would sit on twelve thrones “judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

    • Jesus promised “a hundredfold” and “eternal life” to anyone who made sacrifices in His service.

• BIG PICTURE:

  • Having wealth is almost universally considered an advantage in life.

  • We consider people born into money to be “lucky.”

  • But Jesus informs us riches can be a disadvantage, spiritually speaking.

  • It is easier for a poor man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven than for a rich man.

• APPLICATION:

  • What is keeping your heart from total devotion to Jesus?

  • Jesus doesn’t want part of your affection.

  • Jesus doesn’t want most of your affection.

  • Being a follower of Jesus requires your whole heart.

  • Would you be willing to give up the thing your heart loves the most if Jesus asked?