Mat 19 | MHM | STEP | Christ Leaves Galilee and Enters Judea This passage marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. He leaves Galilee, where he spent most of his life and did many miracles and teachings, and moves toward Judea. This move is important because it shows Jesus only leaves a place when his work there is finished. It also shows that Jesus’ mission is for all of Israel, not just one region. As he travels, many people follow him, and he continues to show compassion by healing them. v. 1 : Jesus finished his teachings in Galilee and departed from there. Galilee was where he grew up and spent most of his time, even though it was not considered an important or respected part of the country. Jesus did not leave Galilee until his work there was complete. This teaches us that God’s servants are not moved from a place until their purpose there is finished (Revelation 11:7 ).

‏ Matthew 19

Christ Leaves Galilee and Enters Judea

This passage marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. He leaves Galilee, where he spent most of his life and did many miracles and teachings, and moves toward Judea. This move is important because it shows Jesus only leaves a place when his work there is finished. It also shows that Jesus’ mission is for all of Israel, not just one region. As he travels, many people follow him, and he continues to show compassion by healing them.

v. 1: Jesus finished his teachings in Galilee and departed from there. Galilee was where he grew up and spent most of his time, even though it was not considered an important or respected part of the country. Jesus did not leave Galilee until his work there was complete. This teaches us that God’s servants are not moved from a place until their purpose there is finished (Revelation 11:7 ^a).

v. 2: Jesus entered the region of Judea, beyond the Jordan. He went there so that the people in that area could also hear his message and experience his ministry. Even though he stayed within the borders of Israel, his actions pointed to the future, when the gospel would reach the Gentiles as well.

Jesus Teaches about Divorce and Marriage

In this section, the Pharisees come to test Jesus with a question about divorce. Their real motive is to trap him and make him say something unpopular or against the Law of Moses. Jesus responds by teaching about the true meaning of marriage, the seriousness of divorce, and God’s original plan for families. He also explains that not everyone is called to marriage, and some may choose a single life for God’s kingdom.

v. 3: The Pharisees ask Jesus if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. They want to see if Jesus will side with the strict or the lenient views of the Law. Their real goal is to find a reason to accuse him.

Great crowds followed Jesus wherever he went. He welcomed them and healed their sick. This shows that Jesus always cared for people’s needs, no matter where he was. He did not seek comfort or honor for himself, but continued to do good for others. Wherever Jesus went, he brought healing and hope, just as the prophecy says, the Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings (Malachi 4:2 ^b).

v. 4: Jesus answers by pointing back to the beginning of creation. He reminds them that God made humans male and female (Genesis 1:27 ^c). Marriage is God’s idea, and it is meant for one man and one woman.

v. 5: Then Jesus quotes the Bible: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24 ^d). This shows that marriage is a close, permanent union—like two becoming one person.

v. 6: Jesus explains that since God joins a husband and wife together, people should not separate them. Divorce is not part of God’s original plan for marriage. This means marriage should be for life, and breaking it is serious.

v. 7: The Pharisees then ask why Moses allowed people to divorce by writing a certificate. They want to know why the law seems to allow something Jesus says is wrong.

v. 8: Jesus replies that Moses only permitted divorce because people’s hearts were hard. It was not God’s original intention. From the beginning, God wanted marriage to be a life-long commitment between husband and wife.

v. 9: Jesus says that anyone who divorces his wife—except for sexual immorality—and marries another woman commits adultery. This makes it clear that divorce and remarriage are only allowed in very serious cases, not just for any reason (Matthew 5:32 ^e).

v. 10: The disciples say that if marriage is so strict, it might be better not to marry at all. They realize Jesus’s teaching is much stricter than what most people think.

v. 11: Jesus answers that not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. Some people are called to live single lives for different reasons.

v. 12: He explains that some people are born unable to marry, some become that way because of others, and some choose to stay single for the sake of God’s kingdom. Jesus says that anyone who can accept this way of life should accept it, but it is not required for everyone.

Christ's Tenderness to Children

This passage shows how much Jesus cares for children. Some people brought little children to Jesus so he could bless them. The disciples tried to stop them, but Jesus welcomed the children and showed that they are important in God’s kingdom. This teaches us about faith, humility, and the value of every person, no matter how small.

v. 13: People brought little children to Jesus so that he would lay his hands on them and pray for them. These children were very young, maybe only one or two years old. The adults who brought them—probably their parents or guardians—showed faith in Jesus and wanted his blessing for their children. They believed that Jesus’ prayer and touch would help their children, even if they were not sick. This reminds us that it is good to bring our children to Jesus, asking for his blessing and care.

v. 14: The disciples tried to stop the people from bringing children to Jesus, thinking it was not important or that Jesus was too busy. But Jesus corrected them and said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus taught that children, and those who are humble like children, belong in God’s kingdom. He welcomes them and values their faith. Jesus also honors the faith of parents who bring their children to him, and he is displeased with anyone who tries to keep them away.

v. 15: Jesus received the children and laid his hands on them, blessing them as the people had asked. Even the youngest child can receive Jesus’ blessing. After this, Jesus left that place, showing that he had finished his work there by caring for the “lambs” of his flock. This act reminds us that Jesus loves and accepts all who come to him, especially those who are weak or small.

The Rich Young Man

This section tells the story of a rich young man who comes to Jesus, asking about eternal life. Through their conversation, Jesus teaches about true goodness, the requirements for eternal life, the dangers of wealth, and the rewards for those who follow him. The lesson is that following Jesus may require sacrifice, but it brings greater blessings than anything we give up.

v. 16: A young man comes to Jesus and asks, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?” He wants to know how to be saved and live forever with God. This question shows he is sincere, but he is thinking he can earn eternal life by doing good deeds.

v. 17: Jesus answers, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only One who is good. But if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Jesus reminds him that only God is truly good. He points the man to God’s commandments, showing that obedience to God is important for eternal life (Deuteronomy 30:16 ^f).

v. 18: The young man asks, "Which commandments?" Jesus lists several: "Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself" (Exodus 20:12-16; Leviticus 19:18 ^g). These are basic commands about loving others and living rightly.

v. 19: Jesus continues, emphasizing the command to honor parents and to love your neighbor as yourself. These commands sum up how we should treat other people.

v. 20: The young man says, “I have kept all these. What do I still lack?” He believes he has always obeyed these commandments, but feels that something is still missing in his life.

v. 21: Jesus tells him, “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.” Jesus challenges him to give up his wealth and truly follow him. This shows that true discipleship may require giving up what we value most.

v. 22: When the young man hears this, he goes away sad, because he has many possessions. He is not willing to give up his wealth for Jesus. This shows how riches can be a barrier to following God.

It Is Hard for the Rich to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven

This section comes right after Jesus talked with the rich young man who went away sad because he was not willing to give up his wealth. Jesus uses this moment to teach his disciples about the dangers of riches, the difficulty for the wealthy to be saved, and the greatness of God’s grace. He also encourages his followers with the promise of reward for those who give up things for his sake.

v. 23: Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “Truly, I tell you, it is hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.” He wants them to understand that having riches often makes it difficult for people to follow God. Riches can make people proud or too focused on the things of this world, so they do not want to depend on God or give up what they have for him (Matthew 19:23 ^h).

v. 24: Jesus continues, “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.” This is a picture to show how extremely difficult it is. A camel cannot pass through the tiny hole in a needle. In the same way, it is almost impossible for someone who trusts in riches to be saved. Riches can become a great obstacle to faith (Matthew 19:24 ⁱ).

v. 25: When the disciples hear this, they are amazed and ask, “Who then can be saved?” They are shocked because many people thought that being rich was a sign of God’s blessing. If even the rich, who seem to have God’s favor, cannot be saved easily, they wonder if anyone can be saved at all (Matthew 19:25 ^j).

v. 26: Jesus looks at them and says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Jesus explains that no one can be saved by their own power or goodness. Only God can save people, whether they are rich or poor. God’s grace can change anyone’s heart and make it possible for them to enter his kingdom (Matthew 19:26 ^k).

v. 27: Peter replies, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Peter wants to know what reward they will receive for giving up their homes, jobs, and families to follow Jesus. The disciples have made sacrifices, and they wonder if it is worth it (Matthew 19:27 ^l).

v. 28: Jesus tells 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.” Jesus promises a special reward and honor for the apostles. When he returns and his kingdom is established, they will share in his authority and glory (Matthew 19:28 ^m).

v. 29: Jesus adds, “Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” He promises that anyone who gives up things for him will be rewarded much more in God’s kingdom. Nothing we give up for Jesus is wasted. God will repay with even greater blessings, including eternal life (Matthew 19:29 ⁿ).

v. 30: Jesus ends by saying, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” God does not judge people the way the world does. Those who seem most important now may be least in God’s kingdom, and those who seem least now may be greatest then. God’s way of rewarding people is different from the world’s way (Matthew 19:30 ^o).