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"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW" Chapter Nineteen by Mark Copeland

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                            Chapter Nineteen

In response to another test by the Pharisees, Jesus spoke on the issues
of marriage, divorce and celibacy (1-12).  Little children were brought
to Him, whom He blessed (13-15).  When a rich young ruler questioned Him
concerning eternal life (16-22), Jesus used the occasion to teach His
disciples about possessions in relation to the kingdom of God (23-30).

POINTS TO PONDER

   *  Jesus’ teachings related to marriage, divorce, and celibacy

   *  Possessions and rewards in reference to the kingdom of God

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Marriage, divorce and celibacy - Mt 19:1-12
   - Jesus blesses the little children - Mt 19:13-15
   - The rich young ruler - Mt 19:16-22
   - Possessions and the kingdom - Mt 19:23-30

2) Who is it that joins a man and woman in marriage? (6)
   - God, not the state (government)

3) What exception does Jesus allow for divorce? Otherwise, what occurs?
   (9)
   - Sexual immorality; adultery, cf. Mt 5:32

4) What price might be necessary for some to enter the kingdom of
   heaven? (12)
   - To make themselves eunuchs (i.e., to remain in an unmarried state)

5) What did Jesus say about little children? (14)
   - "Let the little children come to Me . . .for of such is the kingdom
     of heaven."

6) What did Jesus counsel the rich young ruler? (17,21)
   - For eternal life, to keep the commandments (of Moses, still in
     force at that time)
   - To be perfect, sell all and give to the poor, and follow Him

7) What did Jesus say about being rich and the kingdom of heaven?
   (23-24)
   - It is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom
   - It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle

8) What did Jesus promise to His apostles who left all to follow Him?
   (27-28)
   - To sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel in the
     regeneration

9) What did Jesus promise to all willing to leave much to follow Him
   (29-30)
   - A hundredfold blessings in this life; in the life to come eternal
     life, cf. Mk 10:29-30