"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