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Matthew Chapter Nineteen

Matthew 19

Chapter 19 carries on the subject of the spirit that is suited to the kingdom of heaven and goes deep into the principles which govern human nature and of what was now divinely introduced. A question asked by the Pharisees-for the Lord had drawn nigh to Judea-gives rise to the exposition of His doctrine on marriage; and turning away from the law given on account of the hardness of their hearts He goes back [1] to God's institution according to which one man and one woman were to unite together and to be one in the sight of God. He establishes or rather re-establishes the true character of the indissoluble bond of marriage. I call it indissoluble for the exception of the case of unfaithfulness is not one; the guilty person had already broken the bond. It was no longer man and woman one flesh. At the same time if God gave spiritual power for it it was still better to remain unmarried.

He then renews His instruction with respect to children while testifying His affection for them: here it appears to me rather in connection with the absence of all that binds to the world to its distractions and its lusts and owning what is lovely confiding and externally undefiled in nature; whereas in chapter 18 it was the intrinsic character of the kingdom. After this He shews (with reference to the introduction of the kingdom in His Person) the nature of entire devotedness and sacrifice of all things in order to follow Him if truly they only sought to please God. The spirit of the world was opposed at all points -both carnal passions and riches. No doubt the law of Moses restrained these passions; but it supposes them and in some respects bears with them. According to the glory of the world a child had no value. What power can it have there? It is of value in the Lord's eyes.

The law promised life to the man that kept it. The Lord makes it simple and practical in its requirements or rather recalls them in their true simplicity. Riches were not forbidden by the law; that is to say although moral obligation between man and man was maintained by the law that which bound the heart to the world was not judged by it. Rather was prosperity according to the government of God connected with obedience to it. For it supposed this world and man alive in it and tested him there. Christ recognises this; but the motives of the heart are tested. The law was spiritual and the Son of God there; we find again what we found before-man tested and detected and God revealed. All is intrinsic and eternal in its nature for God is revealed already. Christ judges everything that has a bad effect on the heart and acts upon its selfishness and thus separates it from God. "Sell that thou hast " says He "and follow me." Alas! the young man could not renounce his possessions his ease himself. "Hardly " says Jesus "shall a rich man enter into the kingdom." This was manifest: it was the kingdom of God of heaven; self and the world had no place in it. The disciples who did not understand that there is no good in man were astonished that one so favoured and well disposed should be still far from salvation. Who then could succeed? The whole truth then comes out. It is impossible to men. They cannot overcome the desires of the flesh. Morally and as to his will and his affections these desires are the man. One cannot make a negro white or take his spots from the leopard: that which they exhibit is in their nature. But to God blessed be His name! all things are possible.

These instructions with regard to riches give rise to Peter's question What shall be the portion of those who have renounced everything? This brings us back to the glory in chapter 17. There would be a regeneration; the state of things should be entirely renewed under the dominion of the Son of man. At that time they should sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. They should have the first place in the administration of the earthly kingdom. Every one however should have his own place; for whatever any one renounced for Jesus' sake he should receive a hundredfold and everlasting life. Nevertheless these things would not be decided by appearance here; nor by the place men held in the old system and before men: some that were first should be last and the last first. In fact it was to be feared that the carnal heart of man would take this encouragement given in the shape of reward for all his labour and all his sacrifices in a mercenary spirit and seek to make God his debtor; and therefore in the parable by which the Lord continues His discourse (chap. 20) He establishes the principle of grace and of God's sovereignty in that which He gives and towards those whom He calls in a very distinct manner and makes His gifts to those whom He brings into His vineyard depend on His grace and on His call.

Footnotes

[1] The connection is here traced between the new thing and nature as God had originally formed it passing over the law as something merely come between. It was a new power because evil had come in but it recognised God's creation while proving the state of the heart not yielding to its weakness. Sin has corrupted what God created good. The power of the Spirit of God given to us through redemption raises man and his path wholly out of the whole condition of flesh introduces a new divine power by which he walks in this world after the example of Christ. But with this there is the fullest sanction of what God Himself originally established. It is good though there may be what is better. The way the law is passed over to go back to God's original institution where spiritual power did not take the heart wholly out of the whole scene though walking in it is very striking. In marriage the child the character of the young man what is of God and lovely in nature is recognised of the Lord. But the state of man's heart is searched out. This does not depend on character but motive and is fully tested by Christ (there is an entire dispensational change for riches were promised to a faithful Jew) and a rejected Christ-the path to heaven-everything and the test of everything that is of the heart of man. God made man upright with certain family relationships. Sin has wholly corrupted this old or first creation of man. The coming of the Holy Ghost has brought in a power which lifts in the second Man out of the old creation into the new and gives us heavenly things-only not yet as to the vessel the body; but it cannot disown or condemn what God created in the beginning. That is impossible. In the beginning God made them. When we come to heavenly condition all this though not the fruits of its exercises in grace disappears. If a man in the power of the Holy Ghost has the gift to do it and be entirely heavenly so much the better; but it is entirely evil to condemn or speak against the relationships which God originally created or diminish or detract from the authority which God has connected with them. If a man can live wholly above and out of them all to serve Christ it is all well; but it is rare and exceptional.

── John Darby《Synopsis of Matthew》

Matthew 19

Chapter Contents

Jesus enters Judea. (1 2) The Pharisees' question about divorces. (3-12) Young children brought to Jesus. (13-15) The rich young man's inquiry. (16-22) The recompence of Christ's followers. (23-30)

Commentary on Matthew 19:1 2

(Read Matthew 19:1 2)

Great multitudes followed Christ. When Christ departs it is best for us to follow him. They found him as able and ready to help elsewhere as he had been in Galilee; wherever the Sun of Righteousness arose it was with healing in his wings.

Commentary on Matthew 19:3-12

(Read Matthew 19:3-12)

The Pharisees were desirous of drawing something from Jesus which they might represent as contrary to the law of Moses. Cases about marriage have been numerous and sometimes perplexed; made so not by the law of God but by the lusts and follies of men; and often people fix what they will do before they ask for advice. Jesus replied by asking whether they had not read the account of the creation and the first example of marriage; thus pointing out that every departure therefrom was wrong. That condition is best for us and to be chosen and kept to accordingly which is best for our souls and tends most to prepare us for and preserve us to the kingdom of heaven. When the gospel is really embraced it makes men kind relatives and faithful friends; it teaches them to bear the burdens and to bear with the infirmities of those with whom they are connected to consider their peace and happiness more than their own. As to ungodly persons it is proper that they should be restrained by laws from breaking the peace of society. And we learn that the married state should be entered upon with great seriousness and earnest prayer.

Commentary on Matthew 19:13-15

(Read Matthew 19:13-15)

It is well when we come to Christ ourselves and bring our children. Little children may be brought to Christ as needing and being capable of receiving blessings from him and having an interest in his intercession. We can but beg a blessing for them: Christ only can command the blessing. It is well for us that Christ has more love and tenderness in him than the best of his disciples have. And let us learn of him not to discountenance any willing well-meaning souls in their seeking after Christ though they are but weak. Those who are given to Christ as part of his purchase he will in no wise cast out. Therefore he takes it ill of all who forbid and try to shut out those whom he has received. And all Christians should bring their children to the Saviour that he may bless them with spiritual blessings.

Commentary on Matthew 19:16-22

(Read Matthew 19:16-22)

Christ knew that covetousness was the sin which most easily beset this young man; though he had got honestly what he possessed yet he could not cheerfully part with it and by this his want of sincerity was shown. Christ's promises make his precepts easy and his yoke pleasant and very comfortable; yet this promise was as much a trial of the young man's faith as the precept was of his charity and contempt of the world. It is required of us in following Christ that we duly attend his ordinances strictly follow his pattern and cheerfully submit to his disposals; and this from love to him and in dependence on him. To sell all and give to the poor will not serve but we are to follow Christ. The gospel is the only remedy for lost sinners. Many abstain from gross vices who do not attend to their obligations to God. Thousands of instances of disobedience in thought word and deed are marked against them in the book of God. Thus numbers forsake Christ loving this present world: they feel convictions and desires but they depart sorrowful perhaps trembling. It behoves us to try ourselves in these matters for the Lord will try us.

Commentary on Matthew 19:23-30

(Read Matthew 19:23-30)

Though Christ spoke so strongly few that have riches do not trust in them. How few that are poor are not tempted to envy! But men's earnestness in this matter is like their toiling to build a high wall to shut themselves and their children out of heaven. It should be satisfaction to those who are in a low condition that they are not exposed to the temptations of a high and prosperous condition. If they live more hardly in this world than the rich yet if they get more easily to a better world they have no reason to complain. Christ's words show that it is hard for a rich man to be a good Christian and to be saved. The way to heaven is a narrow way to all and the gate that leads into it a strait gate; particularly so to rich people. More duties are expected from them than from others and more sins easily beset them. It is hard not to be charmed with a smiling world. Rich people have a great account to make up for their opportunities above others. It is utterly impossible for a man that sets his heart upon his riches to get to heaven. Christ used an expression denoting a difficulty altogether unconquerable by the power of man. Nothing less than the almighty grace of God will enable a rich man to get over this difficulty. Who then can be saved? If riches hinder rich people are not pride and sinful lusts found in those not rich and as dangerous to them? Who can be saved? say the disciples. None saith Christ by any created power. The beginning progress and perfecting the work of salvation depend wholly on the almighty power of God to which all things are possible. Not that rich people can be saved in their worldliness but that they should be saved from it. Peter said We have forsaken all. Alas! it was but a poor all only a few boats and nets; yet observe how Peter speaks as if it had been some mighty thing. We are too apt to make the most of our services and sufferings our expenses and losses for Christ. However Christ does not upbraid them; though it was but little that they had forsaken yet it was their all and as dear to them as if it had been more. Christ took it kindly that they left it to follow him; he accepts according to what a man hath. Our Lord's promise to the apostles is that when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory he will make all things new and they shall sit with him in judgement on those who will be judged according to their doctrine. This sets forth the honour dignity and authority of their office and ministry. Our Lord added that every one who had forsaken possessions or comforts for his sake and the gospel would be recompensed at last. May God give us faith to rest our hope on this his promise; then we shall be ready for every service or sacrifice. Our Saviour in the last verse does away a mistake of some. The heavenly inheritance is not given as earthly ones are but according to God's pleasure. Let us not trust in promising appearances or outward profession. Others may for aught we know become eminent in faith and holiness.

── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Matthew》

Matthew 19

Verse 2

[2] And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

Multitudes followed him and he healed them there — That is wheresoever they followed him.

Verse 3

[3] The Pharisees also came unto him tempting him and saying unto him Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

The Pharisees came tempting him — Trying to make him contradict Moses.

For every cause — That is for any thing which he dislikes in her. This the scribes allowed.

Verse 4

[4] And he answered and said unto them Have ye not read that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female

He said Have ye not read — So instead of contradicting him our Lord confutes them by the very words of Moses.

He who made them made them male and female from the beginning — At least from the beginning of the Mosaic creation. And where do we read of any other? Does it not follow that God's making Eve was part of his original design and not a consequence of Adam's beginning to fall? By making them one man and one woman he condemned polygamy: by making them one flesh he condemned divorce.

Verse 5

[5] And said For this cause shall a man leave father and mother and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

And said — By the mouth of Adam who uttered the words. Genesis 2:24.

Verse 7

[7] They say unto him Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement and to put her away?

Why did Moses command — Christ replies Moses permitted (not commanded) it because of the hardness of your hearts - Because neither your fathers nor you could bear the more excellent way. Deuteronomy 24:1; Mark 10:2; Luke 16:18.

Verse 9

[9] And I say unto you Whosoever shall put away his wife except it be for fornication and shall marry another committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

And I say to you — I revoke that indulgence from this day so that from henceforth Whosoever etc..

Verse 11

[11] But he said unto them All men cannot receive this saying save they to whom it is given.

But he said to them — This is not universally true; it does not hold with regard to all men but with regard to those only to whom is given this excellent gift of God. Now this is given to three sorts of persons to some by natural constitution without their choice: to others by violence against their choice; and to others by grace with their choice: who steadily withstand their natural inclinations that they may wait upon God without distraction.

Verse 12

[12] For there are some eunuchs which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it let him receive it.

There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake — Happy they! who have abstained from marriage (though without condemning or despising it) that they might walk more closely with God! He that is able to receive it let him receive it - This gracious command (for such it is unquestionably since to say such a man may live single is saying nothing. Who ever doubted this?) is not designed for all men: but only for those few who are able to receive it. O let these receive it joyfully!

Verse 13

[13] Then were there brought unto him little children that he should put his hands on them and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

That he should lay his hands on them — This was a rite which was very early used in praying for a blessing on young persons. See Genesis 48:14 20.

The disciples rebuked them — That is them that brought them: probably thinking such an employ beneath the dignity of their Master. Mark 10:13; Luke 18:15.

Verse 14

[14] But Jesus said Suffer little children and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Of such is the kingdom of heaven — Little children either in a natural or spiritual sense have a right to enter into my kingdom. Matthew 18:3.

Verse 16

[16] And behold one came and said unto him Good Master what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?

And behold one came — Many of the poor had followed him from the beginning. One rich man came at last. Mark 10:17; Luke 18:18.

Verse 17

[17] And he said unto him Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments.

Why callest thou me good — Whom thou supposest to be only a man.

There is none good — Supremely originally essentially but God.

If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments — From a principle of loving faith. Believe and thence love and obey. And this undoubtedly is the way to eternal life. Our Lord therefore does not answer ironically which had been utterly beneath his character but gives a plain direct serious answer to a serious question.

Verse 19

[19] Honour thy father and thy mother: and Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Exodus 20:12. etc.

Verse 20

[20] The young man saith unto him All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

The young man saith All these have I kept from my childhood — So he imagined; and perhaps he had as to the letter; but not as to the spirit which our Lord immediately shows.

Verse 21

[21] Jesus said unto him If thou wilt be perfect go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

If thou desirest to be perfect — That is to be a real Christian: Sell what thou hast - He who reads the heart saw his bosom sin was love of the world; and knew he could not be saved from this but by literally renouncing it. To him therefore he gave this particular direction which he never designed for a general rule. For him that was necessary to salvation: to us it is not. To sell all was an absolute duty to him; to many of us it would be ali absolute sin.

The young man went away — Not being willing to have salvation at so high a price.

Verse 24

[24] And again I say unto you It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (a proverbial expression ) than for a rich man to go through the strait gate: that is humanly speaking it is an absolute impossibility. Rich man! tremble! feel this impossibility; else thou art lost for ever!

Verse 25

[25] When his disciples heard it they were exceedingly amazed saying Who then can be saved?

His disciples were amazed saying Who then can be saved? — If rich men with all their advantages cannot? Who? A poor man; a peasant; a beggar: ten thousand of them sooner than one that is rich.

Verse 26

[26] But Jesus beheld them and said unto them With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Jesus looking upon them — To compose their hurried spirits. O what a speaking look was there! Said to them - With the utmost sweetness: With men this is impossible - It is observable he does not retract what he had said: no nor soften it in the least degree but rather strengthens it by representing the salvation of a rich man as the utmost effort of Omnipotence.

Verse 28

[28] And Jesus said unto them Verily I say unto you That ye which have followed me in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

In the renovation — In the final renovation of all things: Ye shall sit - In the beginning of the judgment they shall stand 2 Corinthians 5:10. Then being absolved they shall sit with the Judge 1 Corinthians 6:2: On twelve thrones - So our Lord promised without expressing any condition: yet as absolute as the words are it is certain there is a condition implied as in many scriptures where none is expressed. In consequence of this those twelve did not sit on those twelve thrones: for the throne of Judas another took so that he never sat thereon.

Verse 29

[29] And every one that hath forsaken houses or brethren or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for my name's sake shall receive an hundredfold and shall inherit everlasting life.

And every one — In every age and country; not you my apostles only; That hath forsaken houses or brethren or wife or children - Either by giving any of them up when they could not be retained with a clear conscience or by willingly refraining from acquiring them: Shall receive a hundred-fold - In value though not in kind even in the present world.

Verse 30

[30] But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

But many first — Many of those who were first called shall be last - Shall have the lowest reward: those who came after them being preferred before them: and yet possibly both the first and the last may be saved though with different degrees of glory. Matthew 20:16; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30.

── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on Matthew》

Chapter 19. Follow Jesus

First Will Be Last
Last Will Be First

I. Forbid Divorce

1. Man and Wife Become One Flesh
2. God Joins Together
3. Not to Let Man Separate

II. Little Children Enter the Kingdom of heaven

1. Bring Children
2. Disciples' Rebuke
3. Put Hands on Them to Pray

III. The Rich Young Man Leaves in Sorrow

1. Sell What You Have First
2. Then Come and Follow Me
3. Choose Possessions

── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
 
Jesus On Divorce
Remarriage
& Celibacy (19:1-12)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. A serious problem in the world today is that of divorce and 
 remarriage
 
2. As described by God
divorce is a treacherous
violent act - cf. Mal
 2:16
 a. Its affect on children has been well documented by Judith
 Wallerstein
author of Second Chance (Ticknor & Fields
1988)
 1) Almost half of children of divorces enter adulthood as 
 worried
under-achieving
self-deprecating
and sometimes
 angry young men and women
 2) Half grew up in settings in which the parents were warring
 with each other even after the divorce
 -- Reported in Time
2/6/89 
 b. Parents who divorce are not left unhurt either
 1) "A divorce is like an amputation: You survive
but there's
 less of you." - Margaret Atwood (Marriage Partnership
Vol.
 7
No. 4)
 2) Average percentage change in a woman's standard of living the
 year following a divorce: minus 73% -Daniel Evan Weiss
(The
  Great Divide
Poseidon Press
1991)
 
3. Remarriage after divorce is not without it problems also...
 a. It does not always heal the wounds inflicted by the divorce: "I'm
 lucky my parents have stayed together. Unlike so many of my 
 friends
I've never had to cry on a holiday." - Tales Out of High
 School. Marriage Partnership
Vol. 5
no. 6
 b. Many remarriages are unlawful in God's eyes
constituting what
 Jesus called "adultery"
 
4. While I am concerned about the social and psychological effects of
 divorce and remarriage
it is the spiritual effects that concern me
 most...
 a. Too many people are ignorant of what the Bible teaches on this
 subject
 b. Such ignorance leads to quick and easy divorces
and to
  adulterous marriages that are unlawful
 
5. In Mt 19:3-12
we find Jesus discussing divorce
remarriage and
 celibacy...
 a. His teaching was occasioned by a challenge from the Pharisees
 b. But He used the opportunity to teach His disciples what people
 today need to know!
 
[As we consider this passage carefully
we find that Matthew first
records...]
 
I. THE PHARISEES' QUESTION (3)
 
 A. TO TEST HIM
NOT TO BE TAUGHT BY HIM...
 1. Divorce was a touchy issue then
even as it is today
  2. Divorce was not uncommon (e.g.
King Herod)
 3. The scribes were divided over the proper grounds for divorce
 a. The school of Hillel taught that a man could divorce for
 just about any reason
 b. The school of Shammai permitted divorce only in the case of
 fornication
 
 B. ANY ANSWER JESUS GAVE WOULD OFFEND SOMEONE...
 1. If He took the popular lax view
the Pharisees could deride
 His claim as a teacher of superior morality - cf. Mt 5:20
  2. If He upheld the stricter view
He would be unpopular with the
 majority (which the Pharisees could use against Him)
 
[Of course
Jesus was not concerned with what man thought
but in
pleasing His Father in heaven. This becomes evident as we next
consider...]
 
II. JESUS' ANSWER (4-6)
 
 A. HE APPEALS TO THE WORD OF GOD...
 1. "Have you not read...?" - Mt 19:4; cf. Gen 1:27; 2:24
 2. He does not place stock in the opinions of religious leaders
 of the day
 -- Is there not something for us to learn here? Where should we
 go to find the answer concerning the issue of divorce?
 
 B. HE REMINDS THEM OF THEIR GENESIS...
 1. "He who made them at the beginning `made them male and 
 female'..." - Mt 19:4
  2. It is helpful to keep in mind:
 a. Where we came from
 b. Who created us
 c. What we are
 3. For our views on divorce and remarriage will be influenced by
 our views of ourselves!
 a. Are we simply animals?
 1) Compelled by instinct?
 2) Unable to control fleshly desires?
 -- Then divorce and remarriage ought to be free and easy
 b. Or God's highest creation?
 1) Made in His image?
 2) Able to control fleshly lusts to the glory of God?
 -- Then divorce and remarriage ought to reflect God's
 desire for man's holiness!
 
 C. HE ATTRIBUTES THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE TO GOD
NOT MAN...
 1. Notice
it was GOD who said "For this reason..." - Mt 19:5;
 cf. Gen 2:24
 2. Therefore questions about marriage (such as divorce and
 remarriage) must be answered by God
not by man (nor by man's
 laws)!
 
 D. HE EMPHASIZES THAT IN MARRIAGE GOD CREATES A UNION...
 1. The two become one flesh - Mt 19:5-6; cf. Gen 2:24
 2. They are joined by none other than God Himself!
 
 E. HIS CONCLUSION: LET NOT MAN SEPARATE WHAT GOD JOINED...
 1. What GOD has joined together
let not MAN separate - Mt 19:6
 2. Man has no right to separate what God Himself has joined
 
[It is clear that God's intention is that marriage is to be for life!
It is God who joins the couple
and no one has the right to rend
asunder what God has joined together!
 
Are there any exceptions to this rule? The Pharisees thought so
as we
now notice...]
 
III. THE PHARISEES' REBUTTAL (7)
 
 A. THEIR REBUTTAL APPEARS BASED ON THE WORD OF GOD...
 1. Jesus had urged scriptural reasons against divorce - Mt 19:4-6
 2. They allege scriptural authority for divorce - Mt 19:7
 
 B. THEIR APPEAL TO SCRIPTURE WAS ON SHAKY GROUNDS...
 1. They appealed to Moses' statement in Deu 24:1-4
 2. Which they took to permit divorce as long as a "certificate of
 divorce" was given to the wife - cf. Mt 5:31
 3. Yet a careful reading of that passage reveals:
 a. Moses was forbidding the remarriage of a spouse who marries
 someone else
 b. The reason was despite the "certificate" the woman became
 "defiled" when she remarried - Deu 24:4
 c. The word "defiled" is used elsewhere to describe adultery
 - Lev 18:20; Num 5:13-14
 d. She actually became an adulteress by the remarriage! - cf.
 Ro 7:1-3
  4. While they appealed to this passage in divorce (and 
 presumably
remarriage)
it actually described the treachery
 of divorce: defilement of the spouse - cf. Mt 5:32
 
[The shakiness of their rebuttal is seen further as we consider...]
 
IV. JESUS' RESPONSE (8-9)
 
 A. MOSES "PERMITTED" DIVORCE DUE TO THEIR HARD HEARTS...
 1. The Jews at that time were a hardened people - cf. Deu 9:6;
 31:27
 2. Is this not a commentary on the state of one's heart when they
 desire to divorce their spouse?
 a. It takes a hard-hearted person to want to divorce their
 spouse
 1) Either to divorce arbitrarily (for no scriptural ground)
 2) Or to divorce when the guilty person is pleading for
 forgiveness and reconciliation
 b. Of course
that is exactly the condition of those in the
 world (or those in the church who are of the world) - cf.
 Ep 4:17-19
 
 B. IT WAS NOT WHAT GOD HAD IN MIND FROM THE BEGINNING...
 1. The permission to divorce was only temporary
 2. Note carefully:
 a. The Law of Moses (which was temporary) considered the
 hardness of men's hearts
and permitted hard-hearted 
 actions
 b. The gospel of Christ cures the hardness of one's heart!
 1) His grace removes the heart of stone
and replaces it
 with a heart of love!
 2) I.e.
a heart able to abide by God's original design for
 marriage
 3. Paul would later make it clear that under normal conditions
 divorce is not an option - 1 Co 7:10-11
 
 C. JESUS SETTLED THE POINT WITH AN AUTHORITATIVE "SAYING"...
 1. "And I say unto you..." - Mt 19:9
 a. His sayings were with authority - cf. Mt 7:28-29
 b. Upon which He expected people to base their lives - cf.
 Mt 7:24-25; 28:20
 2. Divorce is allowed only in the case of fornication - Mt 19:9
 a. Divorce for any other reason results in adultery when there
 is remarriage
 b. Which is what Jesus taught in Mt 5:32
 3. To marry a divorced (put away) person results in adultery
 a. Does this apply only to a person put away for a cause other
 than fornication?
 b. Or to the one who is guilty of fornication?
 c. The lack of the definite article would suggest any "put 
 away" person
 1) Either an innocent person wrongly "put away"
 2) Or a guilty person rightly "put away" for fornication
 
 D. OBSERVATIONS...
 1. Any divorce must be on those grounds specified by Jesus...
 a. For marriage is an institution ordained by God - Mt 19:5
 b. And we must not separate what God has joined - Mt 19:6
 2. A divorce for any other grounds...
 a. Is an attempt to separate what God has joined together
 b. Results in a remarriage where people commit adultery
 - Mt 19:9; cf. Mk 10:11-12
 3. Jesus' teaching was contrary to two views held by the Jews of
 His day...
 a. That as long as a "bill of divorcement" was given
they
 were free to divorce and remarry for any reason
 1) Consider Mt 5:31 as an example of their belief
 2) Yet Jesus taught:
 a) To divorce for any reason other than fornication
 causes the spouse to commit adultery - Mt 5:32
 b) To divorce and remarry for any reason other than
 fornication is to commit adultery - Mt 19:9
 b. That they could marry a woman who was divorced (with the
 exception of the priests - cf. Lev 21:7
14)
 1) Yet Jesus taught that to marry a divorced woman was to
 commit adultery!
  2) Again
the lack of the definite article in both Mt 5:32
 and Mt 19:9 indicates:
 a) Whether the woman was put away for the right reason
 or not
 b) In either case
the end result is adultery!
 4. Jesus defined the meaning of adultery...
 a. It was not uncommon at that time for some Jews to believe:
 1) That a man was guilty of adultery only if he violated
 another man's wife
 2) That he could be married
have relations with a single
 woman
and still not be guilty of adultery
 b. But Jesus defined adultery to include:
 1) Sex with the spouse of another (the standard definition)
 2) Looking at a woman to lust for her (certainly this would
 include either a married or single woman) - Mt 5:27-28
 3) Marrying a person who was divorced by his or her spouse 
 - Mt 5:32; 19:9
 4) Remarrying when one did not divorce for fornication
 - Mt 19:9
 
[As one might expect
what Jesus said prompted strong reactions. While
we do not know how the Pharisees reacted
we do know...]
 
V. THE DISCIPLES' REACTION (10)
 
 A. IF DIVORCE IS ALLOWED FOR ONLY ONE REASON...
 1. It is better not to marry! - Mt 19:10
 2. The single life would be preferable to being so bound to one's
 wife!
 
 B. CONTRAST THIS WITH THE REACTION OF MANY TODAY...
 1. The disciples of Jesus:
 a. "If such is the case with divorce and remarriage
it is
 better to be single!"
 b. With them
there was no question about obeying Christ's law
 on this subject
 c. Only that in view of His teaching
the preferable option is
  celibacy
 2. Many people today:
 a. "If such is the case with divorce and remarriage
it is
 better to be lost!"
 b. Rather than submit to scriptural marriage or celibacy
many
 people are more likely to opt for eternal damnation!
 c. Choosing to prefer a few years of adultery over an eternity
 of bliss!
 
[With the disciples' mention of celibacy as a viable option
Jesus used
the opportunity to speak on the subject as it related to His previous
"saying" or teaching...]
 
VI. JESUS' REPLY REGARDING CELIBACY (11-12)
 
 A. NOT EVERY ONE CAN ACCEPT THIS "SAYING"...
 1. I.e.
the saying of Mt 19:9
 2. The saying of Jesus regarding divorce and remarriage
 
 B. WHO CAN ACCEPT IT?
 1. "those to whom it has been given" - Mt 19:11
 2. "he who is able to receive it" - Mt 19:12
 
 C. WHO MIGHT THESE BE?
 1. Those willing to accept it "FOR the kingdom of heaven's sake"
 - Mt 19:12
 a. The kingdom of heaven means that much to them
 b. They are willing to do whatever necessary to enter it
 2. Even it means making themselves "eunuchs" - Mt 19:12
 a. I.e.
remaining single
even though they were not "born
 thus from their mother's womb"
 b. In order to remain true to the teaching of Jesus
 3. That such sacrifices might occur is implied in Mk 10:29-30;
 Lk 14:26
 a. One must put Christ before all others
including one's
 spouse
 b. Doing so may even cause one to leave their spouse 
 c. Yet the only situation in which one would be justified in
 doing so...
 1) Would be if their marriage was unscriptural
 2) For otherwise one is not to leave their spouse - cf. 
 1 Co 7:10-11
 4. For those willing to live the celibate life if necessary...
 a. They will receive the ability to live by His Will - cf. 
 Ph 4:13; Ep 3:20
 b. They can provide more service to the Lord being single 
 - cf. 1 Co 7:32-35
 ...just as many single and widowed serve the Lord faithfully
 in celibacy!
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. Any view of divorce and remarriage must take into consideration...
 a. The Word of God
 b. The nature of man and woman
 c. The sanctity of the union between man and woman created by God
 d. The consequences of rebelling against God
trying to separate
 what He has joined
 e. The value of entering "the kingdom of heaven"
 
2. The only course for faithful Christians is to comply with the
 teachings of Jesus...
 a. That divorce:
 1) Is an indication of one's hardness of heart
 2) Puts the spouse in a position to commit adultery when they
 remarry
 3) Causes one who has divorced their spouse to commit adultery
 when they remarry
 b. That there is only one ground for divorce and remarriage:
 1) Which is fornication
 2) In which the innocent person has the right to divorce and
 remarry
 c. That celibacy is a viable option:
 1) For those who desire to enter the kingdom of heaven
 2) Who may find it necessary to "make themselves eunuchs" (remain
 celibate) in order to do so
 
3. For those who find themselves in "unlawful" (i.e.
adulterous
 marriages - cf. Mk 6:17-18)
there is forgiveness through the blood
 of Jesus...
 a. But as with any sin
forgiveness in conditioned upon repentance
 b. Just as the Jews who had married foreign wives needed to repent
 by putting them away (cf. Ezra 9-10)
 c. So one repents by leaving any relationship described as adultery
 
May the Lord bless those with the faith to live according to His word

and may we be diligent in teaching our children what the Bible teaches
regarding divorce and remarriage!

The Difficulty With Riches (19:16-26)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. A well known story in the life of Jesus involves His interview with
 a rich young ruler - Mt 19:16-26; Lk 18:18-27
 
2. In this story we find a man who was so right
yet wrong...
  a. He came to the right person - Mt 19:16
 1) He came to Jesus
 2) Who could tell Him the way to eternal life
 b. He asked the right questions - Mt 19:16b
20
 1) "What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"
 2) "What do I still lack?"
 c. He certainly received the right answers - Mt 19:17-19
21
 1) "...if you want to enter into life
keep the commandments"
 (suitable for one living under the OT covenant)
 2) "If you want to be perfect
go
sell...give to the poor...and
 come
follow Me" (fitting for one who would become a disciple
 and follow Jesus during His ministry)
 d. But in the end
he made the wrong decision - Mt 19:22
 1) He went away sorrowful
 2) For he had great possessions
 
3. As rich young ruler went away sadly
Jesus told His disciples about
 the difficulty of riches...
 a. That it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God - Mt
 19:23
 b. That it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle 
 - Mt 19:24
 
4. What is it about being rich that makes salvation so difficult?
 a. Are we aware of the dangers of riches?
 b. Do we understand the proper attitudes toward wealth
whether we
 are rich or poor?
 
[Let's first consider...]
 
I. THE DIFFICULTY WITH RICHES
 
 A. THE ABSORBING INTEREST OF RICHES...
 1. Riches do not satisfy
and we foolishly think that simply more
 riches will bring satisfaction - cf. Ecc 1:8; 5:10
 2. With riches comes the preoccupation with them: how to use

 maintain
store
etc.
 -- Like a black hole
the accumulation of riches can absorb what
 time and energy we have so that we have little for anything
 else (such as family
church
the Lord)
 
 B. THE DECEITFUL PROMISE OF RICHES...
 1. Jesus warned about the deceitfulness of riches - Mt 13:22
 2. Riches promise much
but really offer little in return
 a. They can easily disappear
rust
or be stolen - Pro 23:5;
 Mt 6:19
  b. They cannot buy one's salvation - Psa 49:6-9
16-20
 c. Neither can they protect one from God's wrath - Zeph 1:18
 -- Riches can deceive one into thinking they are in need of
 nothing; the parable of the rich fool illustrates the folly of
 such thinking - Lk 12:16-21
 
 C. THE FOOLISH PRIDE OF RICHES...
 1. Wealth tends to promote a sense of arrogance and pride - cf.
 Deu 8:11-17
 2. It was such pride that was the downfall of Sodom and Israel 
 - Ezek 16:49-50; Hos 13:4-6
 -- Blinded by such pride
one will not seek God - Pro 10:4
 
 D. THE HARDENING SELFISHNESS OF RICHES...
 1. The wealthy
while in a position to help others
often close
 up their hearts to the cry of the poor
 2. This was one of Israel's sins - Amo 2:6; 5:11-12; 8:4-6
 -- Abusing the poor to make money
failing to respond to their
 cries for justice
interested more in money than the welfare
 of the poor...such are problems that often afflict the rich
 
[Certainly not all who are rich are guilty of such things. Some of the
most godly people in the Bible were rich (Job
Abraham
Joseph
David

Solomon
Barnabas
Philemon
Lydia). But these are reasons why it is
so hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. If they let mammon
become their god
they will not be willing to serve the true God! (cf.
Mt 6:24)
 
From what we have seen about the danger of wealth
let's now draw 
some...]
 
II. LESSONS GLEANED FROM THE DIFFICULTY OF RICHES
 
 A. THE FOLLY OF COVETOUSNESS...
 1. Why be so anxious to be rich
when riches might prove to be a
 curse for us?
 2. Besides
covetousness is viewed by God as a form of idolatry 
 - Ep 5:5; Co 3:5
 3. It not a sin to be rich
but the desire to be rich is wrong
 a. Those who desire to be rich will fall into temptation
and
 not go unpunished - 1 Ti 6:9; Pro 28:20
 b. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil - 1 Ti 6:
 10
  1) For which some have strayed from the faith
 2) And suffered many sorrows
 
 B. THE DUTY OF CONTENTMENT...
 1. Contentment along with godliness is true wealth - 1 Ti 6:6-7
 a. "He is richest who is content with the least." - Socrates
 (470-399 B.C.)
 b. "Contentment comes not so much from great wealth as from
 few wants" - Croft M. Pentz (The Complete Book of Zingers)
 2. Contentment is a virtue that is learned - e.g.
Ph 4:11-12
 a. By having a proper perspective on life - 1 Ti 6:7
 1) "You can't take it with you" 
 2) Ever see a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer?
 b. By understanding what is truly essential in life - 1 Ti 6:8
 1) Food and clothing...anything more is a luxury
 2) Realizing this
we will appreciate how blessed we are!
 3. Therefore Christians are to be content with what things we
 have - He 13:5
 
 C. THE NEED FOR SYMPATHY FOR THE RICH...
 1. Jesus loved the rich young ruler - Mk 10:21
 a. We should certainly love those who are rich
 b. We should not be envious
nor despise them
 2. If the rich are overcome by their riches
we should bear in
 mind...
 a. That the desire to be rich affects both the rich and those
 who want to be rich
 b. That the rich face many temptations that the poor do not
 3. The rich are in need of salvation as much as the poorest
 beggar - Ro 3:23; 6:23
 
 D. FAITH IN THE POWER OF GOD...
 1. Though it is hard for a rich person to be saved
it is not
 impossible - Mt 19:23-26
 a. No one can save themselves
whether rich or poor
 b. But God can save the rich by His own power
through the
 gospel - Ro 1:16-17
 2. There were many rich people who became Jesus' disciples
 a. Those that supported Him during His earthly ministry - Lk
 8:1-3
 b. Others such as Zaccheus
Matthew
Barnabas
Lydia
Aquila
 and Priscilla
Gaius
Philemon
 c. Such people used their riches in service to God and others
 - cf. 1 Ti 6:17-19
 3. Therefore...
 a. The rich should have the gospel preached to them
 b. We should pray for the rich
 c. We should rejoice greatly that there are rich men and women
 in the kingdom of God
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. The issue of wealth and riches is often one of contention...
 a. The poor are often envious of the rich
 b. The rich often despise the poor
 
2. But riches and poverty both have their difficulties...
 a. Wealth can one make one arrogant
less receptive to the gospel
 and the kingdom
 b. Poverty can make one bitter
filled with envy of others
 
3. Whether rich or poor
we should all be aware...
 a. Of our need for salvation that comes only by the grace of God
 b. That we can share together in the riches of salvation
 
Have you become an heir to the "unsearchable riches of Christ"?

－－《Executable Outlines》