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Matthew 19 Devotional: Explore Jesus’ teachings on marriage, divorce, and the blessing of children. Witness the encounter with the rich young ruler and discover why salvation is an impossible task for man but a gift of God’s grace.
Dear brothers and sisters, peace in Christ. Welcome to Matthew Chapter 19. Today, the journey brings us into some of the most practical and challenging conversations of Jesus' ministry. He speaks to our most intimate relationships and our deepest attachments. Let us listen with humility, asking the Holy Spirit to show us where we are trusting in ourselves rather than in His grace.
Matthew Chapter 19 Introduction:
Matthew Chapter 19 Introduction:
The High Call of the Kingdom and the Needle's Eye
Matthew 19 begins with a confrontation. The Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with questions about divorce, but He points them back to God’s original design at Creation—reminding us that marriage is a holy union joined by God. We then see the heart of the Savior as He rebukes His disciples to welcome the little children. The chapter concludes with the famous story of the rich young ruler, a man who followed the rules but could not surrender his wealth. Jesus uses this to teach a startling truth: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter the Kingdom of God.
What can we learn from this today? In this chapter, we see the necessity of God’s grace for salvation. As your Statement of Faith affirms, we believe that human beings fell into sin and are in need of redemption. The rich young ruler thought he could earn his way into heaven by "doing good," but Jesus exposed that his heart was tied to his possessions. When the disciples asked in despair, "Who then can be saved?", Jesus gave the definitive answer for every believer: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Our salvation is not a reward for our bank accounts or our perfect behavior; it is a gift received through faith in Christ alone. Whether in our marriages, our parenting, or our finances, we are called to a life of total surrender to the One who made the "impossible" possible for us.
Bible Verse
Bible Verse
19 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
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?
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,
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?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
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.
10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
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.
13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
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.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
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.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
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.
25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
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.
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.
30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Prayer
Prayer
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me." As we enter into prayer, let us come with that same childlike trust, knowing that our Father delights to hear the voices of those who depend entirely on Him.
Prayer Theme: "With God All Things Are Possible"
Prayer Theme: "With God All Things Are Possible"
Dear Heavenly Father, We praise You as the Creator of all things and the sovereign Lord of our lives. We believe that Your Word is the final authority for our faith and our conduct. Thank You for the gift of marriage and the blessing of children; we ask for Your grace to honor these relationships in a way that reflects Your love for the Church.
Lord, I confess that like the rich young ruler, I often hold onto things—my comfort, my plans, or my possessions—more tightly than I hold onto You. Search my heart today and show me what I am afraid to surrender. I thank You that my salvation does not depend on my ability to be "perfect," but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. When I feel overwhelmed by the high calling of the Gospel, remind me that what is impossible for me is possible for You. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to live a life of sacrificial love and service.
We pray for the marriages in our community, asking for healing, reconciliation, and steadfastness in a world that often devalues the marriage covenant. We lift up the children in our midst, asking that they would grow up knowing the warmth of Your embrace and the truth of Your Word. We pray for those who are struggling with the "idols" of wealth and success; may they find the true treasure that only You can provide. We ask that Your universal Church would be a place where the "last" are put "first," demonstrating the beauty of Your Kingdom to a watching world. Amen.
Daily Application Question
Daily Application Question
The rich young ruler walked away sad because he had "great possessions." Is there something in your life today that feels too "great" to give up for the sake of following Jesus more closely?
Frequently Asked Questions about Matthew 19
Frequently Asked Questions about Matthew 19
What is Jesus teaching about divorce? Jesus reaffirms the lifelong commitment of marriage as established in Genesis. He teaches that marriage is a divine union ("what God has joined") and warns against breaking that bond, pointing us back to God’s heart for faithfulness and reconciliation.
Why did Jesus say it’s hard for a rich person to enter heaven? Wealth often creates a false sense of self-sufficiency. It is not that money itself is evil, but that the love of money often replaces trust in God, making it difficult for a person to realize their desperate need for a Savior.
What does it mean to "sit on twelve thrones"? Jesus is promising His apostles a unique role of authority and honor in the coming Kingdom as a reward for their sacrifice. It serves as an encouragement to all believers that any earthly sacrifice made for Christ will be repaid a hundredfold in eternity.
Thank you for joining us for Matthew 19. May you walk today with the freedom of one who knows that salvation is a gift, not a burden. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow for the parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew Chapter 20.
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