📖 Passage

Matthew 19:1–15
Read Matthew 19:1–15 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

Having concluded His Galilean ministry, Jesus now travels south toward Judea. Along the way, He addresses questions from the Pharisees about divorce, a subject that had divided Jewish teachers. His response roots marriage in God's creation design rather than human concession. Jesus also elevates the status of children in the kingdom, reinforcing His earlier teaching on humility and dependence. This passage underscores God's high view of marriage, the seriousness of covenant vows, and the open invitation of the kingdom to those with childlike faith.

🌿 Key Themes

• Marriage by God's Design – Established by the Creator from the beginning.
• Covenant Commitment – Divorce is a concession to human hardness, not God's ideal.
• Singleness for the Kingdom – Some are called to celibacy for God's purposes.
• Childlike Dependence – The kingdom belongs to those who trust with humility.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Matthew 19:1–2 – Ministry in Judea

"Great crowds followed Him, and He healed them there."

• Transition to Judea – Jesus moves closer to Jerusalem and His final mission.
• Compassionate Power – His ministry continues to combine teaching and healing.

Matthew 19:3–6 – God's Design for Marriage

"What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."

• Pharisaic Trap – The question on divorce was meant to spark controversy.
• Back to Creation – Jesus quotes Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, affirming marriage as a one-flesh covenant.
• Divine Joining – Marriage is God's work, not merely a human contract.

Matthew 19:7–9 – Concession for Hardness of Heart

"Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce…"

• Not the Ideal – Deuteronomy 24 permitted divorce but never commanded it.
• Exception Clause – Sexual immorality is the only explicit ground given for divorce.
• Seriousness of Covenant – Divorce and remarriage outside these grounds is adultery.

Matthew 19:10–12 – Singleness for the Kingdom

"There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven."

• Disciples' Surprise – They see Jesus' standard as demanding.
• Kingdom Singleness – Voluntary celibacy can be a calling for undistracted service.
• Gift, Not Command – Only those to whom it is given can accept it.

Matthew 19:13–15 – Let the Children Come

"Let the little children come to me… for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

• Contrary to Cultural Norms – Children were often seen as socially insignificant.
• Childlike Faith – The kingdom belongs to those who come with humility and trust.
• Personal Blessing – Jesus lays His hands on them, showing tender acceptance.

🔍 Trusted Insight

Spurgeon comments, "The Lord of glory did not think children beneath His notice. He welcomed them when others would have sent them away, for the kingdom is made up of such as they. A child's simple trust is the model of true faith." His words remind us that kingdom greatness is measured in humility, not status.

🧩 Review Questions

1. Why did the Pharisees test Jesus with a question about divorce?
2. How does Jesus' teaching on marriage go back to God's original design?
3. What is the meaning of the "exception clause" in verse 9?
4. How does Jesus view singleness for the kingdom?
5. What does it mean to receive the kingdom like a child?

🔍 Definitions

• One Flesh – The union of man and woman in marriage as a single covenantal entity.
• Hardness of Heart – Persistent resistance to God's commands and compassion.
• Eunuch – In this context, someone who is celibate, either by nature, circumstance, or choice.
• Bless – To speak or act in a way that conveys God's favor.

🙋 Application Questions

1. How does Jesus' teaching challenge today's view of marriage and divorce?

2. If you are married, how can you honor God's design in your relationship?

3. How can you value and support those called to singleness for kingdom work?

4. In what ways can you cultivate childlike trust in God?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• κολλάω (kollaō) – "To join closely, glue together."
• πορνεία (porneia) – "Sexual immorality," covering a range of unlawful sexual acts.
• σκληροκαρδία (sklērokardia) – "Hardness of heart," spiritual stubbornness.
• βασιλεία (basileia) – "Kingdom," the reign and rule of God.

📚 Cross References

• Genesis 1:27 – God created them male and female.

• Genesis 2:24 – A man shall be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

• Malachi 2:16 – God hates divorce.

• 1 Corinthians 7:7 – Singleness as a gift.

• Mark 10:13–16 – Parallel account of blessing the children.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → Matthew 19:16–30