September 29, 2025
Humility & Conflict
Matthew 18-19
Taylor Hawk
Big Book Idea
Written to the Jews, and full of sermons, Matthew presents Jesus as king and shows us he came to fulfill the law.
Key Verse | Matthew 18:3
And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18-19
Chapter 18
Who Is the Greatest?
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, 1 18:6 Greek causes to stumble; also verses 8, 9 it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Temptations to Sin
7 Woe to the world for temptations to sin! 2 18:7 Greek stumbling blocks For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! 8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell 3 18:9 Greek Gehenna of fire.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 4 18:10 Some manuscripts add verse 11: For the Son of Man came to save the lost 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my 5 18:14 Some manuscripts your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
If Your Brother Sins Against You
15 If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed 6 18:18 Or shall have been bound shall have been loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 7 18:23 Or bondservants; also verses 28, 31 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 8 18:24 A talent was a monetary unit worth about twenty years' wages for a laborer 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant 9 18:26 Or bondservant; also verses 27, 28, 29, 32, 33 fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, 10 18:28 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, 11 18:34 Greek torturers until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
Chapter 19
Teaching About Divorce
1 Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. 2 And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” 12 19:9 Some manuscripts add and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery; other manuscripts except for sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery
10 The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
Let the Children Come to Me
13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.
The Rich Young Man
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, 13 19:28 Greek in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold 14 19:29 Some manuscripts manifold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Footnotes
[1] 18:6 Greek causes . . . to stumble; also verses 8, 9[2] 18:7 Greek stumbling blocks
[3] 18:9 Greek Gehenna
[4] 18:10 Some manuscripts add verse 11: For the Son of Man came to save the lost
[5] 18:14 Some manuscripts your
[6] 18:18 Or shall have been bound . . . shall have been loosed
[7] 18:23 Or bondservants; also verses 28, 31
[8] 18:24 A talent was a monetary unit worth about twenty years' wages for a laborer
[9] 18:26 Or bondservant; also verses 27, 28, 29, 32, 33
[10] 18:28 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer
[11] 18:34 Greek torturers
[12] 19:9 Some manuscripts add and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery; other manuscripts except for sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery
[13] 19:28 Greek in the regeneration
[14] 19:29 Some manuscripts manifold
Table of Contents
Introduction to Matthew
Timeline
Author, Date, and Recipients
Matthew was probably written in the late 50s or early 60s A.D. Matthew (also called Levi), the former tax collector who became Jesus’ disciple, is the author. The original audience may have been the church in Antioch of Syria. Its members included Jewish and Gentile Christians.
Theme
Matthew tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-expected Messiah who brought the kingdom of God to earth.
Purpose
Matthew writes his Gospel to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah, that he has the right to the throne of David as Israel’s true King, and that he is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to all the world (1:1; Gen. 12:1–3). Matthew seeks to encourage Jewish Christians (and all future disciples) to stand strong despite opposition. They should feel secure in the knowledge of their citizenship in God’s kingdom. Matthew shows that Gentiles also can find salvation through Jesus the Messiah.
Key Themes
- Portrait of Jesus (1:1, 23; 2:2; 14:33; 16:16; 18:20; 21:5–9).
- The bridge between Old and New Testaments (1:1–17, 22–23; 2:4–5, 15, 17, 23; 5:17–20).
- God’s continuing work of salvation within Israel, extended to all the peoples of the earth through the person and work of Christ (10:5–6; 28:19).
- The new community of faith (11:28; 16:18–19; 28:19).
- The church as built and maintained by Jesus’ continuing presence (16:18; 18:15–20; 22:10; 28:20).
- A “great commission” for evangelism and mission (28:19).
- Jesus’ five teachings as a manual on discipleship (chs. 5–7; 10; 13; 18–20; 24–25).
Outline
- The Arrival of Jesus the Messiah (1:1–2:23)
- John the Baptist Prepares for the Messianic Kingdom (3:1–17)
- Jesus the Messiah Begins to Advance the Messianic Kingdom (4:1–25)
- The Authoritative Message of the Messiah: Kingdom Life for His Disciples (5:1–7:29)
- The Authoritative Power of the Messiah: Kingdom Power Demonstrated (8:1–9:38)
- The Authoritative Mission of the Messiah’s Messengers (10:1–42)
- Opposition to the Messiah Increases (11:1–12:50)
- The Messianic Kingdom Revealed in Parables (13:1–53)
- The Identity of the Messiah Revealed (13:54–16:20)
- The Suffering of the Messiah Revealed (16:21–17:27)
- The Community of the Messiah Revealed (18:1–20:34)
- The Messiah Asserts His Authority over Jerusalem (21:1–23:39)
- The Delay, Return, and Judgment of the Messiah (24:1–25:46)
- The Crucified Messiah (26:1–27:66)
- The Resurrection and Commission of the Messiah (28:1–20)
The Setting of Matthew
The events in the book of Matthew take place almost entirely within the vicinity of Palestine, an area extending roughly from Caesarea Philippi in the north to Beersheba in the south. During this time it was ruled by the Roman Empire. The opening chapters describe events surrounding Jesus’ birth in Judea, where Herod had been appointed king by the Romans. The closing chapters end with Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension during the rule of Pontius Pilate and the tetrarchs Antipas and Philip.
Fact: Death penalty for apostasy?
Death penalty for apostasy? Anyone who urged a fellow Israelite to “go and serve other gods” was to be put to death (13:6–11). While the NT does not prescribe death for such an offense, it gives serious warning to anyone who leads another person into sin (Matt. 18:6).
Fact: Talent
One talent was equal to about 20 years worth of wages for a laborer. By today’s standards, one talent would equal about $600,000 USD. Multiplied by 10,000 (the amount the servant owed in 18:24), the debt would have been $6 billion! Jesus uses this illustration to show that, without forgiveness from God, our debt to him is impossible to pay.
Fact: Children
Jesus welcomed children and sometimes used them as examples of humility (10:21; 18:15–17). He taught that such humility was necessary for his followers (see Matt. 18:3–4). God delights in showing mercy to those who are humble (see Luke 1:52–53).
Jesus’ Final Journey to Jerusalem
Though John mentions several trips to Jerusalem by Jesus during his ministry, Matthew, Mark, and Luke recount only one, which occurred as Jesus prepared for his triumphal entry and subsequent death and resurrection. Beginning at Capernaum, Jesus was apparently diverted from the more direct route when Samaritans refused him access (Luke 9:51–56), so he may have crossed the Jordan and traveled through Perea. Jesus then passed through Jericho and proceeded to Jerusalem.
The Parables of Jesus
| Parable | Matthew | Mark | Luke |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Purpose of the Parables | 13:10–17 | 4:10–12 | 8:9–10 |
| The Sower | 13:1–9, 18–23 | 4:1–9, 13–20 | 8:4–8, 11–15 |
| The Weeds | 13:24–30, 36–43 | 4:26–29 | |
| The Mustard Seed | 13:31–32 | 4:30–32 | 13:18–19 |
| The Leaven | 13:33 | 13:20–21 | |
| The Hidden Treasure | 13:44 | ||
| The Pearl of Great Value | 13:45–46 | ||
| The Net | 13:47–50 | ||
| The Lost Sheep | 18:10–14 | 15:3–7 | |
| The Unforgiving Servant | 18:23–35 | ||
| The Two Sons | 21:28–32 | ||
| The Tenants | 21:33–44 | 12:1–11 | 20:9–18 |
| The Wedding Feast | 22:1–14 | 14:16–24 | |
| The Ten Virgins | 25:1–13 | ||
| The Talents | 25:14–30 | 19:11–27 | |
| The Good Samaritan | 10:29–37 | ||
| The Rich Fool | 12:16–21 | ||
| The Barren Fig Tree | 13:6–9 | ||
| The Wedding Feast | 14:7–11 | ||
| The Lost Coin | 15:8–10 | ||
| The Prodigal Son | 15:11–32 | ||
| The Dishonest Manager | 16:1–9 | ||
| The Rich Man and Lazarus | 16:19–31 | ||
| The Persistent Widow | 18:1–8 | ||
| The Pharisee and the Tax Collector | 18:9–14 |
Peter
Peter and his brother Andrew were from the city of Bethsaida. The two fishermen were the first disciples called by Jesus, and they immediately left everything to follow him. Jesus gave Simon the name Cephas, or Peter, which means “rock” (John 1:42). Peter, James, and John became the close inner circle among the 12 disciples. Always listed first among the Twelve, Peter often served as their spokesman. He was with Jesus during the key events of his ministry, including the Transfiguration. Peter was one of Jesus’ most outspoken and passionate followers, though at times that enthusiasm was misplaced and needed a word of correction from Jesus (Matt. 19:27–30; 26:31–35, 69–75). Peter preached boldly at Pentecost. He was arrested multiple times, and even imprisoned, for preaching in the name of Jesus, but he remained faithful (Acts 12:1–19). Peter wrote the two NT letters that bear his name. He died a martyr in Rome, under Nero. (Matthew 16:13–20)
Matt. 18:2–4 Whoever humbles himself like this child. The humility of a child consists of trust, vulnerability, and the need for the help of a parent.
Fact: Children
Jesus welcomed children and sometimes used them as examples of humility (10:21; 18:15–17). He taught that such humility was necessary for his followers (see Matt. 18:3–4). God delights in showing mercy to those who are humble (see Luke 1:52–53).
Matt. 18:5–6 One such child (see vv. 2–4) and these little ones who believe in me both refer to Christ’s disciples (compare 10:40–42).
Fact: Death penalty for apostasy?
Death penalty for apostasy? Anyone who urged a fellow Israelite to “go and serve other gods” was to be put to death (13:6–11). While the NT does not prescribe death for such an offense, it gives serious warning to anyone who leads another person into sin (Matt. 18:6).
Matt. 18:6–9 drowned in the depth of the sea . . . foot causes you to sin, cut it off . . . eye causes you to sin, tear it out. Jesus uses deliberate overstatements to emphasize the necessity of self-discipline to remove sin from one’s life before the sin leads to judgment; see note on 5:29–30. The Greek word for hell in 18:9 is derived from the Valley of the Son of Hinnom near Jerusalem (2 Kings 23:10). This valley was associated with fire in the OT (Isa. 30:33; Jer. 7:31), so it came to be seen as symbolic of hell.
Matt. 18:10 The heavenly Father uses angels to care for his childlike disciples (see Heb. 1:14). always see the face of my Father. These angels have continuous communication with God.
Matt. 18:12 a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray. Here the wandering sheep represents a believer.
Matt. 18:15 gained. The goal of confronting an offending fellow believer is to restore the broken relationship.
Matt. 18:16 Evidence of two or three witnesses follows the guideline in Deut. 19:15. It refers to witnesses of the confrontation described in this verse, not necessarily eyewitnesses to the original offense (Matt. 18:15).
Matt. 18:17 If the offending party of vv. 15–16 will not repent after the matter has been brought before the entire church, then he or she is to be excluded from the fellowship and thought of as an unbeliever. Gentile and tax collector describes those who are deliberately rebellious against God.
Matt. 18:18 whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven. All disciples are given Peter’s authority to declare the terms under which God either forgives or refuses to forgive the sin of wayward disciples (see note on 16:19).
Matt. 18:20 there am I among them. Jesus will be present among his disciples as they seek unity in decisions. Jesus’ ability to be present in this way means that he is omnipresent and thus is shown to be God.
Matt. 18:21–22 how often will . . . I forgive him? In Judaism, forgiving three times showed a generous spirit. Peter believes he has been particularly kind (seven times). But true disciples of Jesus forgive without keeping count (seventy-seven times).
Matt. 18:24 ten thousand talents. In NT times, a talent was a unit of monetary reckoning valued at about 6,000 drachmas, the equivalent of about 20 years’ wages for a laborer. Hence, “ten thousand talents” would be equivalent to 200,000 years of wages.
Fact: Talent
One talent was equal to about 20 years worth of wages for a laborer. By today’s standards, one talent would equal about $600,000 USD. Multiplied by 10,000 (the amount the servant owed in 18:24), the debt would have been $6 billion! Jesus uses this illustration to show that, without forgiveness from God, our debt to him is impossible to pay.
Matt. 18:25 sold, with his wife and children. A practice common in the ancient world (see Ex. 21:2–11; Deut. 15:12–18; 2 Kings 4:1; Neh. 5:4–8).
Matt. 18:27 forgave him the debt. The forgiveness of such a massive debt (see note on v. 24) is a dramatic illustration of the massive debt that people owe, because of their sins, to the holy and righteous God. It also shows God’s gracious provision to pay this debt through Christ’s death and resurrection (Rom. 6:23).
Matt. 18:28–32 A hundred denarii was still a large amount (equivalent to about 20 weeks’ wages for a common labor), but it was very little compared to the debt the wicked servant owed (see note on v. 24). The servant’s unwillingness to forgive this smaller amount revealed that he had not been transformed by the forgiveness that his master had given him.
Matt. 18:34 delivered him to the jailers. A metaphorical reference to eternal punishment (see 8:12; 10:28; 13:42, 49–50; 22:13; 24:51).
Matt. 18:35 not forgive your brother from your heart. Someone who does not forgive others shows that his own heart has not experienced God’s forgiveness.
The Parables of Jesus
| Parable | Matthew | Mark | Luke |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Purpose of the Parables | 13:10–17 | 4:10–12 | 8:9–10 |
| The Sower | 13:1–9, 18–23 | 4:1–9, 13–20 | 8:4–8, 11–15 |
| The Weeds | 13:24–30, 36–43 | 4:26–29 | |
| The Mustard Seed | 13:31–32 | 4:30–32 | 13:18–19 |
| The Leaven | 13:33 | 13:20–21 | |
| The Hidden Treasure | 13:44 | ||
| The Pearl of Great Value | 13:45–46 | ||
| The Net | 13:47–50 | ||
| The Lost Sheep | 18:10–14 | 15:3–7 | |
| The Unforgiving Servant | 18:23–35 | ||
| The Two Sons | 21:28–32 | ||
| The Tenants | 21:33–44 | 12:1–11 | 20:9–18 |
| The Wedding Feast | 22:1–14 | 14:16–24 | |
| The Ten Virgins | 25:1–13 | ||
| The Talents | 25:14–30 | 19:11–27 | |
| The Good Samaritan | 10:29–37 | ||
| The Rich Fool | 12:16–21 | ||
| The Barren Fig Tree | 13:6–9 | ||
| The Wedding Feast | 14:7–11 | ||
| The Lost Coin | 15:8–10 | ||
| The Prodigal Son | 15:11–32 | ||
| The Dishonest Manager | 16:1–9 | ||
| The Rich Man and Lazarus | 16:19–31 | ||
| The Persistent Widow | 18:1–8 | ||
| The Pharisee and the Tax Collector | 18:9–14 |
Matt. 19:1 Judea beyond the Jordan. Most likely the region of Perea, the largely Jewish area just east of the Jordan River between Samaria and the Decapolis.
Jesus’ Final Journey to Jerusalem
Though John mentions several trips to Jerusalem by Jesus during his ministry, Matthew, Mark, and Luke recount only one, which occurred as Jesus prepared for his triumphal entry and subsequent death and resurrection. Beginning at Capernaum, Jesus was apparently diverted from the more direct route when Samaritans refused him access (Luke 9:51–56), so he may have crossed the Jordan and traveled through Perea. Jesus then passed through Jericho and proceeded to Jerusalem.
Matt. 19:3 Pharisees . . . tested him. See note on 3:7. The religious leaders try to make Jesus look guilty by misinterpreting the law. divorce. There was a significant debate among the Pharisees about the correct interpretation of Moses’ divorce regulations (Deut. 24:1).
Matt. 19:6 What . . . God has joined together implies that marriage is not merely a human agreement but a relationship established by God. From the moment they are married, the husband and wife are unified in a way that is different from all other human relationships. Being “one flesh” includes the sexual union of a husband and wife (see Gen. 2:24), but it also means that their primary human loyalty is now to each other, before anyone else (Gen. 2:24).
Matt. 19:8 Because of your hardness of heart means, “because there was rebellion against God among you, leading to broken marriage covenants.” God therefore provided divorce for dealing with such cases. From the beginning it was not so points to God’s original intent that marriage would be lifelong and that, even when divorce is permitted on very specific grounds, it is never required. See note on Deut. 24:1–4.
Matt. 19:9 Every phrase in this verse is important for understanding Jesus’ teaching on divorce. whoever divorces his wife. The word translated here as “divorces” always refers to divorce, not separation (see also v. 3). except for sexual immorality. “Sexual immorality” refers to any sexual intercourse outside of marriage; see note on 5:31–32. This implies that divorce on the grounds of sexual immorality is not prohibited. This is the one exception Jesus makes to the requirement that marriage be lifelong. Sexual immorality undercuts the “one flesh” union (19:5). The parallel passages in Mark 10:11–12 and Luke 16:18 omit “except for sexual immorality,” probably because everyone assumed that divorce was allowed in the case of adultery (this was not at issue in the immediate context in Mark 10 and Luke 16). and marries another, commits adultery. If a divorce is obtained for any reason other than sexual immorality, then the second marriage begins with adultery. Jesus is prohibiting divorce for the many trivial reasons that were used in the first century. This led to widespread injustice, especially for women whose husbands suddenly divorced them. “And marries another” implies that the second marriage, though it begins with adultery, is still a marriage. Once a second marriage has occurred, it would be further sin to break it up. If the exception (“sexual immorality”) occurs, then remarriage to “another” does not constitute adultery and is acceptable. Divorce, it must be remembered, is permitted but not required in the case of sexual immorality. Since God’s intention is that marriage should be for life (Matt. 19:4–8), one should make every reasonable effort to achieve restoration and forgiveness before taking steps to dissolve a marriage through divorce. (On the question of divorce and desertion, see 1 Cor. 7:15 and note.)
Matt. 19:10–12 This saying is best understood as referring to the statement it is better not to marry. those to whom it is given. . . . eunuchs. This would include those without the physical capacity for sexual relations and those who have chosen a life of abstinence (see 1 Cor. 7:6–9; and note on 1 Cor. 7:5–7).
Matt. 19:13 lay his hands on them. A traditional manner of blessing children in Israel (see Gen. 48:14).
Matt. 19:14 to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. See notes on 18:2–4; 18:5–6.
Matt. 19:16 a man came up to him. Verses 16–22 have been called the story of the “rich young ruler” since he is rich (v. 22), young (v. 20), and a ruler (compare Luke 18:18). He may have been a religious lay leader, quite possibly a Pharisee (because of his effort in following the law). He first addresses Jesus as Teacher, a title of respect. Then he asks what good deed he must do to have eternal life. It is the first occurrence of the expression “eternal life” in Matthew (see Matt. 19:29; 25:46). In the parallel accounts (Mark 10:17–22; Luke 18:18–23), the wording of the question and answer differs somewhat. This seems to be a case of different Gospels reporting different parts of the same conversation.
Matt. 19:17 There is only one who is good. Only in understanding God as infinitely good can the young man discover that good deeds cannot earn eternal life. keep the commandments. Jesus is not teaching that good works can earn eternal life, for in vv. 21–22 he will show the man how far short he falls of keeping the commandments (see Ex. 20:3; Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:36–40). But obedience to the law is also an expression of belief in the God who is the source of all good, including eternal life.
Matt. 19:18–19 Which ones? Jesus gives a representative list of commandments (compare Ex. 20:1–17; Lev. 19:18; Deut. 5:7–21; Matt. 22:36–40).
Matt. 19:20 All these I have kept. The man implies he has kept not only these, but the entire law, which they represent. Yet he still senses that something is lacking.
Matt. 19:21 If you would be perfect. Jesus wants to turn this man from focusing on external obedience to examining his heart, revealing that his money is his ruling god. give to the poor. The man had surely already given some money to the poor, for this was considered a duty, especially among the Pharisees. But Jesus calls him to give away everything, exchanging the god of wealth for the eternal treasure found in following the one true God. Jesus’ ultimate answer to the question posed in v. 16 (“What . . . must I do to have eternal life?”) is to follow him.
Matt. 19:23 only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Wealth fools a person into thinking that he or she is self-sufficient apart from God. The general attributes of the “rich” are the opposite of those of a “child” (see 18:1–5; 19:13–15).
Matt. 19:24 camel. The largest land animal in Palestine. the eye of a needle. The smallest opening. Jesus paints a picture of something impossible in order to illustrate that even the seemingly impossible is possible with God.
Matt. 19:25 astonished. Wealth was often seen as a sign of God’s approval and blessing (see Deut. 28:1–14).
Matt. 19:26 with God all things are possible. This is seen in the conversions of rich men like Joseph of Arimathea (27:57) and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:9–10).
Matt. 19:28 the new world. This looks forward to the future end-time renewal of the world (compare 2 Pet. 3:10–13; Revelation 21–22).
Matt. 19:29 receive a hundredfold. See Mark 10:29–30 and note; Luke 18:30. will inherit eternal life. Eternal life is an inherited gift, not an earned reward.
Matt. 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first. See note on 20:16.
Peter
Peter and his brother Andrew were from the city of Bethsaida. The two fishermen were the first disciples called by Jesus, and they immediately left everything to follow him. Jesus gave Simon the name Cephas, or Peter, which means “rock” (John 1:42). Peter, James, and John became the close inner circle among the 12 disciples. Always listed first among the Twelve, Peter often served as their spokesman. He was with Jesus during the key events of his ministry, including the Transfiguration. Peter was one of Jesus’ most outspoken and passionate followers, though at times that enthusiasm was misplaced and needed a word of correction from Jesus (Matt. 19:27–30; 26:31–35, 69–75). Peter preached boldly at Pentecost. He was arrested multiple times, and even imprisoned, for preaching in the name of Jesus, but he remained faithful (Acts 12:1–19). Peter wrote the two NT letters that bear his name. He died a martyr in Rome, under Nero. (Matthew 16:13–20)
S4:233 Matthew 18-19
Listen NowDive Deeper | Matthew 18-19
Throughout this passage, Matthew displays Jesus' authority, using various juxtapositions to teach the truths of God's kingdom and reveal the many ways people in that day misunderstood the law. We start with the disciples asking Jesus what they surely thought was a complex question: who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? The contradiction between the ideas of greatness that the disciples likely had—such as the military conquests of King David or the miraculous works done through the Old Testament prophets—and the child Jesus put in front of them was undoubtedly quite jarring. After all, their understanding of the law hinged on attaining higher standing in the eyes of God through acts of righteousness and meticulously tracking failures to ensure proper atonement through sacrifice. Jesus instead revealed that greatness is not about what we have achieved but having faith and humility like a child in what God has done for us.
Jesus next presents a model by which his disciples should handle conflict in humility. Peter probably believed his follow-up question, which suggested forgiveness up to seven times, exemplified the humility and grace for which Jesus had been advocating. After all, at the time, the religious leaders taught that forgiving another person three times was sufficiently generous. Jesus' response that we should be ready to forgive more times than a person can reasonably track makes Peter's generosity sound stingy. The following parable of the unforgiving servant further highlights the foolishness of keeping track of the amount of grace we afford others in light of the overwhelming grace and forgiveness God has given us.
The final juxtaposition can be subtle, but significant nonetheless. Jesus again highlights the humble, all-encompassing faith of children, to whom the kingdom of heaven belongs. This contrasts with the conflicted rich man who has allowed his wealth to convince him of his sufficiency. This belies the ultimate truth of what Jesus came to teach us: His impending death on the cross and resurrection three days later were the only way any of us could access the abundant life of the kingdom of heaven.
This month's memory verse
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV)
– Matthew 11:28-30
Discussion Questions
1. Are you living in humble acknowledgment that any of your accomplishments pales in comparison with God's righteousness? Does that knowledge spur you to gratitude and a desire to serve God, or do you find yourself trying to define greatness apart from God?
2. Jesus presents a powerful model for conflict resolution that helps us restore one another to good standing and avoid gossip. Is your first response when feeling hurt or wronged by a fellow believer to follow this model?
3. Does humility mark your interactions with others? Do you find yourself keeping score often or forgiving freely in light of God's grace?
4. Wealth is a key theme throughout Scripture. Was Jesus implying that everyone must give all of their money away to be saved? What was wrong with the rich young man's attitude toward his wealth? Do you see money as a means of achieving self-sufficiency, or do you view God as the owner and yourself as a steward?
5. Jesus sets the bar high regarding marriage, sexuality, wealth, and conflict in this passage. How do we live in light of the standard Christ set in his teaching and the free gift of grace he offers through his death on the cross?