Divorce, 19:1-12 (Mark 10:1-12).
[1-2] Jesus finished His teaching in the Galilee area. He went to the East side of the Jordan River, Perea.
[3] The Pharisees were testing Jesus again (see Matthew 16:1). This was not the last time they would test Him (see Matthew 22:18, 35). See Matthew 5:31-32. There were two different thoughts among the Jews concerning divorce. The followers of Hillel thought a woman could be divorced for nearly any reason, even if she burned the food. The followers of Shammai believed divorce could be legal only as a result of sexual sin.
Matthew 19:4-15
4 Jesus answered. “You have read this: ‘In the beginning, when God created people, he made them male and female.’ Genesis 1:27 5 He said, ‘A man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. The husband and wife will become one flesh.’ Genesis 2:24 6 So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Man must not separate what God has joined together.” 7 The Pharisees said to Jesus, “Then why did Moses give this command: ‘A man who divorces his wife must give her divorce papers.’?” Deuteronomy 24:1
8 Jesus said to them, “Your hearts were hard, so Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but it was not like that from the very beginning. 9 I am telling you, unless her sexual sin is the reason, if a man divorces his wife and marries another woman, he is committing adultery.” 10 Jesus’ followers said to him, “If this is the true relationship between a husband and his wife, it would be better not to marry!” 11 But Jesus said to them, “Not everyone can accept this teaching—only those to whom it has been given. 12 There are some men who cannot have sexual relations; they were born like this. Others were made that way by man. And some did this to themselves because of the kingdom of heaven. Let the person who is able to accept it accept it.” 13 Then some people brought their small children to Jesus, so that he could put his hands on them and pray. But his followers told the people not to do this. 14 Jesus said to his followers, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children.” 15 Then Jesus placed his hands on them. Later he left there.
[4-6] The Pharisees wanted to know when divorce was legal. But Jesus taught about the permanence of marriage. First, Jesus referred to the beginning (Genesis 1:27). God’s purpose for marriage was seen before Moses ever lived. God created a man and a woman to live as husband and wife. Second, it was God’s intention that the husband and wife become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). This was true before Moses ever lived. Divorce does not keep this unity, but breaks it. Third, God has joined them together as one flesh. Man should not try to change God’s ways. In fact, God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). Divorce is contrary to His purpose for creation and marriage.
[7-8] The Pharisees still asked about Moses and his teachings. They interpreted Moses’ action as a command (Deuteronomy 24:1). Jesus spoke of it as an allowance because of their hardness of heart. To be “hard-hearted” meant to be unwilling to follow the Lord’s way. It was the same as being “uncircumcised in heart” (Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4; Acts 7:51). Jesus again referred to the beginning.
[9] See Matthew 5:31-32. For other passages concerning divorce, see 1 Corinthians 7:10-17. A person who becomes a Christian must accept God’s standard and try to live God’s way.
[10-12] Jesus’ followers thought it would be better not to marry than to chance having an unhappy marriage. Jesus indicated that not everyone was meant to marry. Either by birth or by an act of man, some were unable to have sexual relations. Jews did not castrate men, but sexually impotent men could not serve as priests. Other nations castrated men to make them suitable for certain kinds of service (i.e., guards for kings’ wives, officers, etc.). The Ethiopian in Acts 8 was one of these men. Others, Jesus said, gave up their sexual desires for the kingdom of heaven. Jesus, of course, was not married and was, therefore, childless. To give up marriage for the purpose of serving God brings certain blessings (Mark 10:29-30; Matthew 19:29; 1 Corinthians 7:26-35). Teachings about marriage are not for everyone. Those who are impotent (not able to have sexual relations) by birth, men who are castrated, or who have chosen to give up marriage for the kingdom need not apply these teachings to themselves.
Blessing the Children, 19:13-15 (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17).
[13-15] Jesus’ attitude was very different from His followers’. Jesus believed children were important (Matthew 18:1-6). Children were often overlooked by adults. For “kingdom of heaven,” see Matthew 3:2. Jesus put His hands on them. In the Old Testament, this was an act of blessing (Genesis 48:14; 2 Kings 5:11; Matthew 9:18). Children have no need for baptism. Only those who have grown old enough to choose to disobey God need the forgiveness that comes with repentance and baptism (see Acts 2:38). Jesus knew children’s lives were important and needed blessing. Jesus blessed the poor, the common people, and the children. Followers of Jesus should put good experiences like this into the lives of their children.
Matthew 19:16-19
16 A man came to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17 Jesus said to him, “Why are you asking me about goodness? God is the only One who is good. Since you want to enter eternal life, obey the commands of God.” 18 The man said to Jesus, “Which commands?” Jesus said, ” ‘You must not commit murder.’ ‘You must not commit adultery.’ ‘You must not steal.’ ‘You must not lie.’ 19 ‘You must love and obey your father and your mother.’ Exodus 20:12-16 ‘You must love other people the same way you love yourself … ‘ ” Leviticus 19:18
The Rich Man’s Question, 19:16-30 (Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30).
[16-17] The rich man wanted to do some “good thing.” Jesus objected to his use of the word “good.” Goodness is to be found in God, not in something you do. Jesus was often called “Teacher” (Matthew 8:19; 22:16, 24, 36). The man wanted “eternal life.” This is the first time these words are used in Matthew. “Eternal life” means salvation. “Eternal life” is often used in John’s gospel.
[18-20] Jesus listed some commands. Some were from the Ten Commandments. Others were not. The man had obeyed these but still wanted to do something. The law could not bring all that God wanted for man. Even after keeping all the law, there was something lacking (see Hebrews 7:18-19 and Romans 8:3).
Matthew 19:20-30
20 However, the young man said to Jesus, “But I have obeyed all these things! What do I still need to do?” 21 Jesus answered him, “If you want to be all that God wants you to be, go sell everything you have and give the money to the poor people. Then you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me!”
22 When the young man heard these words, he went away sad, because he owned many things and he wanted to keep them. 23 Jesus said this to his followers, “I am telling you the truth: It will be hard for a person with lots of money to enter the kingdom of heaven! 24 I am telling you again: It will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When Jesus’ followers heard this, they were very surprised. They asked, “Then who can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked into their eyes and said, “For men, this is impossible, but for God, all things are possible!” 27 Then Peter answered Jesus, “Look, we have left everything and followed you! What will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “I am telling you the truth: You have followed me. At the time when things will be made right, when I sit on my glorious throne, you will also sit on twelve thrones. You will judge the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 Every person who has left his home, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or fields, because of my name, will receive many rewards and, after that person dies, he will receive eternal life with God. 30 Many people who seem as if they are not important now will be important at that time. Those who seem important now will not be important then.”
[21-22] Jesus told him that he must be willing to give up his most treasured possessions, those which he held most dear. The man loved his possessions more than eternal life with God. He was not like the man who sold everything to gain the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:44-46). Jesus was not saying that each follower must sell all he has. Each follower must put the kingdom of heaven first in his life. This man needed to “lose himself to find life” (see Matthew 16:24-26). There are two parts to having eternal life: giving Christ first place in our lives and following Him.
[23-24] The love of material things can keep many from entering the kingdom of heaven. Jesus used an exaggeration to show just how difficult it would be. The camel is a very large beast of burden. The eye of the needle is very small.
[25-26] Rich men in Jewish society were often thought to be rich because they were good and, therefore, blessed by God. If they could not be saved, who could? Most of those who followed Jesus were poor (Matthew 11:5; Luke 4:18). With God even the impossible can be possible (the rich can be saved).
[27-28] Peter and the other apostles had left many things: their boats, fishing nets, homes, tax businesses, etc. Jesus promised that they would have some special places in His Kingdom. All nations will appear before His throne (Matthew 25:32; Revelation 3:21; 20:4).
[29-30] Along with the future blessings, they will have blessings immediately (see Mark 10:29-30). Ultimately, the greatest blessing is eternal life with God. For “important people,” see Matthew 18:1-4.
Matthew 20:1-16
20 1 “The kingdom of heaven is like the man who owned some land. He went out early in the morning to hire some workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them one silver coin per day. Then he sent them into his vineyard. 3 At about nine o’clock in the morning, he went out again and saw some men standing around in the marketplace. They were not working. 4 He said to them, ‘You go into my vineyard, too. I will pay you whatever is fair.’ 5 So they went. In the same way, the owner went out about noon and again around three o’clock in the afternoon. 6 About five o’clock in the afternoon, he went out and found some more men standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing around here all day long? Why weren’t you working?’ 7 They answered him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into my vineyard, too.’ 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the workers and give them their pay.’ He began paying the ones who came to work last before the ones who came first. 9 The men who came to work at five o’clock received one silver coin each! 10 The men who came to work first thought they would be paid more than a silver coin, but they also received only one silver coin. 11 They took the money, but they began to complain against the owner of the farm. 12 They said, ‘The men who came last worked only one hour. You are paying them the same amount as us! We did most of the work all day long —and it was hot, too!’ 13 But the owner said to one, ‘Friend, I was not unfair to you. You agreed to work for me for one silver coin. 14 Take this coin. It belongs to you. Go! I want to give to this man who came to work last the same amount that I gave to you. 15 It is not wrong for me to do what I desire with what’s mine! Do you have a jealous eye because I am generous?’ 16 The people who seem as though they are not important now will be important later. Those who seem important now will not be important then.”
Parable of the Householder, 20:1-16.
[1] This story is a continuation of chapter nineteen. The ending of this story (verse 16) is the same as Matthew 19:30. Jesus is continuing to teach the same lesson to His followers: Who is really important? The landowner represents God or Christ Himself.
[2-7] The usual work day for the Jews began at 6 a.m. and continued until evening (about 6 p.m.). The workmen were needed desperately. The landowner made pay agreements only with the first workmen hired. To the rest he promised to be fair. A day’s wage was one denarius (a silver coin). This was considered a fair wage.
[8-16] The Old Testament required that workmen be paid at the end of each day (Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:15). The first men hired thought they were more important than those hired last. They had an “evil eye” toward the good fortune of the others. The landowner let them know that he had treated them fairly, according to their agreement. He also wanted to be generous to the others. They should have been thankful and rejoiced with the others. God rewards according to His grace (Romans 6:23). If men could earn and demand salvation, they could boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus is not teaching us to delay obeying God until the last hour. Each group of workmen went to work when they were first called. We can trust God to be fair and generous. Whatever we receive is a gift. We deserve death, but He gives life (Romans 6:23). We are not more important than others. Jesus closed the parable with the same words found in Matthew 19:30. God does not measure importance according to man’s standards.
Matthew 20:17-34
17 Jesus was ready to go up to Jerusalem. Along the road he took the twelve followers aside. He said to them, 18 “Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem. The most important priests and the teachers of the law will turn against me. They will condemn me to death. 19 Then they will give me to non-Jewish men who will laugh at me, beat me with whips, and nail me to a cross. However, I will rise from death on the third day.” 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee, James and John, came to Jesus with her sons. She bowed down and asked him for something. 21 Jesus said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Promise me that these two sons of mine will sit on thrones in your kingdom, one at your right side and one at your left side.” 22 Jesus answered them, “You don’t know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup of suffering which I am about to drink?” They said to Jesus, “We are able.” 23 Jesus said to them, “Yes, you will drink from the cup of suffering which I will drink, but the privilege of sitting at my right side or my left side is not mine to give. Instead, those places belong to those for whom my Father prepared them.” 24 When the other ten apostles heard about this, they were very angry with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called for them and said, “You know that the rulers of the world lord it over their people. Important men use their authority over them, 26 but you must not think that way. Instead, if one of you wants to be great, that person should be your servant. 27 If one of you wants to be important, he should be your slave. 28 I did not come to be served. Instead, I came to serve and to give my life to pay the price for many people’s sins.” 29 As they were coming out of Jericho, a large crowd was following Jesus. 30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When these men heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord! Son of David! Please help us!” 31 Some of the people told them to be quiet. But they shouted even louder, “Lord! Son of David! Please help us!” 32 Jesus stopped there and called for them. He asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They answered, “Lord, heal us! Let us be able to see again!”
34 Jesus felt sorry for them, so he touched their eyes. Immediately, the men were able to see again. They followed Jesus.
Jesus Will Rise From Death, 20:17-19 (Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34).
[17-19] Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. He was ready for what would happen. He wanted His disciples to know what would happen. For “Son of Man,” see Matthew 8:20. Jesus gave them details of His death. Non-Jewish men did laugh at Him (Matthew 27:27-31), beat Him (Mark 15:15) and nail Him to a cross (Matthew 27:31, 35-38). Other passages predicting His death are Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23. He also told of His victory. He did rise from death! (Matthew 28:1-10).
James and John Desire Honour, 20:20-28 (Mark 10:35-45).
[20-21] The mother of James and John is Salome (see Matthew 27:56 and Mark 15:40). Perhaps she was a widow because she was not referred to as the wife of Zebedee. Bowing was a position of worship.
Jesus had already said the apostles would have thrones (Matthew 19:28). To sit on the right and left of Jesus were places of honour. They were on their way to Jerusalem where a cross waited for Jesus, and they wanted a place of honour! They still did not expect a crucifixion.
[22-23] Jesus directed His reply to the two sons, James and John. Jesus would be exalted because He would suffer (Philippians 2:5-11). The “cup of suffering” referred to His death. Therefore, He was really asking, “Are you willing to die?” James was killed by Herod Agrippa I in A.D. 44 (Acts 12:2). John was imprisoned (Acts 4:3; 5:18) and sent into exile (Revelation 1:9). While in exile, he wrote the Book of Revelation.
[24-27] Naturally, the others became angry when they heard about the request. Jesus had to give them more instructions about greatness and importance in the kingdom (see Matthew 18:1-4; 23:11-12). They were acting like worldly people. Christian people should want to serve rather than be served.
[28] Jesus was the great example of service. He was God (John 1:1-2; Philippians 2:5-8). He showed them how to serve when He washed their feet (John 13:1-17). He freely gave His life. For “Son of Man,” see Matthew 8:20.
Jesus Healed Two Blind Men, 20:29-34 (Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43).
[29-30] Jericho was about 25 kilometres northeast of Jerusalem. It was 367 metres below sea level, while Jerusalem was about 760 metres above sea level. The crowd was following Jesus and perhaps followed Him all the way to Jerusalem. If they did follow Him to Jerusalem, they may have been apart of the entry into that city (Matthew 21:1-11). The blind men used the Messianic title “Son of David” (see Matthew 1:1). They were powerless, and Jesus could help those who were powerless. His mission was to help the weak (Luke 4:18-19).
[31-34] Jesus always had great compassion for people, especially poor, powerless people. The men were healed by only a touch. Others were healed in other ways (Matthew 9:29; Mark 8:23; John 9:6). These men were not told to keep quiet like the blind men in Matthew 9:27-31. Jesus is close to the end of His ministry, close to death. It did not matter if they told. Perhaps the men followed Jesus to Jerusalem.
Matthew 21:1-3
21 1 When they came near Jerusalem, they went into the town of Bethphage on Olive Mountain. Then Jesus sent two of his followers on ahead. 2 He said to them, “Go into the village just ahead of you. You will soon find a donkey tied up. A young donkey will be with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, say, ‘The Lord, their owner, needs them.’ Then he will send them right away.”