Matthew 19:13–30
Salvation and how to find it
Jesus talked to the people again. He reminded them how to enter his
Jesus is the friend of children (Matthew 19:13–15)
This short passage is a lovely one. In those days, people did not think that children had any worth. People often neglected children. But Jesus welcomed them. Then he used the situation, as he often did. He showed more about the nature of his
In Matthew 18:1–13, Jesus emphasised different values. There were the values of his
In this passage, Jesus could be talking to members of his
Jesus spoke to those who were rich (Matthew 19:16–30)
Jesus continued his final journey. He was on his way to Jerusalem city. He used every chance to teach important lessons. Jesus talked to a rich young man. Jesus showed the way to enter his
The young man who came to Jesus was rich. He was a man with honour. He was an honest, good man. He was attractive too. (Read Mark 10:21.) He was a local leader. (Read Luke 18:18.) He had many advantages. But he was still not satisfied. He felt that he did not have a right relationship with God (Matthew 19:16). Because he had this sense of need, he ran to Jesus. (Read Mark 10:17.)
Jesus’ talk with the young man teaches us two things. The young man believed that he could cause God to be pleased with him. But he thought that he could do this by his own efforts. He had tried very hard. But he still did not feel at peace. Jesus told him that effort is never enough. To please God, he must have complete trust in him. He must put Jesus first in his life. He must follow Jesus (Matthew 19:21).
The whole book of Matthew emphasises this. Only Jesus’ death can deal with the problem of
Read Matthew 19:23–26 again. In each century, people have had the same idea about this passage. They suggest that Jesus was describing something that was very hard. But Jesus was clearly speaking about something that was impossible. The
Jesus emphasised that even a rich man could not save himself. This showed that nobody could ever earn
Jesus demanded much from the young man. But Jesus did not want people to have the wrong idea about
Questions
- What possessions should I keep for my family and for me? What proportion should I give away? How does this passage help?
- The Christian gospel means Good News. Jesus showed that there are demands and there are joys. How could the members of the church explain these things to people? Some people do not think very seriously at all. Other people think very seriously. They could feel that they must give away everything. How could you help both of these groups?
- What things stop your neighbours and friends from following Jesus today? How much do possessions take God’s place in their lives?