"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

Chapter Nineteen

In response to another test by the Pharisees, Jesus spoke on the issues of marriage, divorce and celibacy (1-12). Little children were brought to Him, whom He blessed (13-15). When a rich young ruler questioned Him concerning eternal life (16-22), Jesus used the occasion to teach His disciples about possessions in relation to the kingdom of God (23-30).

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  1. What are the main points of this chapter?
    - Marriage, divorce and celibacy - Mt 19:1-12
    - Jesus blesses the little children - Mt 19:13-15
    - The rich young ruler - Mt 19:16-22
    - Possessions and the kingdom - Mt 19:23-30
  2. Who is it that joins a man and woman in marriage? (6)
    - God, not the state (government)
  3. What exception does Jesus allow for divorce? Otherwise, what occurs? (9)
    - Sexual immorality; adultery, cf. Mt 5:32
  4. What price might be necessary for some to enter the kingdom of heaven? (12)
    - To make themselves eunuchs (i.e., to remain in an unmarried state)
  5. What did Jesus say about little children? (14)
    - "Let the little children come to Me . . .for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
  6. What did Jesus counsel the rich young ruler? (17,21)
    - For eternal life, to keep the commandments (of Moses, still in force at that time)
    - To be perfect, sell all and give to the poor, and follow Him
  7. What did Jesus say about being rich and the kingdom of heaven? (23-24)
    - It is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom
    - It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle
  8. What did Jesus promise to His apostles who left all to follow Him? (27-28)
    - To sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel in the regeneration
  9. What did Jesus promise to all willing to leave much to follow Him (29-30)
    - A hundredfold blessings in this life; in the life to come eternal life, cf. Mk 10:29-30