Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 19
Matthew Henry Commentary
Matthew 19
Matthew Henry Commentary
Matthew 19
"And it came to pass when Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judaea beyond the Jordan; and great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there." — Matthew 19:1-2 (ASV)
Great multitudes followed Christ. When Christ departs, it is best for us to follow him. They found him as able and ready to help elsewhere, as he had been in Galilee; wherever the Sun of Righteousness arose, it was with healing in his wings.
"And there came unto him Pharisees, trying him, and saying, Is it lawful [for a man] to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said, Have ye not read, that he who made [them] from the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh? So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto him, Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorcement, and to put [her] away? He saith unto them, Moses for your hardness of heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it hath not been so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery. The disciples say unto him, If the case of the man is so with his wife, it is not expedient to marry. But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs, that were so born from their mother`s womb: and there are eunuchs, that were made eunuchs by men: and there are eunuchs, that made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven`s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." — Matthew 19:3-12 (ASV)
The Pharisees were eager to draw something from Jesus that they could portray as contrary to the law of Moses. Cases about marriage have been numerous and sometimes complex, made so not by God's law, but by the sinful desires and foolishness of people; and often, people decide what they will do before they ask for advice. Jesus replied by asking if they had not read the account of creation and the first example of marriage, thus pointing out that any departure from it was wrong.
That condition is best for us, and to be chosen and adhered to accordingly, which is best for our souls and tends most to prepare us for, and preserve us for, the kingdom of heaven. When the gospel is truly embraced, it makes people kind relatives and faithful friends; it teaches them to bear the burdens and to bear with the weaknesses of those with whom they are connected, to consider their peace and happiness more than their own.
As for ungodly people, it is fitting that they should be restrained by laws from disrupting the peace of society. And we learn that marriage should be entered into with great seriousness and earnest prayer.
"Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should lay his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence." — Matthew 19:13-15 (ASV)
It is well when we come to Christ ourselves, and bring our children. Little children may be brought to Christ as needing and being capable of receiving blessings from him, and having an interest in his intercession. We can only beg a blessing for them: Christ only can command the blessing.
It is well for us that Christ has more love and tenderness in him than the best of his disciples have. And let us learn from him not to discourage any willing, well-meaning souls, in their seeking after Christ, though they are weak.
Those who are given to Christ as part of his purchase, he will by no means cast out. Therefore, he strongly disapproves of all who forbid and try to shut out those whom he has received. And all Christians should bring their children to the Saviour that he may bless them with spiritual blessings.
"And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I observed: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions." — Matthew 19:16-22 (ASV)
Christ knew that covetousness was the sin which most easily beset this young man. Although he had obtained honestly what he possessed, he still could not cheerfully part with it, and by this his lack of sincerity was shown. Christ's promises make his precepts easy, and his yoke pleasant and very comfortable; yet this promise was as much a trial of the young man's faith as the precept was of his charity and contempt of the world.
It is required of us in following Christ that we duly attend his ordinances, strictly follow his pattern, and cheerfully submit to his will; and this from love to him, and in dependence on him. To sell all and give to the poor will not suffice; we are to follow Christ. The gospel is the only remedy for lost sinners. Many abstain from gross vices who do not attend to their obligations to God.
Thousands of instances of disobedience in thought, word, and deed are marked against them in the book of God. Thus many forsake Christ, loving this present world: they feel convictions and desires, but they depart sorrowful, perhaps trembling. We ought to examine ourselves in these matters, for the Lord will test us.
"And Jesus said unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through a needle`s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And when the disciples heard it, they were astonished exceedingly, saying, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon [them] said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee; what then shall we have? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name`s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life. But many shall be last [that are] first; and first [that are] last." — Matthew 19:23-30 (ASV)
Although Christ spoke so strongly, few who have riches do not trust in them. How few who are poor are not tempted to envy! But people's earnestness in this matter is like their toiling to build a high wall to shut themselves and their children out of heaven. It should be a satisfaction to those who are in a low condition that they are not exposed to the temptations of a high and prosperous condition.
If they live with greater hardship in this world than the rich, yet if they get to a better world more easily, they have no reason to complain. Christ's words show that it is hard for a rich man to be a good Christian and to be saved. The way to heaven is a narrow way for all, and the gate that leads into it, a strait gate; this is particularly so for rich people.
More duties are expected from them than from others, and more sins easily beset them. It is hard not to be charmed with a smiling world. Rich people have a great account to give for their opportunities, which exceed those of others. It is utterly impossible for a person who sets their heart upon their riches to get to heaven. Christ used an expression denoting a difficulty altogether unconquerable by human power.
Nothing less than the almighty grace of God will enable a rich man to get over this difficulty. Who then can be saved? If riches hinder rich people, are not pride and sinful lusts found in those who are not rich, and are these not as dangerous to them? Who can be saved? the disciples ask. None, says Christ, by any created power.
The beginning, progress, and perfecting of the work of salvation depend entirely on the almighty power of God, to whom all things are possible. It is not that rich people can be saved in their worldliness, but that they should be saved from it. Peter said, We have forsaken all. Alas! it was only a poor 'all,' only a few boats and nets; yet observe how Peter speaks, as if it had been some mighty thing.
We are too apt to make the most of our services and sufferings, our expenses and losses, for Christ. However, Christ does not upbraid them; although it was only a little that they had forsaken, yet it was their all and was as dear to them as if it had been more. Christ took it kindly that they left it to follow him; he accepts according to what a man hath. Our Lord's promise to the apostles is that when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, he will make all things new, and they shall sit with him in judgement on those who will be judged according to their doctrine.
This sets forth the honour, dignity, and authority of their office and ministry. Our Lord added that every one who had forsaken possessions or comforts, for his sake and the gospel, would be recompensed at last. May God give us faith to rest our hope on this promise of His; then we shall be ready for every service or sacrifice. Our Saviour, in the last verse, corrects a mistake of some.
The heavenly inheritance is not given as earthly ones are, but according to God's pleasure. Let us not trust in promising appearances or outward profession. Others may, for all we know, become eminent in faith and holiness.
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