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Matthew 19

And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

What does Matthew 19:14 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 19:14 delivers a profound message about the nature of God's Kingdom and Jesus Christ's attitude toward children.

In this verse, Jesus rebukes His disciples for preventing children from approaching Him.

He states that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like children.

This can be understood literally, as children being allowed to be near Him, but it also has a deeper meaning.

Jesus emphasizes qualities often found in children, such as humility, innocence, and simple, unpretentious faith, as being essential for those who are part of the kingdom of heaven.

The verse implies that one must possess these childlike attributes to truly embrace the spiritual realities of God's reign.

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Historical Context

Matthew 19:14 is part of a larger story where Jesus is teaching in Judea and beyond the Jordan.

People brought children to Jesus to receive a blessing, but the disciples rebuked them, likely thinking that Jesus had more important matters to address.

In the Jewish context, children were seen as being on the lower rungs of social status and not worthy of taking up a rabbi's time.

Jesus' response counteracted the prevalent social norms of the time by highlighting the value of children within God's plan.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints approach this verse with varying emphases.

The Catholic and Orthodox traditions often use this verse to highlight the innocence and purity of children, viewing it as a call to embrace these qualities in spiritual life.

Protestant traditions may focus on the 'childlike faith' aspect, emphasizing trust and dependence on God.

Liberation theology takes note of Jesus' preferential option for the marginalized, stressing that the powerless, like children, are central to the kingdom of God.

Practical Applications

Matthew 19:14 can inspire several practical applications in daily life:

Encouraging an attitude of humility and openness in one’s spiritual journey.
Reminding adult believers to respect, nurture, and value children within their communities.
Motivating individuals to have a trusting, childlike faith in God.
Challenging societal structures that marginalize the weak or less important.

Cross-References

Mark 10:14-15: "But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
Luke 18:16: "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
Matthew 18:3: "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

"Suffer" (ἀφέτε) in Koine Greek means "to allow" or "to permit," indicating that Jesus is asking for the children to be allowed to come without hindrance.
"Little children" (παιδία) refers to young children or infants, underscoring the vulnerable and dependent status of those Jesus insisted be brought to Him.
"Kingdom of heaven" (βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν) is a term used frequently in Matthew to refer to the realm of God's sovereign rule and presence, both now and in the future.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures outside of Judaism, children often held a low place in society, similar to the Jewish context, and were not typically the focus of philosophical or religious teaching.

In contrast, Jesus' teaching here is revolutionary, elevating children's status. Comparatively, many religions emphasize purity and humility, virtues embodied in children, as qualities desirable for spiritual seekers.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, child development studies affirm some of the qualities Jesus indicates are important, such as the capacity for wonder, trust, and learning.

Neuroscience has shown that children have a distinct way of perceiving and engaging with the world, one not limited by the same biases and preconceptions as adults.

This aligns with a faith approach that is open and receptive to new ideas.

Commentaries

Modern biblical scholars and theologians offer varied insights on Matthew 19:14.

Some emphasize the countercultural aspect of Jesus' statement, suggesting that Jesus radically redefined who was important in the eyes of God.

Other commentaries might focus on the eschatological implications, interpreting Jesus' words as providing a glimpse into the values and nature of the eternal kingdom.

Yet others point to this verse as an indication of the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry, serving as a welcome to all, regardless of social status or age.

Matthew 19

Matthew 19

What does Matthew 19:14 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 19:14 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?