This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Matthew, the 40th book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 25th May 2025.

About this book

The gospel of Matthew was aimed primarily at the Jew who was familiar with the Old Testament, quoting it more than any other of the gospels. And in its 28 chapters it presents Jesus as the Messiah, the King of the Jews, with Matthew wasting no time, starting with Jesus’ royal lineage back to king David of Israel in the opening chapter. But as well as looking back, it looks forward too, being the only gospel to mention the church by name. And so make no mistake, this is a very necessary book for us to read too.

About this passage

Chapter nineteen covers a lot of ground, with verses 1-10 recording Jesus’ response to the Pharisee’s question about marriage and divorce, followed up in verses 11 and 12 by His words regarding singleness too.

Verses 13-15 then record how some dad’s brought their children to Jesus, that He might pray for them, though the disciple’s initially refused them. And verses 16-30 note Jesus’ words regarding riches — including Jesus’ famous encounter with the rich young ruler, who sadly loved his riches more than God.

In this study, as we pick up our study in verse 27, we’ll see Jesus move from talking about the riches of this world, to the inheritance in heaven that awaits those who follow Him.

Then, as we enter chapter twenty, we’ll see Jesus move straight into yet another parable, before (in verses 17-19) He foretells both His death and resurrection to His disciples once more. Verses 20 through 28 return to the topic of serving, and there will be some necessary things for us to reflect on there. And finally, in verses 29-34, we’ll see another of Jesus’ miracles recorded, that took place as He travelled from Jericho to Jerusalem, where ultimately He would be crucified.

Application questions

• Are we serving God heartedly, or half-heartedly?
• Are we serving others at real cost to ourselves, as Jesus did?
• Are we guarding ourselves from jealousy (of other’s reward) or pride (wanting to be superior to others)?