Matthew - Week 60

Jesus and the Children 

READ 

Matthew 19:13 

13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 

This verse reveals how precious children are to Jesus. It also tells of concerned parents bringing their children to Jesus. They wanted Him to pray for them. Regrettably, the disciples—as some people today—think God is too busy to care about little children. The disciples thought the parents were bothering Jesus.  

REFLECT 

If you are a parent, are you doing all you can to nudge your children closer to Jesus? 

RESPOND 

Talk with a friend of what you have done or observed being done that helps nudge children closer to Jesus.  

Inheritors of the Kingdom 

READ 

Matthew 19:14-15 

14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” 15 And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. 

The disciples thought the parents were bothering Jesus by bringing their children to Him. This is not what Jesus thought. He wanted them to come to Him because the kingdom of heaven is for those who have the attitude of children who believe in Jesus. Before leaving them, He placed His hands on their heads and blessed them. 

REFLECT 

What do you think Jesus may have said as He blessed the children? 

RESPOND 

There are various blessings mentioned in the Bible. For two examples, see Numbers 6:22-26 and Jude 1:24. 

Path to Eternal Life 

READ 

Matthew 19:16-17 

16 Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” 

This person wanted to have eternal life. The person was likely familiar with the ten commandments in Exodus 20, as well as many other of the Old Testament commandments. Jesus told him to keep them if he wanted to have eternal life. For you and me, we can consider the verses John has recorded that plainly tell how to have eternal life (see John 3:16; 6:47). 

REFLECT 

What if Jesus had told you what he told this person? What would you have expected Him to say? 

RESPOND 

The testimony of the Bible is that a person is always saved by grace through faith. In the Old Testament the concept was faith in God, as Abraham expressed in Genesis 15:6. In the New Testament it was expressed as faith in Jesus Christ as in John 5:24 and Romans 5:1-2.  

The Commandments 

READ 

Matthew 19:18-19 

18 “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. 19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 

Even though the person surely knew of many commandments, he asked Jesus which ones he should keep to have eternal life. Jesus mentioned a few of the commandments. Even these few would be a test to see if he was serious about becoming a follower of Jesus. 

REFLECT 

Have you kept these commandments that Jesus mentioned to this man? Do you realize we are not under the Old Testament law system although its moral principles are true throughout time? 

RESPOND 

Spend time with another believer and examine what Jesus said about some of the commandments in His sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:21-32. Notice the importance of the heart attitude. 

Sell It All 

READ 

Matthew 19:20-21 

20 “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” 21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 

These verses reveal Jesus was putting this young man to the test. He boasted he had kept all the commandments, but what about loving his neighbor as himself. To prove he was not honest, Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give the money to the poor. This would prove he loved his neighbor as himself. 

REFLECT 

Have you felt that sometimes Jesus is putting you to a test? Tell of an experience in this regard. 

RESPOND 

Talk with another believer about what you can do to show you love others as Jesus instructed. That which is important is not how much money you earn but what you do with your money. There are many excellent charities that help others. Do you support any of them? See 2 Corinthians 8:11-13 for some principles in giving.