When you dive into the teachings of Jesus, especially as recorded in the Gospels, you’ll find a rich tapestry of wisdom that’s both profound and practical. One such gem is Matthew 19:18. But what exactly does this verse say, and why is it so important? Let’s unpack it together.
Understanding Matthew 19:18
In Matthew 19:18, Jesus is responding to a question posed by a young man who asks, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” Jesus first tells him to keep the commandments, and when the man asks which ones, Jesus begins to list them:
“Jesus replied, ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony…'” (Matthew 19:18, NIV)
This verse is part of a larger conversation, often referred to as the story of the rich young ruler. It’s found in Matthew 19:16-22 and offers deep insights into what Jesus values and what it means to follow Him.
The Commandments Jesus Highlights
In Matthew 19:18, Jesus is emphasizing a few specific commandments from the Ten Commandments. Here’s what they mean in the context of Jesus’ teachings:
- “You shall not murder”: This commandment goes beyond the act of taking a life. Jesus, in His teachings, extends this to include anger and hatred in your heart. In Matthew 5:21-22, He says, “Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
- “You shall not commit adultery”: Again, Jesus raises the bar. In Matthew 5:27-28, He teaches that even looking at someone lustfully is committing adultery in your heart. This highlights the importance of purity and the integrity of your thoughts and actions.
- “You shall not steal”: This command is about more than just taking someone else’s property. It encompasses honesty and respect for others’ belongings and rights. It’s about cultivating a spirit of generosity rather than greed.
- “You shall not give false testimony”: Truthfulness is at the core of this command. Jesus calls you to be honest and transparent in your dealings with others. False testimony isn’t just about lying in court; it’s about integrity in all your words and actions.
By listing these commandments, Jesus is pointing to a moral and ethical foundation that’s crucial for anyone seeking to live a life pleasing to God.
Why These Commandments?
You might wonder why Jesus specifically mentioned these commandments. They’re part of the second tablet of the Ten Commandments, which deals with your relationships with others. Jesus often summarized the law and the prophets with the two great commandments:
- Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
- Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).
The commandments Jesus lists in Matthew 19:18 directly relate to how you love and treat others. By focusing on these, He’s emphasizing that your actions and attitudes towards others are a reflection of your relationship with God.
The Broader Context
Understanding Matthew 19:18 also requires looking at the broader narrative. The young man in this story is wealthy and seeks assurance about eternal life. Jesus first directs him to the commandments, which were foundational in Jewish law. When the man claims to have kept these, Jesus challenges him further:
“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21, NIV)
This was a radical call to abandon his reliance on wealth and to fully trust and follow Jesus. It highlights that following Jesus isn’t just about rule-keeping but involves a deep, personal commitment that can sometimes require significant sacrifice.
Application for Today
So, how does Matthew 19:18 apply to you today? Here are a few takeaways:
- Reflect on Your Relationships: Are you treating others with the love and respect Jesus taught? Consider how you can better live out the commandments in your interactions with family, friends, and even strangers.
- Go Beyond the Letter of the Law: Jesus’ teachings often push you to look deeper than just following rules. It’s about the heart behind your actions. Are your motives pure? Are you harboring anger or lust? Strive for a heart that aligns with Jesus’ teachings.
- Evaluate Your Commitments: Like the rich young ruler, you may have areas in your life where you’re holding back from fully following Jesus. What are your “riches” that you cling to? They might not be material wealth but other forms of security or comfort. Jesus calls you to be willing to give these up for the sake of a greater treasure in heaven.
- Pursue Integrity: Honesty and integrity are fundamental. Whether in business, personal relationships, or even casual interactions, aim to be truthful and just. Your actions and words should reflect your commitment to living out Jesus’ teachings.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 19:18 is a powerful reminder that Jesus calls you to a life of integrity, love, and deep commitment to God and others. It’s not just about following a set of rules but about embodying the spirit of those commandments in every aspect of your life. As you reflect on this verse, consider how you can align your life more closely with the teachings of Jesus and embrace the full, abundant life He offers.
Remember, the journey to eternal life isn’t just about what you do but about who you become in Christ. So, take these commandments to heart and let them guide you in your daily walk with Him.
By reflecting on the profound simplicity of Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:18, you’re taking a step closer to understanding the essence of His message and how it can transform your life. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep seeking to live out these timeless truths.
FAQs About Matthew 19:18
What does Matthew 19:18 say?
Matthew 19:18 records Jesus listing specific commandments when asked about how to attain eternal life. He says, “You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony.” These commandments focus on ethical behavior and how you should treat others.
Why did Jesus list these particular commandments in Matthew 19:18?
Jesus listed these commandments to emphasize the importance of your relationships with others. They are part of the Ten Commandments that deal with ethical behavior and integrity in your interactions. Jesus teaches that loving others is central to following God’s will.
How do the commandments in Matthew 19:18 relate to Jesus’ teachings?
These commandments align with Jesus’ broader teachings on love and moral integrity. Jesus often spoke about the importance of the heart and intentions behind your actions, not just the actions themselves. By highlighting these commandments, He underscores the need for purity, honesty, and respect in your dealings with others.
What is the significance of the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22?
The story of the rich young ruler illustrates the challenge of balancing wealth and spiritual commitment. Jesus tells the young man to sell his possessions and follow Him, highlighting the call to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth. It’s a lesson about where true value lies and what it means to fully commit to following Jesus.
How can Matthew 19:18 be applied to daily life?
You can apply Matthew 19:18 by reflecting on how you treat others. It’s about living with integrity, honesty, and respect. Consider your motives and actions in light of these commandments and strive to align your life with the values Jesus taught.
What does “You shall not murder” mean in a broader sense?
While “You shall not murder” obviously prohibits taking a life, Jesus expands this to include harboring anger or hatred. It’s about fostering a spirit of reconciliation and peace. Jesus teaches that even harboring anger against someone is akin to committing a sin.
How does Jesus’ teaching on adultery go beyond the act itself?
Jesus broadens the commandment against adultery to include even lustful thoughts. In Matthew 5:27-28, He teaches that looking at someone lustfully is committing adultery in your heart. This highlights the importance of maintaining purity in both thought and deed.
Why is not giving false testimony important?
Not giving false testimony means being truthful and honest. It’s about maintaining integrity and trust in your relationships and society. Honesty is fundamental to building trust and upholding justice.
What did Jesus mean by asking the rich young ruler to sell his possessions?
Jesus’ call for the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor was a challenge to prioritize spiritual over material wealth. It was a test of his willingness to fully commit to following Jesus and to trust in God’s provision rather than his own wealth.
How can you reflect on your “riches” in the context of Matthew 19:18?
Consider what in your life you might be clinging to that could be hindering your full commitment to following Jesus. This could be material wealth, but it might also be other forms of security, comfort, or status. Jesus calls you to be willing to let go of anything that stands in the way of a deeper relationship with Him.
What’s the main takeaway from Matthew 19:18?
The main takeaway is that Jesus calls you to live with integrity, love, and a deep commitment to God and others. It’s about embodying the spirit of the commandments and reflecting Christ’s love and teachings in your daily life.
