What is Matthew 19-21? [Meaning and Significance]

The Gospel of Matthew, chapters 19 through 21, is a rich tapestry of teachings, parables, and events that provide profound insights into Jesus’ ministry.

Whether you’re familiar with these passages or exploring them for the first time, this guide will help you understand their significance and how they fit into the broader narrative of the Bible.

Chapter 19: Teachings on Marriage, Riches, and Eternal Life

Marriage and Divorce

In Matthew 19, Jesus addresses a topic that’s as relevant today as it was then: marriage and divorce.

The Pharisees, often testing Jesus, ask Him if it’s lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason.

Jesus’ Response: He refers to the creation account in Genesis, emphasizing that marriage is a union ordained by God:

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6, NIV).

He underscores the sanctity of marriage, allowing divorce only in the case of sexual immorality.

The Rich Young Man

This chapter also tells the story of a rich young man who asks Jesus how to gain eternal life.

Jesus lists the commandments, to which the young man claims he has adhered. Then, Jesus adds:

“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)

The young man leaves sorrowful because he had great wealth.

This exchange highlights the challenge of prioritizing spiritual over material wealth and the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus famously says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24, NIV).

Rewards of Sacrifice

Peter, speaking for the disciples, points out that they’ve left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus assures them:

“…everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29, NIV)

This promise reinforces the idea that the sacrifices made for following Christ will be richly rewarded.

Chapter 20: Parables and Predictions

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

Chapter 20 opens with a parable that illustrates the generosity of God’s grace.

A landowner hires workers throughout the day, from dawn until late afternoon, yet pays them all the same wage.

Those hired early grumble, feeling it’s unfair.

Jesus’ Point: “So the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16, NIV). This teaches that God’s grace and the kingdom of heaven don’t operate on human concepts of fairness or merit.

Jesus Predicts His Death

For the third time, Jesus predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection to His disciples:

“We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” (Matthew 20:18-19, NIV)

Despite this clear prophecy, the disciples still struggle to understand what Jesus means and what lies ahead.

A Mother’s Request

The mother of James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples, asks that her sons sit at Jesus’ right and left in His kingdom.

Jesus responds by teaching about true greatness:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28, NIV)

Healing of Two Blind Men

As Jesus leaves Jericho, two blind men cry out to Him.

The crowd tries to silence them, but they persist. Jesus stops and asks what they want:

“Lord, we want our sight,” they reply. Moved with compassion, Jesus heals them, and they immediately follow Him (Matthew 20:32-34, NIV).

This miracle emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and willingness to respond to faith and need.

Chapter 21: Triumphal Entry and Confrontations

The Triumphal Entry

Matthew 21 begins with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, known as the Triumphal Entry. Riding on a donkey, He fulfills the prophecy from Zechariah:

“See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9, NIV; Matthew 21:5, NIV).

The crowds shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah. This event marks the beginning of the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Cleansing the Temple

Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus goes to the temple and drives out the money changers and merchants, declaring:

“My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:13, NIV)

This act shows Jesus’ zeal for true worship and His authority over the temple.

The Withered Fig Tree

Jesus curses a fig tree that bears no fruit, and it withers immediately.

This action serves as a symbolic judgment against Israel’s spiritual barrenness.

He teaches the disciples about the power of faith, saying:

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:22, NIV)

Authority Challenged

Religious leaders question Jesus’ authority.

He responds with parables and teachings that expose their hypocrisy and failure to recognize God’s messengers.

He tells the Parable of the Two Sons and the Parable of the Tenants, both illustrating Israel’s rejection of God’s call and the consequences of that rejection.

Conclusion

Matthew 19-21 is a dynamic portion of the Gospel that combines teachings on life and faith with dramatic events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.

From the sanctity of marriage and the challenge of wealth to the graciousness of God’s kingdom and the final confrontations in Jerusalem, these chapters offer deep insights into Jesus’ message and mission.

These passages remind us of the profound challenges and promises of following Christ.

They call us to live lives marked by service, faith, and devotion to God, even when it means going against societal norms or facing significant sacrifices.

As you reflect on these teachings, consider how they apply to your life today and what steps you can take to follow Jesus more closely.

FAQs for “What is Matthew 19-21?”

1. What topics are covered in Matthew 19?

Matthew 19 addresses several key topics:

Marriage and Divorce: Jesus discusses the sanctity of marriage and permissible grounds for divorce.
The Rich Young Man: This story highlights the challenge of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions.
Rewards of Sacrifice: Jesus assures His disciples that sacrifices made for following Him will be richly rewarded.

2. What is the significance of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard in Matthew 20?

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard illustrates God’s generosity and the concept of divine grace.

It shows that the Kingdom of Heaven does not operate on human ideas of fairness or merit. Even those who come to faith late in life are equally valued by God.

3. How does Jesus predict His death in Matthew 20?

In Matthew 20:18-19, Jesus clearly predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection. He tells His disciples that He will be condemned, mocked, flogged, and crucified, but on the third day, He will rise again.

This prediction underscores His mission and prepares the disciples for the events to come.

4. What lesson does Jesus teach when James and John’s mother asks for her sons to have prominent places in His kingdom?

Jesus uses this request to teach about true greatness and service.

He explains that greatness in His kingdom is not about positions of power but about serving others.

He emphasizes that He came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:26-28).

5. Why is the Triumphal Entry in Matthew 21 important?

The Triumphal Entry marks the beginning of Jesus’ final week of earthly ministry.

Riding into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 and symbolizes Jesus’ role as the peaceful Messiah.

The crowd’s shouts of “Hosanna” acknowledge Him as the awaited King and Savior.

6. What is the significance of Jesus cleansing the temple in Matthew 21?

Jesus’ act of driving out the merchants from the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) highlights His authority and His commitment to purifying worship practices.

He calls the temple a “house of prayer” and condemns the commercialization and corruption that had taken root there.

7. Why did Jesus curse the fig tree in Matthew 21?

The cursing of the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22) serves as a symbolic act representing judgment on Israel for its spiritual unfruitfulness.

It also provides a lesson on the power of faith and the importance of bearing spiritual fruit.

8. How do the religious leaders react to Jesus’ actions and teachings in Matthew 21?

The religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority after He cleanses the temple and teaches in Jerusalem.

Jesus responds with parables, such as the Parable of the Two Sons and the Parable of the Tenants, which criticize their hypocrisy and rejection of God’s messengers.

9. What is the central message of Matthew 19-21?

The central message of these chapters is the call to prioritize spiritual values over worldly ones, embrace a life of service and sacrifice, and recognize Jesus’ authority and mission.

They illustrate key aspects of Jesus’ teaching and the unfolding of His journey toward the cross.

10. How can the teachings in Matthew 19-21 apply to my life today?

The teachings in Matthew 19-21 encourage us to:

Honor and commit to our relationships with integrity.
Value spiritual growth over material wealth.
Embrace a life of service and humility.
Trust in Jesus’ authority and follow His example of sacrificial love. Reflecting on these teachings can inspire you to live a life that aligns more closely with the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.