[1] 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; [2] And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
Verses 1-2 Expanded Bible Comments
| 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; [2] And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Where is the scene for this chapter? | "The coasts of Judaea." |
| Who were with Jesus? | "Great multitudes." |
| What did Jesus do for them? | "He healed them there." |
[3] 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? [4] And he answered and said unto them, Have you not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, [5] 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? [6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder. [7] They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? [8] 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. [9] 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. [10] His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. [11] But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. [12] 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.
Verses 3-6 Expanded Bible Comments
| The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for every cause? [4]And he answered and said unto them, Have you not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, [5] And said, For this cause will a man leave father and mother, and will cleave to his wife: and they two will be one flesh? [6] Wherefore they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| For what purpose did the Pharisees come to Jesus? | To tempt him. |
| What question did they put to Jesus? | Is it acceptable for a man to divorce his wife. |
| How can a man and his wife be one flesh? | Literally they cannot. The thought is that by being joined in a life partnership they no longer belong completely to themselves but now must consider themselves as a unit and not as two individual people, and should be working for the benefit of both. This is NOT a master and slave arrangement but a partnership in love. |
| What, if anything, does this say about the Trinity? | While likely not intended to address a false doctrine that would later arise, it does demonstrate that there is another type of unity than two or three being one. Trinitarians seem to look at anything regarding the one-ness of Jesus with the Father as a so-called proof that they are one and the same person. If that were true, what then do they do with John 17:9-11,20-23 |
| Is there a deeper, spiritual meaning to the two becoming one flesh? If so, what is it? | Yes. This is a picture of Christ and the Church, His bride. |
| Why did Jesus add "What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder?" | This question may perhaps be best answered by asking another question. Would it be proper for any man to separate the church from Christ? |
Verses 7-9 Expanded Bible Comments
| They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? [8] He said unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts permitted you to divorce your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. [9] And I say unto you, Whosoever will divorce his wife, except it be for fornication, and will marry another, commits adultery: and whoso marries her which is divorced commits adultery. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What argument did the Pharisees then put before Jesus? | Basically they said: "Moses said we could do it." |
| How did Jesus respond? | Jesus told them that Moses only did this because they were hard-hearted, selfish, but in the beginning God made them both. Gen. 5:2 |
| Based on His initial response, what did Jesus then say? [vs. 9] | He set down the standard in marriage, i.e., that this is a lifetime partnership. A contract kept until death. |
| How is this last statement from Jesus treated by most in the world today? | For many, marriage is an arrangement of convenience. So long as things go well they will stay together. As soon as there is a difficult patch, they seem quite willing to run for cover. 2 Tim. 3:1-5 |
Verses 10-12 Expanded Bible Comments
| His disciples said unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. [11] But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, except they to whom it is given. [12] 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. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What was the observation made by His disciples? | That it seems to be better not to marry. |
| How did Jesus respond? | "All men cannot receive this saying, except they to whom it is given." |
| To whom is this saying intended for? | Clearly NOT "all men." It is only for those who believe they can do this. |
| What are the three classes of eunuchs described by Jesus? | 1) Those who born that way. 2) Those made so by men. 3) Those "which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake." |
| Is this last referring to something literal? | It appears unlikely, especially when taking into account Deut. 23:1. More likely it has to do with self-control, determining not to marry so as to keep greater concentration on the Lord. |
[13] Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. [14] But Jesus said, Permit little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. [15] And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
Verses 13-15 Expanded Bible Comments
| Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. [14] But Jesus said, Permit little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. [15] And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. | |
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See also Luke 18:15-17 | |
| Question | Answer |
| Who were brought to Jesus? | Little children (babes.) In the Luke account the word used is "infants." Strong's G1025
This word (G1025) is found in the following verses: Luke 1:41; 1:44; Luke 2:12; 2:16; Luke 18:15; Acts 7:19; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 2:2.βρέφος brephos bref'-os Of uncertain affinity; an infant (properly unborn) literally or figuratively: - babe, (young) child, infant. This is interesting because it speaks to what the Bible teaches on when life begins. This word (G1025) is used to describe a babe both in and out of the womb, i.e., they are the same in the Lord's eyes both prior to and after having been born. |
| For what purpose were they brought to Jesus? | "That he should put his hands on them." |
| How did His disciples react to this? | They rebuked the people. They thought this was likely a waste of the Master's time. |
| How did Jesus respone? | Permit little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. |
| Does this mean that only little children are to be in the Kingdom of Heaven? | No. |
| What does it mean? | That those who enter into the Kingdom will have the trusting attitude of little children. |
| What happened next? | "He laid his hands on them, and departed there." |
[16] And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing will I do, that I may have eternal life? [17] And he said unto him, Why do you call me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments. [18] He said unto him, Which? Jesus said, You shall do no murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, [19] Honor your father and your mother: and, You shall love your neighbour as yourself. [20] The young man said unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? [21] Jesus said unto him, If you will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Verses 16-17 Expanded Bible Comments
| And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing will I do, that I may have eternal life? [17] And he said unto him, Why do you call me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| How did the one who spoke with Jesus address him? | As "Good Master." |
| How did Jesus respond to that form of greeting? | Why do you call me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. |
| To what purpose did Jesus give that response? | "In order to draw out the young man and make him commit himself." R4658:7 |
| After his initial response, how did Jesus answer his question? | By telling the young man to obey the commandments of God. |
| Why did Jesus say to the young man "if you will enter into life, keep the commandments," knowing that as an imperfect member of the fallen race he was unable to keep those commandments? | R2728:1-2; R2727 |
Verses 18-19 Expanded Bible Comments
| He said unto him, Which? Jesus said, You shall do no murder*, You shall not commit adultery*, You shall not steal*, You shall not bear false witness*, [19] Honor your father and your mother*: and, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.* | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What lack of understanding was shown by the simple question "Which?" | James 2:10 |
| Why did Jesus mention these specific commandments and did not refer to the first 4 (Exo. 20:2-11)? | R2728 |
Verses 20-22 Expanded Bible Comments
| The young man said unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? [21] Jesus said unto him, If you will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| How did the young man respond to what Jesus told him? | That he had kept these from his youth on up. |
| How did Jesus show him a better way? | By telling him to sell what he had, give to the poor and follow him. |
| What would have been the result if the young man had done what Jesus said? | "You shall have treasure in heaven." |
| How did the young man react to this? | He was sad because "he had great posessions." |
[23] Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Truly I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. [24] 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. [25] When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? [26] But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. [27] Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? [28] And Jesus said unto them, Truly I say unto you, That you which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And every one that has 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. [30] But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Verses 23-24 Expanded Bible Comments
| Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Truly I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. [24] 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. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| To whom did Jesus direct his next remarks? | His disciples. |
| Can people who are rich (in this life) be part of the Little Flock in glory? | Yes, but it is much more difficult. |
| What about those of us who live in houses with air conditioning and drive air conditioned cars with automatic transmission over smoothly paved roads, who have refrigerators, washing machines and television sets? Are not these wealthier than Kings of previous eras? Are these able to make it into the Kingdom of Heaven? | What have I rendered to the Lord today? Have I given Him my all, or am I more concerned with who is going to win the Super Bowl or the next Presidential election? The answer to questions like these may give us a clue as to where our loyalties lie? Even the poorest of us today, living in the United States, likely fall into this category. Compared to those around us we may have less of this worlds goods, but compared to those in some other parts of the world, and compared to those of past ages, we are wealthy indeed. How difficult is it for us to attain to the Kingdom? |
| Does our Lord's statement here about a camel going throuth the eye of a needle indicate that it is impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven? | No. Please see D304 footnote. |
Verses 25-26 Expanded Bible Comments
| When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? [26] But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Why were his disciples "exceedingly amazed?" | R4658 |
| Do the words of Jesus indicate that it is impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven? | In a way, yes. They cannot remain rich in this worlds goods and enter. They need to be fully devoted to serving the Lord, including all that is in their hands (after providing for their families – 1 Tim. 5:8.) – R4658 |
Verses 27-30 Expanded Bible Comments
| Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? [28] And Jesus said unto them, Truly I say unto you, That you which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And every one that has 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. [30] But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| After hearing what Jesus said about following him, what did Peter observe and what did he ask? | He observed that the twelve had done what he said a rich man needed to do, i.e., left all and followed him. He then asked "What shall we have?" |
| Jesus had many disciples, not the twelve apostles only. Does his response to Peter apply to all his disciples or only to the twelve? – How do we arrive at this conclusion? | His response in verse 28 applies only to the twelve. We know this because he said they would "sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." |
| What is "the regeneration?" | Strong's G3824
E138παλιγγενεσία paliggenesia pal-ing-ghen-es-ee'-ah From G3825 and G1078; (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act), that is, (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specifically Messianic restoration: - regeneration. |
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Begin Here April 30, 2017
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| When is it, and to whom does it apply? | In the case of the New Creation, this regeneration began in 1878 and will continue until the last member of the spirit-begotten class finishes their earthly course. In the case of the world of mankind this regeneration begins with the restoring of the ancient worthies to Israel and the establishment of the New Covenant with Israel, and contiues until all have had the opportunity to complete their walk up the highway of holiness. |
| What reward did Jesus say the twelve would receive? | "When the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." |
| When Jesus speaks of leaving houses, sisters, brothers, father, mother, etc., does he mean they are to be abandoned? | Clearly not. "If any provide not for his own.. he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel." 1 Tim. 5:8 |
| Does verse 29 apply only to the twelve? – How do we know this? | It applies to all his disciples who meet the conditions here stated. We know this because he said: "Every one that has forsaken houses.." |
| What is the promised reward to these? | These "shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." |
| What is meant by "First shall be last; and the last shall be first?" | A292; B205; R4499 |