Matthew 19: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Matthew 19 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jesus leaves Galilee and travels to Judea, where he teaches about marriage and divorce (vv. 1-6). The Pharisees test him, asking if divorce is lawful for any reason.

Key verse

“But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”
Matthew 19:14 (WEB)

Outline

Matthew 19:1–6 Teaching on Marriage and Divorce
Matthew 19:7–12 Moses' Provision for Divorce
Matthew 19:13–15 Jesus Blesses Little Children
Matthew 19:16–22 The Challenge of Wealth
Matthew 19:23–30 Rewards for Sacrifice

Discussion questions

In v3, what question do the Pharisees ask Jesus about divorce?
What reason does Jesus give for Moses allowing divorce in v8?
In v9, what does Jesus mean by stating that divorce except for sexual immorality commits adultery?
In v24, why does Jesus use the metaphor of a camel going through the eye of a needle?
When have you felt challenged to let go of something important, as Jesus asks in v21?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Matthew 19: Mark 10, Luke 18, Jeremiah 32.

Before next time: read Matthew 20.