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Matthew 19:23-30

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

23. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily 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, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29. And every one that hath 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.

Matthew 19:23-30 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 19:23

Theological / Devotional

Unto his disciples. The young man turns away, and Jesus and the disciples proceed on their way.

A rich man. See on ch. 13:7. It is hard for a rich man to get into the kingdom of heaven not because he is rich, but because of his attitude toward riches (see on Luke 12:15, 21). Abraham was “very rich” (Gen. 13:2) and at the same time “the Friend of God” (James 2:23). For the rich young ruler the “gate” Jesus pointed out by which he might “enter into life” (Matt. 19:17) was too “strait” and the “way” by which he must henceforth walk, too “narrow” (see on ch. 7:13, 14). The disciples here had an opportunity to witness an example of how hard it is for a man whose heart is set on riches to “enter into the kingdom of heaven.” How many otherwise upright men Satan successfully binds to this earth by the web of riches!

Kingdom of heaven. See on Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 5:2; Luke 4:19.

By SdaBc