2025.08.03. Sermon Notes.
Kingdom Priorities - Following JESUS without Reserve-Matthew 19.1-30
William Akehurst, HSWC
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 19:1-30, Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:23-24, Deuteronomy 24:1, Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 1:9-11
BIG IDEA: True discipleship requires wholehearted surrender to GOD's design, childlike faith, and a willingness to give up anything that hinders full devotion to Christ.
• Honor GOD's will above social/cultural norms (marriage/divorce),
• Value what GOD values (children and humility),
• Release what competes with loyalty to Christ (wealth and self-righteousness),
• Trust GOD's reward for every sacrifice made in His name.
Introduction:
We live in a world filled with negotiations and conditions—"I'll follow JESUS, if..."
But JESUS calls us to full surrender.
Matthew 19 is a powerful call to Kingdom priorities—putting GOD first in our relationships, in our possessions, and in our identity.
Summary:
Matthew 19 focuses on JESUS’ teachings as He journeys toward Jerusalem. He addresses marriage and divorce, children in the kingdom, and the challenge of wealth in relation to discipleship. Each section highlights what it truly means to follow Christ, honor GOD’s design, and embrace childlike faith and sacrifice.
I. GOD’s Design for Marriage (vv. 1–12)
Marriage and Divorce (Mark 10:1–12)
1 Now it came to pass, when JESUS had finished these sayings, that He departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. 2 And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there.
3 The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?”
4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female,’
5 and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what GOD has joined together, let not man separate.”
7 They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?”
8 He said to 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 to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
10 His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”
JESUS Teaches on Celibacy
11 But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: 12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
Context: Pharisees test JESUS with a question about divorce.
KEY: “What GOD has joined together, let not man separate.” (v. 6)
POINTS:
• GOD created marriage (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:23-24).
• Divorce was allowed due to hardness of heart (permitted by Moses), not part of GOD's perfect plan. (Deuteronomy 24:1)
• Celibacy is a calling, not a command (vv. 11–12).
A. The Pharisees Test JESUS – hoping to trap JESUS.
• They ask, “Is it lawful to divorce for just any reason?” (v. 3)
• “Have you not read” vs 4. JESUS points them back to Genesis: GOD's design is male and female, joined as one flesh (vv. 4–5).
• Genesis 1:27-28 27 So GOD created man in His own image; in the image of GOD He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then GOD blessed them, and GOD said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
• Genesis 2:23-24 23 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”
Vs 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
B. The Heart Behind the Law – The Mosaic Controversy
• “Why did Moses command divorce?” (Matthew 19:7)
The Pharisees misunderstood. They thought Moses commanded divorce in cases of uncleanness, but Jesus explained that God never commanded divorce—He only permitted it.
• Moses didn’t promote divorce—he regulated it
In Deuteronomy 24:1, Moses allowed a man to give a certificate of divorce when he found “uncleanness” in his wife, but this was not God’s ideal—it was a concession due to human sinfulness.
• “Because of your hardness of heart” (v. 8)
Jesus made it clear: Divorce was permitted because people’s hearts were hard, not because God wanted it.
It's like Jesus saying: “Here’s God’s ideal—but because of sin, here’s what God allows.”
• Cultural context (Frederick Bruce – British Biblical Scholar)
In Jesus’ time, marriage was valued, but women were often devalued. Wives were treated like property—bought, worked, and dismissed at will.
(Example: Jacob worked 14 years to "purchase" his wives.)
• Modern application
Sadly, some of that wrong view of women still exists today—often under the guise of rejecting any differences between men and women.
C. Understanding Divorce and "Uncleanness"
• Rabbi Shammai's View: He taught that uncleanness in the Mosaic Law referred specifically to sexual immorality, and that this was the only acceptable reason for divorce.
• Rabbi Hillel's View: He had a much broader interpretation, saying uncleanness could mean almost any fault or dissatisfaction, even something as small as a wife burning a meal.
• Jesus’ Teaching (Matthew 19:9): Jesus clarified that uncleanness refers to sexual immorality only, not just anything that displeases a husband. Therefore, divorce and remarriage without sin are only permitted in cases of sexual immorality.
• Marriage Is Not Disposable: Divorce shouldn’t be a go-to option when marriage gets hard. Like a mirror, marriage reflects what each person puts into it. If divorce is kept as an easy way out, it's more likely to happen.
• Illustration: Ruth Graham, when asked if she ever thought about divorce, jokingly replied, “Divorce, no. Murder, yes.” The humor highlights the seriousness of commitment despite difficulty.
• God's Ideal: God's design for marriage is faithfulness, not convenience (which is often the standard in today’s culture).
• Spiritually Binding Union (Matthew 19:6): Jesus reminded that marriage is joined by God, not just a legal or social arrangement. What God joins, He expects us to honor and preserve.
• Covenantal God: God is a covenant-keeping God, and He expects us to honor the marriage covenant just as He honors His.
D. The Kingdom Principle
• By bringing the issue back to the Scriptural foundation of marriage, JESUS makes it plain that couples must forsake their singleness (a man shall leave his father and mother) and come together in a one-flesh relationship that is both a fact (they are…one flesh) and a goal (shall become one flesh).
• Celibacy (singleness) is a gift to some, but not a command to all (vv. 10–12).
POINT: The point is: whether married or single, our lives should reflect Kingdom values.
APPLICATION: Honor marriage. Stay committed. Let your relationship reflect GOD’s covenant love.
NOTE: For those who have experienced divorce, know this: GOD forgives, and under HIS mercy and grace; we are called to forgive one another, and even ourselves.
II. Faith Like a Child - Let the Children Come (vv. 13–15)
JESUS Blesses Little Children (Mark 10:13–16; Luke 18:15–17)
13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But JESUS said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.
KEY: “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (v. 14)
POINTS:
• Childlike faith is honored by GOD.
• Children were often disregarded in society; JESUS reverses that thinking.
• Emphasizes humility, trust, and openness to the Gospel.
A. A Countercultural Moment
• Children were brought to JESUS—but the disciples rebuked them.
• JESUS, however, welcomed them and blessed them.
B. Why?
• Children represent humility, dependence, and trust.
• The Kingdom of GOD isn’t entered by status, but by simple faith.
APPLICATION: Come to JESUS without pretense. Nurture childlike faith—humble, trusting, open-hearted.
III. The Rich Young Ruler (vv. 16–22)
A man asks JESUS about gaining eternal life vs.16-17
JESUS teaches on riches and following him.
JESUS Counsels the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17–22; Luke 18:18–23)
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, GOD. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
18 He said to Him, “Which ones?”
JESUS said, “‘You shall not 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 neighbor as yourself.’ ”
20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
21 JESUS said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
KEY: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor… and come, follow Me.” (v. 21)
POINTS:
• GOD is GOOD
• The ruler desires eternal life but clings to possessions.
• Keeping the commandments isn't enough without surrender.
• Wealth can be a barrier to wholehearted devotion.
A. GOD IS GOOD vs 16-17
KEY: “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, GOD.” (v.17)
• Why do you call Me good? In this, JESUS did not deny His own goodness. Instead, He asked the man, “Do you understand what you are saying when you call Me good?”
• It was as if JESUS said, “You come to Me asking about what good thing you can do to inherit eternal life. But what do you really know about goodness?”
• SPURGEON “The argument is clear: either JESUS was good, or he ought not to have called him good; but as there is none good but GOD, JESUS who is good must be GOD.”
B. A Good Question with the Wrong Assumption
• He asks, “What good thing shall I do to have eternal life?”
• JESUS responds with the heart issue, not just the commandments.
Ephesians 2:8-10 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
C. Exposing the Idol
• JESUS points to the young man’s wealth as a hindrance to full surrender.
• Vs 21: “Go, sell what you have... and come, follow Me.”
• The man was moral but not surrendered. He went away sorrowful.
Vs 22: But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
APPLICATION: Is there anything in your life that’s keeping you from fully following JESUS? Let it go.
IV. Wealth and the Kingdom - The Danger of Riches (vv. 23–26)
With GOD All Things Are Possible (Mark 10:23–31; Luke 18:24–30)
23 Then JESUS said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of GOD.”
25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
26 But JESUS looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible.”
KEY: “With men this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible.” (v. 26)
POINTS:
• Difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom—not impossible.
• Salvation is by GOD’s power, not human effort.
A. The Eye of a Needle
• It’s hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom—not because wealth is sin, but because trusting in wealth is.
Riches are a problem because they tend to make us satisfied with this life, instead of longing for the age to come. As well, sometimes riches are sought at the expense of seeking GOD.
• JESUS uses a strong image: a camel through a needle’s eye. “With men this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible.”
B. Who Then Can Be Saved?
• The disciples are stunned. JESUS clarifies: Salvation is not earned—it’s GOD’s work.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
• Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
APPLICATION: Don’t trust in your own righteousness or resources—salvation is a miracle of grace.
V. Reward of Discipleship and Sacrifice (vv. 27–30)
27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?”
28 So JESUS said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
KEY: “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters… for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold.” (v. 29)
POINTS:
• GOD honors sacrifices made for the kingdom.
• First will be last, last will be first—GOD's economy is different from the world’s.
A. Peter’s Question
• “We’ve left all—what shall we have?”
• JESUS promises rewards in this life and the next for sacrificial obedience.
B. The Great Reversal
• “The last will be first, and the first last.”
• GOD's economy isn't based on status or success, but obedience and surrender.
APPLICATION: Nothing you give up for Christ is lost. There is eternal reward for faithfulness.
CONCLUSION: Matthew 19 is a call to Kingdom living—to surrender everything and follow JESUS without reserve.
In marriage – pursue GOD's design.
• Marriage: Honor the covenant of marriage as sacred and lifelong, reflecting GOD’s faithfulness.
• Honor GOD's will above cultural norms (marriage/divorce),
In your faith – be childlike and trusting.
• Children: Cultivate childlike trust and faith—humility, dependence, and sincerity.
• Value what GOD values (children and humility),
In your possessions – be willing to let go.
• Wealth: Beware of materialism—it can choke spiritual fruitfulness.
• Release what competes with loyalty to Christ (wealth and self-righteousness),
In your discipleship – follow Christ fully.
• Discipleship: Following Christ may require radical surrender (possessions, ambitions, relationships).
In your sacrifices – trust that GOD sees and will reward.
• Reward: Earthly sacrifices made for JESUS yield eternal rewards.
• Trust GOD's reward for every sacrifice made in His name.
Let’s Pray…
FATHER, thank YOU for YOUR truth and grace. We thank YOU for the words of JESUS that call us higher. Teach us to surrender fully—to trust like a child, to love like Christ, and to walk in obedience even when it costs us. Let our hearts not be divided, but wholly YOURS, trusting in YOUR promises and YOUR power. In JESUS’ Name, Amen.”
BENEDICTION:
Philippians 1:9-11
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,
Pastor Bill
Hymns:
#335 Take My Life and Let It Be – Consecration
#316 I Surrender All – Discipleship
#297 Trust and Obey – Obedience
#386 Have Thine Own Way, Lord – Surrender
