Montgomery - Matthew - 19

19:1  It came about after Jesus had finished these teachings, that he removed from Galilee, and went to that part of Judea which lay across the Jordan.

19:2  A great multitude followed him, and he healed them there.

19:3  Presently some of the Pharisees came up to him, and made test of him by asking, "Is it right for a man to divorce his wife for every cause?"

19:4  "Have you not read." he answered, "that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said,

19:5  "For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall be one flesh?

19:6  "Thus they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

19:7  They answered, "Why then did Moses command the husband to give her ’a written bill of divorce,’ and so to put her away?"

19:8  "Moses," said Jesus, "permitted you to divorce your wives on account of the hardness of your hearts, but from the beginning it was not so.

19:9  "And I tell you that any man who divorces his wife for any cause except her unfaithfulness, and marries another woman, commits adultery."

19:10  "If that is the position of a man in relation to his wife," answered the disciples, "it is better not to marry."

19:11  He answered them. "Not all are accepting this teaching, but only those to whom it has been granted.

19:12  "For there are eunuchs who have been such from birth; others who have been made such by men; and others who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of God. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it."

19:13  Then young children were brought to him, that he might lay his hands on them and pray. His disciples interfered, but Jesus said to them.

19:14  "Let the little children come to me, and forbid them not; for it is to the childlike that the kingdom of heaven belongs."

19:15  So he laid his hands upon them, and departed from that place.

19:16  But look! a certain man came up to him and asked, "Teacher, what good thing shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

19:17  "Why do you ask me about what is good?" asked Jesus. "There is but One who is good. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

19:18  "Which commandments?" asked the man. Jesus replied. "Thou shalt not kill; Thou shalt not commit adultery; Thou shalt not steal; Thou shalt not bear false witness;

19:19  "Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

19:20  The young man answered. "I have carefully kept them all. What yet do I lack?"

19:21  "If you want to be perfect," said Jesus, "go, sell your property, give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

19:22  But when the young man heard this teaching, he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had much property.

19:23  So Jesus said to his disciples. "In solemn truth I tell you that a rich man will find it difficult to enter the kingdom of heaven.

19:24  "I tell you again, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven."

19:25  When they heard this the disciples were utterly astounded. "Who then can be saved?" they exclaimed. Jesus looked at them.

19:26  "With men this is impossible," he said, "but with God all things are possible."

19:27  Whereupon Peter said to Jesus. "Look, Master, we have forsaken everything and followed you. Now what shall be our reward?"

19:28  "In solemn truth I tell you," Jesus answered, "that in the New Creation, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, you also who have followed me shall sit on twelve thrones, to govern the twelve tribes of Israel.

19:29  "And every one who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my sake, shall many times as much, and fall heir to eternal life.

19:30  "But many who are first shall be last, and many who are last shall be first.