Matthew 19:1-25:46 Summary

When Jesus arrived in Judea the Pharisees asked him about divorce, which the Law of Moses permitted; Jesus taught from the Scriptures that divorce was not part of God’s plan. Parents brought their children to Jesus, and he welcomed them. When a rich man asked about eternal life Jesus told him to sell his possessions and become a disciple. The man left and the disciples were astounded. Jesus promised that all who sacrifice now will eventually be rewarded (19) using a parable to illustrate that the last will be first and the first last in the age to come. As the group approached Jerusalem, Jesus again predicted his death and resurrection, but the disciples argued about being the greatest. Jesus taught them that being great meant being a servant to all. He then healed two blind men who recognized him as Son of David (20). As Jesus arrived in Jerusalem for Passover the crowds praised him, which fulfilled the Scriptures. Jesus performed signs against the Temple and told parables against the religious leaders who had refused to believe John and now questioned Jesus’ authority (21). As Jesus was teaching, people tested him with questions about taxes, the resurrection of the dead, and the Law of Moses. After answering them, Jesus posed a question about the Messiah that none could answer, so they stopped questioning him (22). Jesus spoke to the crowds and his disciples about the hypocrisy of the religious leaders promising that they would be punished, for though they were careful to obey the details of the Law, they forgot its larger purpose of justice, mercy, and faith. Jesus then lamented Jerusalem’s sins (23). After leaving the Temple Jesus predicted that it would be destroyed. He foresaw a dystopian future for God’s people that would end with the return of the Son of Man. He warned his disciples to be ready because the Son of Man could return at any time (24). Jesus told them parables about the need to be ready for his return and the faithful use of their gifts. He followed this with a description of the Last Judgment wherein people were judged based on how they’d treated others (25).