Understanding the book of Matthew as of Jesus Christ through the mouth of PAULREACH Blog
Understanding What Matthew Says Concerning Jesus – A Bayelsa Reflection on Chapter 19
As someone from the riverine heart of Bayelsa, where we gather in compounds to share stories and reflect on life and the ways of God, let me break down the message of Matthew chapter 19 for you like how our elders would explain it by the riverside or after evening prayers.
Verses 1 and 2 – The Healing Walk of Jesus
The Bible tells us that after Jesus finished teaching in Galilee, he didn’t just rest. He moved again, this time to Judea, beyond the Jordan. And like how people in Yenagoa will follow a strong man of God from one town crusade to another, the crowd followed Jesus. This was not just an ordinary gathering. People were bringing their problems—some with spiritual attacks, some with physical sickness, some with issues doctors had given up on. But Jesus, in his usual kind-hearted way, healed them all. Nobody was left untouched. There was no discrimination. It didn’t matter if you were from Ekeremor or Nembe—once you came with faith, Jesus touched your case.
Verses 3 and 4 – The Pharisees Try to Trap Jesus
Now, the Pharisees, they were like those critics that always want to test pastors. They didn’t come to learn, but to trap him. They asked Jesus, “Is it lawful to divorce your wife for any reason?” You know, like how people in our land sometimes want to use culture to justify things that the Bible already speaks against.
Jesus, in his wisdom, reminded them of the foundation. He said, “Have you not read?” Meaning, are you not students of the scriptures? From the beginning, God made them male and female. Marriage is not just about enjoyment—it is a covenant. Jesus stressed that when a man and woman marry, they become one flesh. In our culture, when a couple marries, both families gather and say, “It is done.” It is a deep union. Jesus was pointing back to that spiritual and physical bond.
Verses 7 and 8 – The Question About Moses and Divorce
The Pharisees, not satisfied, tried again. “If that’s the case, why did Moses say we can give a certificate of divorce?” They wanted to argue based on tradition. But Jesus told them plain and simple: Moses only allowed that because of how hard their hearts were. Just like how some people in our land are stubborn and refuse to listen to good advice. It was not God’s original plan.
Jesus said, “From the beginning, it was not so.” Meaning that the original design of God for marriage was permanence and unity. Divorce wasn’t part of the plan, but it came as a concession because of man's stubbornness. It’s like when an elder in the village allows a young man to walk out of a community duty, not because it’s right, but because that young man refuses to learn. That’s how Moses had to manage the Israelites.
Verses 15 and 16 – The Rich Young Man's Question
Then the story shifts to a young man—wealthy, probably respected, someone you’d call a “big man” in our town. He came to Jesus with an important question: “Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?”
This is a question many people from Bayelsa ask today. With all the wealth from oil, land, and politics, what truly matters? Can money buy eternal life? Can status open heaven’s gates?
Jesus looked at him and said, “Why do you ask me what is good? Only God is truly good.” Then he added, “If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
This is where Jesus shifted the conversation from religious showmanship to obedience. He didn’t tell the man to give large offerings first. He said: obey God. Follow the laws. Love God, love your neighbor. Don’t steal, don’t kill, don’t lie. In our towns, we sometimes forget that being religious is not the same as being righteous. You can go to church every Sunday and still hate your neighbor. Jesus was reminding the man that eternal life starts with simple obedience.
A Bayelsa Perspective on Jesus’ Teachings
Jesus wasn’t just speaking to the people in Jerusalem and Galilee—his message speaks directly to us here in Bayelsa. In places like Ogbia, Brass, Sagbama, and Southern Ijaw, families are struggling with divorce, broken homes, and young people looking for answers. Jesus’ words remind us to honor marriage, respect God's design for relationships, and walk in obedience.
When Jesus healed the crowd, he didn’t ask where they came from. He didn’t care if they were fishermen, market women, or scholars. He responded to their faith. In the same way, today, Jesus still heals those who come to him with faith from their heart—not those who only know him in their head.
When he talked about marriage, he wasn’t being harsh. He was restoring God’s original design. In our Bayelsa culture, marriage is a community affair. It is celebrated with respect and joy. Jesus was saying, “Don’t break that bond lightly.”
And when he answered the rich young man, Jesus was pointing all of us—rich or poor, old or young—to the core truth: salvation is not about good works alone, but about a heart fully submitted to God.
Conclusion
So, what can we learn from Matthew chapter 19 in our local setting?
1. Follow Jesus with Faith: Just like the crowds who followed him and got healed, don’t follow Jesus for what you can gain alone—follow him with true belief in his power and purpose.
2. Respect Marriage: Whether you’re a youth or elder, married or planning to, remember that marriage is a divine union. Don’t break it for flimsy reasons. God's intention is for it to be strong and lasting.
3. Keep God’s Commandments: Don’t just say you love God—show it by obeying him. Let your character speak louder than your church attendance.
4. Seek Eternal Life with Humility: Just like the rich man, don’t rely on your wealth, title, or position. Eternal life is for those who walk with God in truth and spirit.
This message is not just ancient scripture—it’s a living truth that speaks to us here in Bayelsa. Whether you’re in Yenagoa, Nembe, or any part of our beloved state, let the words of Jesus guide your life, your marriage, and your journey to eternal life.
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