“He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,”– Matthew 19:18 (KJV)
““Which ones?” he asked. Jesus replied: “You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely,”– Matthew 19:18 (NLT)
“He said, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “Don’t murder. Don’t commit adultery. Don’t steal. Don’t lie,”– Matthew 19:18 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 19:18 Mean?
This verse comes from a conversation between Jesus and a young man who was rich. The young man approaches Jesus to ask what he needs to do to obtain eternal life. In response, Jesus begins to list the commandments. This verse illustrates the importance of the commandments and how they are part of a faithful life. Jesus provides a short list of what it means to follow God’s laws.
The commandments mentioned, such as not murdering and not committing adultery, reflect God’s design for living in harmony with one another. Each commandment represents a fundamental principle for relationships, both vertically with God and horizontally with others. It shows how living a life that honors these commandments leads to a fulfilling relationship with God and others. Each commandment is not just a rule; it guides us in how to treat one another and serves as a framework for our moral choices.
Matthew 19:18 Explanation and Commentary
When we look at Matthew 19:18 closely, we see something significant about the nature of Jesus’ teaching. By listing these commands, He emphasizes the core of moral behavior. Each commandment comes from the Old Testament, specifically from the laws given through Moses. Jesus’ focus on these laws signifies their timelessness and universal application.
The command against murder highlights the value of human life. It encourages us to respect life and promotes peace. When we think about it, murder starts with hatred. It reminds us how important our attitudes are. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:21-22 that even anger can lead to sin. Therefore, this commandment invites reflection on how we treat others in our hearts.
As for adultery, this commandment emphasizes fidelity. Jesus, in Matthew 5:27-28, extends this to include lustful thoughts—showing that true fidelity begins in the heart. It reinforces the importance of commitment in relationships, whether in marriage or close friendships. Our relationships should be built on trust and mutual respect, and this commandment serves as a boundary we should not cross.
The command against stealing teaches us about integrity and respect for others’ possessions. In a world where everything seems to sometimes belong to everyone, learning to respect what belongs to others is fundamental. Our lives should reflect honesty, and this command encourages us to work hard for what we have instead of taking from others.
Lastly, the command against bearing false witness addresses our responsibility to speak truthfully. Honesty in our words reflects our character. The idea here extends beyond just lying; it’s about slandering or gossiping. Jesus encourages us to be mindful of our words, showing that our speech should build one another up rather than tear others down. Each of these commands builds on the idea of loving God and loving others, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible.
Context of Matthew 19:18
Understanding the context of this verse is crucial. The young man seeks assurance from Jesus about eternal life. He is a person who seems to have a good life; he is rich and has obeyed the commandments from his youth. His question suggests that he is earnestly seeking a deeper connection with God. By asking this question, he is demonstrating that he acknowledges something is missing in his spiritual life, despite his adherence to the commandments.
This conversation occurs amidst Jesus’ ministry, where He teaches about the Kingdom of Heaven. The young man represents not just a character in a story but a reflection of many today seeking assurance. Jesus uses this moment to illustrate the need for deeper commitment. While following rules is important, the relationship with God must come from a heart willing to give up everything for Him. This brings us to the broader narrative of Matthew 19, where Jesus also speaks about the challenge of wealth in following Him.
Additionally, this teaching comes right after Jesus teaches about divorce and children, emphasizing the values of family and faith. Here, we see Jesus challenging societal norms, calling for a higher standard of living according to God’s Kingdom. His teachings break barriers of societal expectations and present a transformative view of how we can exist as part of God’s family.
We can also look at how Jesus reinforces the authority of the laws given to Moses by reiterating them. This connection to the Mosaic Law demonstrates that the teachings of Jesus are not a departure from the Old Testament, but rather a fulfillment of them, bringing new life and meaning to these commandments.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 19:18
The first key part of this verse involves the young man’s question: “Which ones?” This inquiry shows he is not only seeking knowledge but is genuinely interested in Jesus’ perspective on the commandments. This invites Jesus to provide clarity on what is paramount in living a life pleasing to God.
Next, Jesus responds by stating the commands starting with “thou shalt do no murder.” This command serves as a foundation for all human interactions. It challenges us to reflect on how valuable human life is, how our actions can have profound consequences on others, and how anger or hatred can lead us away from God’s purpose.
The commmand “thou shalt not commit adultery” addresses fidelity. This speaks not just to marital relationships but to the commitments we make with others. We all know someone who’s been through a hard break or relationship troubles, and it’s because trust has been broken. Jesus is steering us to value integrity in our relationships.
Next is “thou shalt not steal.” This principle goes beyond material possessions. It’s about respecting one another’s rights and property. It also speaks to our intention to work hard and earn our living rather than taking shortcuts that can harm others. Understanding the virtue of hard work becomes part of this commandment.
Lastly, “thou shalt not bear false witness” reminds us to honor our word and tell the truth at all times. Imagine a world where lies are acceptable. Trust would disintegrate. This commandment acts as a safeguard for our community. It keeps our relationships strong and keeps us accountable for our words.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 19:18
This verse teaches us that living a Christ-like life is rooted in our actions. Each commandment Jesus mentions serves as a moral guide, helping us navigate our daily lives. More importantly, observing these commandments means we respect ourselves, others, and God. They provide a framework for ethical living that aligns with God’s will for us.
We learn about the significance of relationships. The commandments emphasize the importance of living in harmony within our relationships, whether with friends, family, or even strangers. We are called to cultivate kindness, respect, and love in our actions.
We need to reflect on our hearts and intentions. Jesus’ teachings often redirect our focus from mere outward actions to the motivations behind them. By examining our hearts and desires, we can identify areas in our lives where we may fall short and seek to improve.
Another important lesson is that life is about connection and community. When we follow these commandments, we contribute positively to society. We create an environment that nurtures love, peace, and understanding. Imagine the change we could see in our communities if everyone chose to follow these principles.
Finally, this verse challenges us to be honest with ourselves. Are we truly loving God and one another? It pushes us to consider whether we are simply following rules or genuinely pursuing a relationship with God that reflects in our daily lives. A faith that transforms who we are is what we should aspire to.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Matthew 19:18, let us consider how we can apply these commandments in our lives. They are not just ancient laws but are principles that guide us in our day-to-day interactions. We are called to love one another, to be honest, and to build fulfilling relationships. Jesus’ teachings remind us that our faith must be active and alive, rooted in our love for God and our fellow human beings.
With this understanding, let’s challenge ourselves to examine our hearts and lives. How can we better live out these commandments? Let’s take the insights gained from today and use them to build a community filled with love. Together, as we strive for integrity, respect, and truthfulness, our journey in faith matures and enriches our lives and those around us.
For more about what it means to follow a life of faith, feel free to explore related topics like Genesis 18 and Matthew 11. Each offers its own set of lessons that can help us grow in our understanding and relationship with God!