GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Chapter 19: Overview
The chapter begins as we have seen with the expression that concludes the discourse of the previous chapter. Jesus' departure from Galilee for Judea is then announced, 19,1b.
It is useful now to look ahead and see how his route to Jerusalem is marked out in chapters 19 and 20. Note that it is a reference to the route which divides chapter 20 into two. Where is Jesus by the beginning of chapter 21?
Read now chapter 19 and continue with the first half of chapter 20. Note the different audiences coming to Jesus and so see how that first half of chapter 20 is connected with this chapter 19.
What is especially noticeable about 19,1 to 20,16 is the way that Matthew has put brackets around the various units. Look for these as they will be a helpful guide to our reading because the evangelist is telling us what we need to keep together.
From this we can draw up our reading plan which will point us into chapter 20.
Look now at my response and the reading plan that results.
We can now begin our reading of the chapter beginning with Jesus' teaching about marriage and divorce, Mt 19,1-15.