By Ariel
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Marriage reflects covenant love; promises ask for faithfulness and forgiveness.
- Childlike humility opens doors to God’s kingdom.
- Earthly wealth fades; generous hearts discover lasting treasure.
- Following Jesus reshapes priorities, relationships, and rewards.
💎 Hi friends! Ariel here! Today I’m super excited to tell you about some amazing things my family and I discovered in Matthew 19! 📖
This chapter is FULL of powerful lessons straight from Jesus—about marriage, money, and how we can live for God’s Kingdom instead of chasing treasures that don’t last. 💍💰👑
We started by talking about something really special—marriage. Jesus says it’s not just a regular promise between two people. It’s actually a sacred plan designed by God! 😲 That means love and marriage are meant to be full of faithfulness, kindness, and forever-commitment—just like how God loves us.
Yaya said it’s like God tying two hearts together with a golden ribbon of grace. 💛✨
Then we read about a very rich young man who asked Jesus how to get eternal life. 🧐 (Then we read about a very rich young man who asked Jesus how to get eternal life.)
Jesus told him that having lots of stuff isn’t what matters most—loving and following God is the real treasure!
That made me think: Am I more excited about things or about God’s love?
It reminded me that we can store up heavenly treasures when we:
- Help others
- Share what we have
- Trust God even when it’s hard
That kind of treasure? It lasts forever!
Download the Family Study PDF
Discussion prompts, journaling space, and a simple activity flow.
And then came one of my favorite parts: Jesus said we should come to God with a heart like a child’s! 🙋♀️💫
That means being trusting, honest, joyful, and humble. We don’t need fancy words or perfect prayers—just open hearts ready to love and listen. 💕
So let’s explore this awesome chapter together!
From faith-filled promises to heart-check moments, Matthew 19 has so many treasures waiting for us.
Are you ready? I am! Let’s dig into it and learn how to live with love, faith, and treasure that never fades! 🌈
TL;DR
Jesus teaches that covenant love holds marriages together, childlike hearts receive the kingdom, and generosity beats greed. Eternal treasure grows where love, humility, and obedience meet.
💕 Marriage: A Reflection of God’s Love
One day, some Pharisees came to Jesus with a pretty tricky question. 😮
They asked Him:
“Is it okay for a man to send his wife away for any reason?”
(Matthew 19:3)
Whoa! That sounded like a serious question!
But Jesus didn’t argue—He answered with something beautiful and full of truth. 💬✨
He reminded everyone of what God said in the beginning:
“A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
(Matthew 19:5)
That made me curious. I turned to Daddy and asked, “What does ‘one flesh’ mean?”
He smiled and said, “It means that when two people get married, their lives become so connected that they move forward as one team. It’s not just about being together—it’s about loving, helping, and supporting each other in everything.” ❤️🤝
That made me think…
Marriage isn’t just about two people living in the same house or wearing fancy rings. It’s about:
- 💗 Being kind and patient
- 🙏 Praying together
- 💪 Sticking together when life gets hard
It’s like building a bridge of love between two hearts—and keeping it strong with faith and forgiveness. 🛠️🌈
(According to trusted Christian teachers, God’s design for marriage is rooted in purpose and partnership, just like Focus on the Family explains in this helpful guide.)
Alice popped in with one of her brilliant ideas:
“So… it’s like God ties them together with super-strong string that’s made of LOVE!”
Yaya chuckled and said, “Yes! And every day, they add new knots with kindness, prayers, and silly giggles too.”
I loved that! Because it means marriage is kind of like a living love story—one that shows the world what God’s faithfulness looks like. 💫
And even though I’m not married (obviously! 😅), I learned that marriage teaches us how to:
- Be a faithful friend
- Choose love even when it’s hard
- Support and forgive, just like Jesus does
So whether it’s your parents, grandparents, or couples at church, whenever you see two people loving each other well, you’re getting a little peek at God’s design for love. 💞
And that’s pretty amazing.
Fun fact: Ancient Jewish debates about divorce shaped the question in Matthew 19; Jesus pointed back to creation design and faithful covenant.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Why does Jesus talk about “hard hearts” here?
Hard hearts resist repair; soft hearts learn repentance, boundaries, and forgiveness that protect the covenant.
👧👦 Welcoming Little Children: A Heart for God’s Kingdom
Here comes one of the sweetest moments in all of Matthew 19! 💛
Some parents brought their kids to see Jesus, hoping He would pray over them and bless them. But guess what happened?
The disciples tried to shoo them away! 😮
Can you believe that?!
But Jesus stopped them and said something so beautiful:
“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them. For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
(Matthew 19:14)
When Alice heard that, she gave Mr. Fluffernutter a squeeze and said,
“I think Jesus loves kids best!” 🐰💕
Yaya chuckled and said, “Jesus loves everyone, but He made sure to show the world that kids—like you—have hearts that are just right for His kingdom.”
That made me think:
💭 What’s so special about a childlike heart?
Here’s what I realized:
- Kids trust easily 💖
- They’re full of wonder 🌈
- They’re not afraid to ask big questions 🤔
- And they love BIG—even after getting hurt 😢💕
Jesus wants all of us—grown-ups included!—to have faith like a child.
Not perfect faith. Not fancy faith. But the kind that says:
“God, I believe You love me, and I’m ready to follow You!”
(Bible.org encourages parents to cherish their children’s wonder and trust—as seen in ‘Enjoying Your Kids While You Can’—because those qualities reflect the faith that draws us into God’s Kingdom.)
Alice said, “So it’s like being invited to the BEST party ever, and all you have to do is say YES!”
We laughed, but honestly, she’s right! 🎉🎈
Jesus is inviting everyone—especially kids—to be part of His Kingdom. All we need is an open heart that’s ready to trust, learn, and love.
So this week, I want to:
- Smile more 😊
- Pray with wonder ✨
- Say, “Thank you, Jesus!” for even the tiny things
- And remind my friends they’re ALWAYS welcome in God’s family
Because Jesus didn’t just welcome kids. He said the kingdom of heaven belongs to us! 💫
Family Activity — Kindness Coins
Create paper “kindness coins.” Every coin = one small act: help with chores, share snacks, pray for a friend. Coins go in a jar labeled “Kingdom Treasures.”
- Cut circles from cardstock.
- Write one simple act per coin.
- Do the act; drop the coin in the jar.
- Pray thanks for the joy God grows.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
What makes faith “childlike” rather than childish?
Childlike faith trusts, listens, and learns; childish attitudes demand, dismiss, and compare.
💎 The Rich Young Ruler: A Test of the Heart
So, something really interesting happens next in Matthew 19… 😮
A rich young man walks up to Jesus and asks:
“What good thing should I do to get eternal life?”
(Matthew 19:16)
That sounds like a big question, right?
But Jesus didn’t give him a list of magical steps.
Instead, He said, “Keep the commandments.”
The young man stood tall and proudly said:
“I’ve done all of that since I was a kid! What else do I need?”
(Matthew 19:20)
That’s when Jesus gave him a loving challenge:
“If you want to be perfect, sell your things, give to the poor, and come follow Me.”
(Matthew 19:21)
Whoa. That’s HUGE. 🤯
Jesus wasn’t just asking him to give stuff away…
He was inviting him to go on the greatest adventure of all— a life following Jesus and finding treasure in heaven! 🌟
Alice blinked and whispered,
“Did he do it?”
Sadly… no. 😞 The young man walked away, heartbroken, because he had a lot of stuff and didn’t want to let it go.
Daddy explained, “Jesus wasn’t trying to take something from him—He was trying to give him something better.”
💬 That really hit me.
The rich young ruler thought he had it all…
But he was missing the most important thing of all—a heart that puts God first. ❤️
This story reminded me of a big truth:
✨ Sometimes the things we think we need are the very things holding us back from something so much greater.
Like…
- We might love our toys 📦
- Or want to be the best at something 🏆
- Or worry too much about what others think 😟
But when those things come before God, we miss out on the real treasure—His joy, peace, love, and purpose.
Fun fact: “Eye of a needle” likely used a vivid image of impossibility; grace makes entrance possible where earning fails.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Does Jesus ask everyone to sell everything?
Jesus asks for first-place love. For some, generosity means radical selling; for all, obedience sets priorities.
🌟 Living for Eternal Rewards
After hearing all of Jesus’ big teachings, Peter had a pretty honest question:
“We’ve given up everything to follow You… what do we get in return?”
(Matthew 19:27)
I mean… I get it! That’s a pretty fair thing to ask, right?
But Jesus didn’t get mad. He answered with something awesome:
“Anyone who leaves behind things for Me—like family, homes, or stuff—will get back WAY more, and they’ll have everlasting life!”
(Matthew 19:29)
Whoa! Talk about a reward that really lasts! 💖🏆
Yaya smiled and said,
“Following Jesus is always worth it. His kingdom gives us more than anything in the world ever could.”
That made me think… 🤔
Sometimes we think giving something up feels scary—like saying no to things we want or doing the hard but right thing.
But when we live for God’s kingdom, we’re actually getting something WAY better in return:
- Joy that lasts 🌈
- Peace in our hearts 💗
- And a forever home with Jesus in heaven 🕊️
Alice said, “So it’s like trading an old penny for a treasure chest filled with love!”
I giggled. “Exactly! We give a little now… and God blesses us with so much more!”
Here’s what I’m learning:
- ✨ Every kind thing I do for Jesus matters
- ✨ When I share, forgive, or stand up for what’s right—it’s a gift to Him
- ✨ Even when life feels tough, Jesus sees me, and He promises a reward that lasts forever
That fills my heart with so much hope! 💛
Because no act of love or faith is wasted—not one.
So this week, I want to:
Remember that His promises are bigger than anything I can imagine!
Say yes to God’s plan, even when it’s hard
Let go of things that distract me from Him
Fun fact: “First/last” flips normal scorekeeping; grace includes surprising people and unexpected rewards.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How do families practice “kingdom first” living?
Pray together, budget for generosity, serve neighbors, and celebrate quiet acts of faithfulness.
💖 Living for Eternal Treasures
Matthew 19 taught me SO much about what really matters. 🏆💛
Jesus reminded us that true treasure isn’t gold or toys or followers on social media—it’s the kind of treasure that lasts forever and lives in your heart.
Here are four awesome ways we can live like that every day!
🌟 Treasure God’s Design
God’s plan for marriage and relationships is beautiful! It’s not just about hugs and kisses—it’s about faithfulness, kindness, and showing the world what God’s love looks like!
You don’t have to be married to celebrate this. 💍 You can:
- Cheer on your parents when they love each other well
- Pray for friends who are arguing
- Keep your promises like a pro 💬✨
That’s how we honor God’s design—with love, teamwork, and support!
👶 Keep a Childlike Heart
Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to people who come to Him like children. 🙋♀️ That means:
- Trusting Him completely
- Asking questions
- And saying “WOW!” at all the amazing things He’s created!
So next time you see a rainbow or a butterfly, whisper,
“Thanks, God! You’re amazing!” 🌈🦋
Let your heart be open, happy, and full of faith and wonder—just like Jesus loves.
🧹 Let Go of Earthly Attachments
Sometimes we get really attached to things:
- Favorite toys
- Games
- Winning
- Being first
- Or even holding onto bad feelings 😠
But Jesus said if we want treasure in heaven, we have to let go of things that keep us from following Him completely.
So here’s your mission:
💬 Ask yourself, “Is there anything I need to let go of so I can get closer to God?”
Maybe it’s pride. Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s just too much Minecraft. 😅
Whatever it is—give it to Jesus and trust Him with your whole heart.
🏆 Trust in His Rewards
Jesus promised that when we follow Him—even when it’s hard—we’ll get back WAY more than we ever gave up. 💯
- Joy that doesn’t fade
- A purpose that makes you shine
- And a forever home with Him in heaven 🕊️
So when things feel tough, or when you’re asked to share, wait, forgive, or help… remember:
Jesus sees you. And He’s smiling. 💖
🎯 Living Like This Means:
- 🌟 Putting God first
- 🌈 Being curious and kind
- 💗 Loving big and letting go of small stuff
- 🙌 Trusting that heavenly treasure is totally worth it!
So let’s live for eternal treasures—because they don’t break, fade, or disappear.
They just keep growing… forever. 💫
Fun fact: Early Christians became known for generosity toward widows, orphans, travelers, and the poor.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Where should families start this week?
Pick one marriage habit to strengthen, one kid-led kindness project, and one generosity step as a team.
💌 Final Thought
Wow! Matthew 19 has been such an awesome adventure, don’t you think? 🌟
This chapter is packed with Jesus’ powerful lessons about love, faith, and what really matters most.
Let’s take one last peek at what we’ve learned together…
💍 Marriage is Sacred
Jesus taught us that marriage is super special—it’s not just about two people promising to stick together. It’s a way to show the world how God loves us forever and never gives up on us!
Whether you’re a kid watching your parents or seeing friends love each other well, marriage reminds us to:
- Be faithful
- Be kind
- Stick together like super-glue love 💛
💰 Wealth Isn’t Everything
Remember the story of the rich young man? He thought stuff could make him happy… but Jesus reminded us that true treasure comes from following Him, not owning the biggest house or the fanciest toys.
So let’s keep our eyes on heavenly treasure—the kind you can’t lose, break, or outgrow! 🎁✨
👶 Childlike Faith Wins
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven belongs to those with hearts like kids! That means:
- We trust easily
- We believe BIG
- And we come to Him with wonder and joy
Isn’t it cool to know that being a kid is actually what Jesus wants from us in our faith?
🙏 So what now?
Let’s choose to:
- Love like Jesus
- Share what we have
- Say “yes” to God’s plans
- Let go of distractions
- And trust that God’s rewards are way better than anything the world can give!
Every smile, every kind word, every time we forgive…
we’re storing up eternal treasure that lasts forever in His kingdom. 👑
So wherever you go today, remember:
- 💗 You’re loved
- 💫 You’re chosen
- 🕊️ And you’re part of a forever story that Jesus is still writing—with YOU in it!
Grace, peace, and eternal joy,
Ariel 💕
More for Your Family
Quick Check Quiz
Compare & Discern
| Approach | Goal | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Greed first | Control | Anxiety, rivalry |
| Image first | Impress others | Fragile identity |
| Kingdom first | Love God & neighbor | Generosity, unity, lasting joy |
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Covenant | God-centered promise that seeks faithfulness and repair. |
| Hardness of heart | Resistance to truth, empathy, and repentance. |
| Kingdom of heaven | God’s rule reshaping lives with grace and justice. |
| Eternal treasure | Lasting reward grown by love, generosity, and obedience. |
| Repentance | Turning from sin toward God and restored relationships. |
References
| Citation | Link |
|---|---|
| Blogging4Adventure — Always Ready (Ten Virgins) | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Living Love in Action (Sheep & Goats) | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Understanding DNA | Open |
| BibleGateway — Matthew 19 | Open |
| Enduring Word — Matthew 19 Commentary | Open |
| GotQuestions — Rich Young Ruler | Open |
Practice & Pray
Seek covenant love, welcome with childlike humility, and give with open hands. Eternal treasures — Matthew 19: marriage, riches, and the kingdom — shape family life with hope.
Ariel — Kid Author & Faith Explorer
Homeschool writer at Blogging4Adventure, blending Bible study, science, and family activities. Posts reviewed by Mom & Dad for accuracy and safety; Scripture cross-checked with trusted study tools.
FAQ
How do parents model covenant love?
Pray together, apologize quickly, and keep small promises that build trust.
What kid-friendly step builds generosity?
Set a weekly “first gift” jar; let kids choose a simple cause to bless.
Which verse anchors childlike faith?
Matthew 19:14 reminds families that children belong in Jesus’ welcome.