Matthew 19

“And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of…” This familiar narrative signal moves the clock forward. What follows is a new scene, consequence, or answer to an earlier tension.

“And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.” The line’s distinctive content terms include followed, healed, multitudes. Its relationship to verses 1 and 3 shows what work it does in this passage.

“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and…” Naming Have keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the…” Naming Moses keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.” Naming His keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.” Naming All keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples…” The line’s distinctive content terms include children, disciples, hands. Its relationship to verses 12 and 14 shows what work it does in this passage.

“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Naming Jesus and Suffer keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.” The line’s distinctive content terms include departed, hands, laid. Its relationship to verses 14 and 16 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Naming Honour and Thou keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have…” Naming Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” The line’s distinctive content terms include possessions, sorrowful, young. Its relationship to verses 21 and 23 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter…” The verse names God rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Naming Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or…” The promise, blessing, or covenant language needs its named recipient and scope. Those details prevent a personal word in the story from becoming a promise detached from context.

“But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.