Matthew 19:10-12, Teaching About Divorce Continued

10 The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”

Comments

While many believe Jesus here commended celibacy in some cases, I believe he referred to the demanding ideal of marriage as an unbreakable, one flesh union. If one was married or not, it was not a better or worse situation. Being celibate or remaining faithful to one’s spouse was a gift from God. While “eunuch” was a term of disparagement in Judaism of his day, Jesus commended sexual faithfulness to God, when he said some had made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom.

Prayer

Almighty God, in whom we live and move and have our being, thou hast made us for thyself, so that our hearts are restless until they find rest in thee; grant us purity of heart and strength of purpose, that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing thy will, no weakness from doing it; but that in thy light we may see light, and in thy service find perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(Augustine, 354-430)