Monday, August 01, 2011

Matthew 19:10-12

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10 The disciples said* to Him, ``If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.'' 11 But He said to them, ``Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 ``For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it.''

Based upon the adulterous nature of messing up within the marriage relationship, the disciples remark that maybe it is better to not marry at all. Jesus' response has to do with 3 kinds of eunuchs-men who have been emasculated.

1. Born a eunuch. 2. Made a eunuch. 3. Choose to be a eunuch for the kingdom.

There is a myth making the rounds in some circles, that those people identified as eunuchs in scriptures were homosexuals. This is a totally ridiculous idea and nothing could be further from truth. It is indeed astounding that any learned person could come to such a conclusion.

THREE OBSERVATIONS: FIRST--Remaining single and not entering into marriage is OK with Jesus.

SECOND--Jesus points out that some men (or women) may choose to be "not married" for the sake of the kingdom. To be single gives you a great opportunity minister full-time without consideration of your mate.

THIRD--Each person must choose, because it is a personal choice.

The bottomline and most important of all is the phrase "for the sake of the Kingdom". Remember, Jesus said earlier to "seek first the Kingdom of God" and everything else will take care of itself. "For the sake of the Kingdom". Does that phrase reflect how you evaluate your life decisions? FOR THE SAKE OF THE KINGDOM.