12For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” (Matthew 19:12)
Thoughts: Jesus main point is that some are called to be single to further the kingdom of heaven. It is not an evil thing to be single, nor is it necessarily more honorable. Paul said that those who marry are concerned for their family when there is a time of persecution, and may lose focus for the kingdom (1 Corinthians 7). Calvin and Luther derided the idea of monks and nuns as more holy than those who were married. Calvin said that the godly family is the model for the world of the kingdom of heaven. This does not mean that those who are single are second class. Singles have a different calling and can be more focused on holiness and service. But it is taking this passage too far to say that all priests/ministers must be single. There is evidence of Peter's and other disciples being married (Peter had a mother-in-law (Lk. 4:38).
We need to be careful that we not do eisegesis (putting our own day's, culture's views, our preferences onto the text). Jesus was not giving another category of sexuality besides male and female (there are 58 genders on Facebook today). People are so confused about genders today that some are calling for an end of talking about it (agender) as it has become too complex and for many "gender" doesn't make sense. In 19:4 Jesus points out God made two genders: male and female- then he links gender and biology in marriage- the two becoming one.
People are so consumed about their sexuality as if this were the only thing in life driving them. Sexuality is an important gift of God but it is not the only one, and can be controlled. In fact, this is what Jesus was saying. Some give up their sexuality for the kingdom of heaven. Jesus did this. There is no evidence- contra DaVinci- that Jesus married or had an affair. There is every evidence that he led a pure and holy life in every way. Contrary to popular belief it is not unhealthy to control your sexuality. To not practice self control of your sexuality ends up deeply hurting others, and even hurting ourselves and our relationship with God.
Ironically, Jesus knew not everyone can swallow this teaching. So he says, "the one who can accept it should accept it." It is almost a challenge he gives us to accept that control of our sexuality is important to live a holy and God-pleasing life.
We need to be careful that we not do eisegesis (putting our own day's, culture's views, our preferences onto the text). Jesus was not giving another category of sexuality besides male and female (there are 58 genders on Facebook today). People are so confused about genders today that some are calling for an end of talking about it (agender) as it has become too complex and for many "gender" doesn't make sense. In 19:4 Jesus points out God made two genders: male and female- then he links gender and biology in marriage- the two becoming one.
People are so consumed about their sexuality as if this were the only thing in life driving them. Sexuality is an important gift of God but it is not the only one, and can be controlled. In fact, this is what Jesus was saying. Some give up their sexuality for the kingdom of heaven. Jesus did this. There is no evidence- contra DaVinci- that Jesus married or had an affair. There is every evidence that he led a pure and holy life in every way. Contrary to popular belief it is not unhealthy to control your sexuality. To not practice self control of your sexuality ends up deeply hurting others, and even hurting ourselves and our relationship with God.
Ironically, Jesus knew not everyone can swallow this teaching. So he says, "the one who can accept it should accept it." It is almost a challenge he gives us to accept that control of our sexuality is important to live a holy and God-pleasing life.
Prayer: Lord, let me let you be Lord over my sexuality and help me to control myself in the face of the temptations and confusions of the world around me.
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