Knowing The Word in Matthew 19:10-12

Marriage

10 The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” [Was this a serious question or asked with a wry smile?] 11 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive [cope with] this saying, but only those to whom it is given [where God’s gifts make it possible to receive]. [Some believe Jesus is referring to the disciples question seriously and commending celibacy. However, I believe he is referring back to the demanding ideal of marriage as an unbreakable, one flesh union. Now Jesus gives a list of those to whom it is not given.] 12 For there are eunuchs [a term of disparagement in Judaism of Jesus’ day because celibacy was not practiced except by Jesus!] 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 [Jesus]. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” [These verses emphasize that if one is married or not it is not a better or worse situation, but a gift from God, which is not the same for all disciples.]