Matthew 19: Kingdom Counsel (2)
Pray Psalm 96.1-4.
Oh, sing to the LORD a new song!
Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, bless His name;
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonders among all peoples.
For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
Sing Psalm 96.1-4.
Mit Freuden Zart: All Praise to God, Who Reigns Above
Sing to the LORD! O, bless His Name! All nations tell His glory!
Salvation’s tidings loud proclaim; let earth rehearse His story!
For God is greatly to be praised; His throne above all gods is raised!
Fear Him, and sing His glory!
Read Matthew 19.1-12; meditate on verses 10-12.
How do you know if you are one to whom such understanding is “given”?
Prepare.
1. Jesus mentioned three kinds of eunuchs. What are they?
2. Why may someone legitimately become a eunuch?
Meditate.
This is a difficult passage, mainly because it addresses a practice more common in Jesus’ day than ours.
Eunuchs were not uncommon in Jesus’ day. Some were born as eunuchs, having, I suppose, a physical defect. Others, to be part of a philosophical or religious society or to serve in a royal court, became eunuchs at the hands of men. And some “made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.” Becoming a eunuch—one who determines “it is better not to marry” (v. 10)—is not the norm. However, the practice of chastity—which, for all intents and purposes is a form of becoming a eunuch—has been in the Church from the beginning. And in every age where men have taken a vow of chastity “for the kingdom of heaven’s sake”, the inability of many to fulfill that vow perhaps demonstrates why such a practice should be an exception, not a rule.
In general, it is God’s will that people should marry and bring children into the world (Gen. 1.26-28). In Jesus’ day—as now—some men chose not to marry, either because of physical defects from birth or a decision to serve God exclusively. Becoming a eunuch for the Kingdom of God—choosing a life of complete chastity, physical and spiritual—is not God’s norm; however, Jesus did recognize the validity of it. To this day, monasteries and other religious entities may insist on chastity by their members or priests.
But even for those called to the ministry of the Gospel, the proper order is to marry, as Peter was married and, presumably, most of the other disciples (1 Cor. 9.5). Only if God clearly directs otherwise, and for the purpose of seeking the Kingdom of God, should someone undertake such a calling.
Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
Jesus, “for the Kingdom of heaven’s sake” (Matt. 19.12), chose that lifestyle for His own.
Therefore, chastity is certainly honorable and holy, when lived out in all righteousness.
Any way of life, within the boundaries of the Law, is acceptable before God—
married or celibate—for men and women. It is a choice God gives us, with His blessing.
But as with all of life, it is our heart attitude that matters.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and
that does not fade away,
reserved in heaven for you,
who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1.3-5).
Married or single. These truths are ours.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and
always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,
with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers,
those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Pet. 3.15-17).
Single or married. These commands are ours.
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matt. 6.33).
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3.5, 6).
Eunuch or wed. This guidance is ours.
Eunuch by birth, by man, by choice; or married—keep your heart set on Christ and His Kingdom—
“let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,
Who for the joy that was set before Him endured…
that we may be partakers of His holiness” (Heb. 12.1, 2, 10).
“Blessed be the LORD,
Who daily loads us with benefits,
The God of our salvation!” (Ps. 68.19)
Celibate or united— “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Phil. 4.11).
“For the Kingdom of heaven’s sake.”
Reflect.
1. What does it mean to “be content”? To what kinds of things does this apply?
2. Christian living is a matter of the heart first of all. Explain.
3. How will you seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness today?
Only the person who for Christ seeks chastity wholeheartedly and cuts off sexual impurity altogether [is the genuine eunuch]. So He adds, “He who is able to receive this, let him receive it,” so that each of us should look to his own strength as to whether he can carry out the commands of virginity and chastity. Jerome (347-420), Commentary on Matthew 3.19.12
Pray Psalm 96.5-13.
Are there any idols lurking in your soul? Anything that might distract you from following Jesus today? Confess them, and renew your devotion to the Lord, offering yourself and your day to Him, for His glory.
Sing Psalm 96.5-13.
Mit Freuden Zart: All Praise to God, Who Reigns Above
All other gods are idols vain; the LORD created heaven.
Splendor and strength with Him obtain; to Him be glory given!
All fam’lies, praise this mighty LORD! Give strength and glory to His Word;
exalt the LORD of heaven.
Bring off’rings sweet to Him, our LORD, in holy garments praise Him!
Tremble before Him, all the earth; among the nations raise Him!
The earth is fixed, it will not move; the peoples will His justice prove.
Exalt the LORD and praise Him.
Let heaven sing with lusty voice; let earth and sea sing sweetly!
Let fields and trees in Him rejoice, for He is coming swiftly
to judge the world in righteousness, the peoples in His faithfulness.
He comes; exalt Him greatly!
T. M. and Susie Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Other columns of interest: This week: Our Read Moore podcast continues our readings from the book, The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart. Our Crosfigell teaching letter is pursuing a series on the spiritual poetry of the Celtic Revival. The ReVision column is working through a study of the role of reason in the life of faith. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
