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.”

Matthew 19:10-12 (NASB)

Context

In yesterday’s passage, Jesus responds to the Pharaisee’s trap question about divorce. They didn’ really care to know His answer; they just wanted to trap Him. But they failed. Jesus first sent them back to the beginning, the purpose and design of marriage – one man and one woman become one flesh. Then He told them divorce was not God’s plan but an accommodation for their hard hearts; God intends marriages to be for life.

Disciple response

The disciples at least understand what He’s saying. At least a few were married (like Peter) but all had parents. So they, knowing how difficult marriage is, suggest it’s better not to even get married (than “be stuck in a bad relationship” for life). “Jesus does not correct them and give a seminar on maintaining a healthy marriage. Instead, he builds on the topic they raise—singleness. He gives a call/commendation to single-minded singles”. (thegospelcoalition.org)

Singleness for service

Jesus, Himself being single, has a word for the singles. Some people are born as eunuchs so can’t have sex. Others (in those days and some today) were castrated – like for service in a King’s harem. But there are some who choose to not marry, seeing that their service to God in singleness is their priority. 

Paul, who was also single, wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:32-33: “But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife”. Earlier, in 1 Corinthians 7:7—9, he said it is a gift, which I believe is why Jesus used the phrase, “accept it” in today’s passage – “accept it” (v12).

You might say such as one is an SLR – single lens reflex camera: one who is focused on one thing – to reflect the Father’s glory in their service. But in truth, shouldn’t we all be SLRs?

RЯeflection

• Are you single with no desire for marriage? You see service to the Lord as your complete act of service and fulfillment. Great! You are no less in the body of Christ. It may be a hard row to hoe. If God has given you this gift, receive it joyfully.
• Most will become married or are. It’s part of God’s call starting with Adam and Eve. It also is a service – for a husband and wife together can minister in ways singles can’t. But the goal is service to the Lord – to bring Him glory. Divorce does not bring Him glory. We cannot use verses like Romans 8:28 as a modern-day justification for divorce.