The setting is the region of Judea east of the Jordan River as large crowds continued to follow Jesus and be healed of sickness. In verses three through nine, some Pharisees came to Jesus attempting to trap Him once again with their questions. They questioned Him regarding grounds for divorce. Jesus’ responded mentioning the intent for God’s creation of male, female, and marriage; He also expressed how marriage is meant to be permanent. After more questioning, He stated that a divorce is acceptable on grounds of adultery. The disciples responded in verse 10 stating it was better to not marry at all than to marry and divorce. Jesus agreed with this statement and stated that not everyone can accept that. He explained that some people are born eunuchs, some made eunuchs by others, and some choose for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Pharisees were questioning Jesus only to find fault in His answers so that they could have Him arrested. Don’t be a Pharisee. I am not elaborating on divorce, go back and read what Jesus had to say.lol But I will elaborate on the eunuch part. A eunuch is someone who abstains from marriage and sex. When Jesus said that some people are born eunuchs, He was referencing someone who had been born with a defect in hormones or physical characteristics necessary from reproduction. When He said made eunuchs by others, He was referencing those that were castrated due to cultural practices. When He said choose to be eunuchs, He was referencing someone who commits to celibacy and singleness so they can be totally committed to the Kingdom of God.
In verses 16 through 22, we read about the rich man who came to Jesus asking what good deed must he perform to have eternal life. Jesus mentioned obeying the commandments; the man replied that he already obeys the commandments. So Jesus told him to go sell his possessions, give the money to the poor, come and follow Him. The man walked away sad because he had many possessions that he was not willing to give up. Just as the disciples had left their families, jobs and businesses, God expects up to do the same in order to be His disciples.
In verse 27, Peter stated they had given up everything to follow Jesus before asking what would they get in return. Jesus told them what they would inherit in verse 28. To add some icing to the cake, in verse 29, Jesus revealed what we would receive if we were to give up our possessions and leave our families behind to follow Him. That reward includes receiving 100 times as much in return and inheriting eternal life. God has so much more in store for each of us. But obtaining that so much more can be costly for us due to our desires, wills, and inability to “sell our things, give to the poor, and follow Him”. But friend, just imagine the 100 fold return you will receive as well as eternal life. For what profits a man to gain the world but lose his soul? What are you willing to give up in order to inherit eternal life?
Real Talk with Keve 