-THE PEREAN MINISTRY

-The Disciples Inquire Further Regarding Marriage

-Matthew 19:10-12; Mark 10:10-12

-It seems that after the Pharisees had departed, the disciples inquired again about the subject of

  marriage.

-“The Pharisees were not the only ones shaken up by the Lord’s teaching.  The disciples too

 were surprised and even intimidated at the sanctity and inviolate nature of the marriage tie as

 expounded by Christ” (Coffman, Matthew, pg 291). 

            -Undoubtedly, the disciples realized the great disparity between Jesus’ teaching on the

             subject and the conditions within their society.  As a result, they considered this a difficult

             teaching.

            -We should not be surprised at the difficulty with which so many receive this teaching today;

             the reason of which being the same - a great disparity between Jesus’ teachings and the

             conditions of the society in which we live.  Let’s be understanding, compassionate and

             gentle while standing firm within the truth of the doctrine of Christ.

-After hearing the strictness of this teaching, the disciples evidently saw marriage more as a

 stumblingblock than a blessing and concluded, “...it is not good to marry” (Matt 19:10).

            -Unfortunately, many commentators discuss the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 19:11-

             12 apart from the context of His teachings in this passage as a whole.  Instead, they discuss

             these comments only in the context of the disciples’ statement, “...it is not good to marry.”

             This comment made by the disciples is directly linked to the discussion as a whole. 

                        -Notice, in Mark 10:10 the “...disciples asked him again of the same matter.”  What

                          was this? - the question that the Pharisees had presented and the response Jesus gave.

                        -It was Jesus’ repeated teaching on this subject that let to the disciples statement - “it is

                         not good to marry.”  So, the continued words of Jesus in Matthew 19:11-12 should not

                         be limited only to the disciples conclusion but to the overall discussion that had taken

                         place.

            -Jesus is saying that there are eunuchs for different reasons:  1. born in such condition; 2. made

             that way by man (through mistreatment and abuse); 3. those who voluntarily abide in such a

             lifestyle “for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.” 

                        -Due to the situations that some would find themselves in with relation to the teachings of

                         Jesus regarding marriage, they would need to place themselves in this third category. 

                         Such would be a difficult decision and task, yet one that they would need to make “for the

                         kingdom of heaven’s sake.”