We are often taught that Jesus had nothing to say about homosexuality. But if we consider the word 'eunuch', it often meant an effeminant quality within men. The Jews had no word for homosexual, nor did the Greek or Romans at the time of Christ. But most certainly, the people of that time period knew what an effeminant man was and he was often called a eunuch.
Let us now consider these words of our Lord Jesus in Matt 19. He is asked to clarify the matter of divorce. Upon clarifying this matter, He proceeds to discuss very directly a matter that many cannot comprehend nor desire to accept that there are other individuals out there who do not wish to be with someone of the opposite sex! Jesus states:
"But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs, that were so born from their mother's womb:and there are eunuchs, that were made eunuchs by men:and there are eunuchs, that made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."
No, not everyone was 'made' to marry someone of the opposite sex as was the tradition of the time, for some were not of that inclination. Christ is telling us that there are others out there who are not oriented to the desire to be with someone of the opposite sex! This is, as Jesus told us, something that not all men can receive and we see their inability to comprehend and accept Christs saying through homophobic doctrine! Instead they twist this beautiful enlightening verse and ignore the fact that the word 'eunuch' is used here and not as meaning someone who wishes not to marry. For eunuch does not mean, "someone who wishes not to marry". It means a man who is effeminant or may not desire to be with a woman. Christ gives us three reasons why a man may not wish to be with a woman. Firstly, he is BORN THAT WAY; secondly he is made that way by men (but we know that if a man has been castrated and is heterosexual, he may still desire to be with a woman!). There must be another meaning here, which could be that life circumstances has affected the individuals life to the point that they find it all too difficult to be with someone of the opposite sex. Finally, Christ tells us that some choose to not marry because they feel their life is meant to be one of complete service to God and have no desire for marriage.
These are only the beginning of some humble thoughts as I search the scriptures for God's will for my life! If you feel they are helpful to you, please let me know…and pass them on to others. It is time to dig deeper into His Word!
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