His Word Today

²⁵ “When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” ²⁶ But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:25–26 (ESV)

Jesus explained to His disciples the impossibility of anyone being justified before God on the basis of their own personal merit. The Scriptures thoroughly emphasize this truth (Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 17:9; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Romans 3:9-20; Galatians 2:15-16; Ephesians 2:1-3; Colossians 2:13-15).

Upon hearing Jesus say this, the disciples were greatly astonished. To be astonished (ἐκπλήσσω; ekplesso) means to be continually astounded and amazed. Another meaning is to be in a state of panic. The adjective greatly (σφόδρα; sphodra) means exceedingly and extremely. You have a group of people who did not like what they heard and understood Jesus to say.

They responded by asking, “Who then can be saved?” Saved (σῴζω; sozo) means to deliver. This was the right question to ask. This is one of the few times the disciples correctly grasped the significance and meaning of Jesus’ words. They may not have liked His words, but they understood them. They wondered who could be delivered from their sin?

Jesus’ reply echoed the theme of divine grace. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Impossible (ἀδύνατος; adynatos) refers to weakness, helplessness and powerlessness. Salvation is impossible for fallen man to achieve. However, salvation is not impossible with God. He can, and does, save people from the penalty, power and eventual presence of sin. He has the ability to do so.

John Calvin writes, “Christ does not extenuate the danger – though He perceives the terror which it excited in His disciples – but rather increases it. Though formerly he said only that it was difficult, He now affirms it to be impossible. He teaches them to rely on the grace of God alone.”

“The disciples were right to conclude that it is impossible, humanly speaking, for anyone—rich or poor—to be saved. But the transformation of the human heart is possible for the Lord. In today’s passage, then, we have a remarkably clear teaching from Christ on the necessity of divine grace. Without God’s grace, no sinner could ever be saved,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

The only hope any sinner has is in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone, applied to individual by God’s sovereign grace alone, through faith, according to Scripture alone for the glory of God alone.

Soli deo Gloria!

²³ And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴ Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:23–24 (ESV)

“If I were a rich man.” — Jerrold Lewis Bock / Sheldon M Harnick

“Baby, You’re a Rich Man.” – Lennon/McCartney

In the immediate aftermath of His discussion with the rich, young ruler (Matt. 19:16-22), Jesus said to His disciples, ““Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.”  The Lord invoked His own authority in the phrase, “I say to you.” The Lord had previously spoken about riches in Matthew 6:19-24.

The word difficulty (δυσκόλως; dyskolos) means hard to accomplish. Jesus did not say those who are wealthy cannot be converted. However, He did say that earthly riches can become a hard object to forsake for the LORD. Jesus compared it to the impossibility of a camel going through the eye of a needle.

“Our Savior’s proverb is similar to other Near Eastern sayings that vividly depict a near-impossible task. Other writings refer to “elephants,” but Jesus speaks of a “camel,” which, as the largest animal used in His culture, is naturally chosen for the illustration. Christ is also talking about the eye of a sewing needle, the tiniest opening known in ancient Palestine, and not, as some assert, a small gate through which a camel can indeed pass, albeit with great difficulty. Jesus often uses hyperbole (see also 23:24), and only a reference to a large animal having to pass through a sewing needle conveys the impossibility of salvation without God’s grace,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“The Lord clearly means that for a rich man in his own power to try to work or worm his way into the kingdom of God is impossible. So powerful is the hold which wealth has on the heart of the natural man! He is held fast by its bewitching charm, and is thereby prevented from obtaining the attitude of heart and mind necessary for entrance into God’s kingdom,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

⁶ “But godliness with contentment is great gain, ⁷ for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. ⁹ But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:6–10 (ESV)

Earthly wealth, in Jesus’ day and in our own, is often cited as evidence of the Lord’s blessing. Therefore, the reasoning is the wealthy are assured of their salvation from God, while the poor are rejected. Jesus turned this perspective upside down.

John Calvin writes, “Riches do not, in their own nature, hinder us from following God; but, in consequence of the depravity of the human mind, it is scarcely possible for those who have so great abundance to avoid being intoxicated by them.”

Living in an affluent culture can impede our relationship with the Lord. Even if we do not have great wealth, our culture tempts us to believe the pursuit of wealth is the ultimate goal of life. May we never believe this lie.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁶ And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” ¹⁷ And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” ¹⁸ He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁰ The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” ²¹ Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Matthew 19:16–22 (ESV)

A rich, young man approached Jesus one day. He asked Jesus a question. It was “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” The young individual possessed a mistaken perspective. He thought eternal life was the result of him performing some good deed, favor, or moral act. In his mind, eternal life was the result of his own personal achievement.

Jesus’ response to the young man directed him to a greater principle and purpose. And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”

The rich, young man asked another question regarding the commandments. He was direct and confident. “Which ones? Jesus focused on the second tier of God’s moral commandments. They dealt with man and his relationship to his fellow man.  And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

The rich, young man again responded directly and confidently. “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” However, there remained a nagging doubt about his standing with God and the acquisition of eternal life. So it is with everyone who bases eternal life on their self-righteous works. It is an impossible task prompted by an impossible dream.

Jesus proposed a final requirement for attaining eternal life. Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”

Jesus told the young man that he needed to forsake everything he trusted in for happiness, contentment and purpose and trust, commit, depend and worship the Lord alone. This is the essence of eternal life; not only in future but also in the present.

The rich, young ruler would not do this. This standard was too high and unattainable for him. His real love were his possession and not the Lord God. He worshiped wealth and rejected the greatest treasure he could ever possess (Matt. 6:19-24).

John Calvin wrote, “The heart and mind of main is a perpetual forge of idols.”

“The human mind, stuffed as it is with presumptuous rashness, dares to imagine a god suited to its own capacity as it labors under dullness; nay, is sunk in the grossest ignorance. I substitutes vanity and an empty phantom in the place of God. To these evils, another is added. The god who man has thus conceived inwardly attempts to embody outwardly. The mind, in this way, conceives the idol, and the hand gives it birth,” explains one Bible commentator.

“Wealth does not interfere with everyone’s discipleship (Gen. 13:2; Luke 8:1–3), and not everyone needs to sell all his possessions. Nor are the poor inevitably “better Christians” than the wealthy. Yet riches stood between this man and Christ; thus, he had to surrender his money. Likewise, we all must abandon idols (14:25–33; 1 John 5:21),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“Will we cling to that which keeps us from full commitment to Jesus, or will we surrender all that we have to the Lord?”

1 Corinthians 10:14 (ESV) – “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”

Will we? Will you? Will I?

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁶ And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” ¹⁷ And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” ¹⁸ He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁰ The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” ²¹ Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Matthew 19:16–22 (ESV)

A rich, young man approached Jesus one day. He asked Jesus a question. It was “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” The rich, young man did not acknowledge Jesus as Lord and God. Rather, he addressed Him as a teacher, instructor or rabbi. He assumed that being wise, Jesus possessed eternal life and knew how others could get it.

The young individual possessed a mistaken perspective. He thought eternal life was the result of him performing some good deed, favor, or moral act. In his mind, eternal life was the result of his own personal achievement.

Jesus’ response to the young man directed him to a greater principle and purpose. And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”

The rich, young man asked another question regarding the commandments. He was direct and confident. “Which ones?”

Jesus focused on the second tier of God’s moral commandments. They dealt with man and his relationship to his fellow man.  And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

“It was not necessary for Jesus to include the commandments relating to man’s duty with respect to God; for, failure to observe the second table implies failure to observe the first: “He who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20),” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

The rich, young man again responded directly and confidently. “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Apparently there was still a nagging doubt about his standing with God and the acquisition of eternal life. So it is with everyone who bases eternal life on their self-righteous works. It is an impossible task prompted by an impossible dream.

“Here superficial smugness is struggling with deep discontent. This young man tries to make himself believe that all is well; yet on the inside he is pathetically perturbed. Has he really loved his neighbor as himself? Why then this lack of peace of mind and heart that had made him run up to Jesus with the anxious question, “What do I still lack?” Did his inward monitor echo the truth expressed in 5:20; cf. Rom. 2:15b? Was that why, though he tried hard to believe in his own virtue and respectability, he was actually feeling ill at ease? He seems to be saying, “What additional good deed must I be doing over and above all those very many that I have already done, for ‘from my youth’ (Mark 10:20; Luke 18:21) I have observed God’s law?, “ observes Dr. Hendriksen.

Jesus will provide one more standard to keep. What was the rich, young man’s response? We’ll examine that when next we meet.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁶ And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” ¹⁷ And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” ¹⁸ He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁰ The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” ²¹ Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Matthew 19:16–22 (ESV)

Mark 10:17–18 (ESV) says, “¹⁷ And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁸ And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”

Luke 18:18–19 (ESV) – “¹⁸ And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁹ And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”  

A rich, young man approached Jesus one day. He asked the Lord a question. It was “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” The rich, young man did not acknowledge Jesus as Lord and God. Rather, he addressed Him as a teacher, instructor or rabbi. He assumed that being a wise teacher, Jesus possessed eternal life and knew how others could get it.

The young individual was mistaken.. He thought eternal life was the result of him performing some good deed, favor, or moral act. In his mind, eternal life was the result of his own personal achievements.

“Steeped in the legalism of his day, the young man naturally thought in terms of some religious deed that would guarantee him eternal life. His lack of understanding about the true nature of salvation, however, does not mean he was insincere,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

Jesus’ response to the young man directed him to a greater principle and purpose. And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”

Good (ἀγαθός; agathos) refers to generosity and graciousness. Jesus asked the young man why he called Him good, or a good teacher. The Lord acknowledged the only one who was good, the source of generosity and grace, was God alone. He also stated that eternal life could be acquired by keeping God’s commandments. However, as noted in our previous devotional, fallen sinners are incapable of perfectly and completely keeping God’s commandments; nor do they desire to do so.

“Certainly what God demands in His law is good, for God himself is the Highest Good. Why ask Jesus about “that which is good” when God the Father has so clearly revealed it? If the enquirer thinks that he will be able to obtain everlasting life by doing good, let him then by all means keep the commandments,” observes Dr. William Hendriksen.

“Our Lord knows the man is looking for more, but He starts with the law of God, for the Law is where salvation begins. Jesus reminds the man that His Father defines goodness and that obeying Him is the way to eternal life (vv. 17–19),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“Jesus is not teaching that we are able to obey God perfectly and merit redemption. Only in trying to keep the Law will we see our failure and need of Christ, who flawlessly kept God’s law in our place (Rom. 5:20–21; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 5:2–5).”

John Calvin writes that “the keeping of the law is righteousness, by which any man who kept the law perfectly — if there were such a man — would obtain life for himself. But as we are all destitute of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23), nothing but cursing will be found in the law; and nothing remains for us but to betake ourselves to the undeserved gift of righteousness.”

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁶ And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” ¹⁷ And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” ¹⁸ He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁰ The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” ²¹ Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Matthew 19:16–22 (ESV)

A rich, young man approached Jesus one day. He asked Jesus a question. It was “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” The rich, young man did not acknowledge Jesus as Lord and God. Rather, he addressed Him as a teacher, instructor or rabbi. He assumed that being wise, Jesus possessed eternal life and knew how others could get it.

The young individual possessed a mistaken perspective. He thought eternal life was the result of him performing some good deed, favor, or moral act. In his mind, eternal life was the result of his own personal achievement.

“Despite the carnage of the twentieth century, we have not yet learned the depths of our depravity. Secularists have taught us that we are basically good — all we need is education. Polls also suggest that evangelicals overwhelmingly believe in the goodness of man. This is surprising, given Scripture’s assumption that we are chronically sinful. Paul tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). In Psalm 51:5, David confesses his evil nature was present even at the moment of his conception,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“Our Savior once met someone who was confident in his own money and status instead of his allegiance to God. Wondering how he could inherit eternal life, this rich young man came to Jesus wondering what he had to “do” (Mark 10:17). The use of “do” indicates that he thought he could enter God’s kingdom by doing good.”

What do the Scriptures say about the goodness of man? Is eternal life something that fallen man can gain by either their own goodness or good works?

Psalm 14:1–3 (ESV) – “¹ The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. ² The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. ³ They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.” See Psalm 53:1-3.

Isaiah 64:6 (ESV) – “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.”

Romans 3:10–11 (ESV) – “¹⁰ as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; ¹¹ no one understands; no one seeks for God.”

“Now the fact that this young man was in search of salvation must be appreciated. He was not so engrossed in earthly pleasures that he no longer cared for the things pertaining to God. However, he was making a tragic mistake. It is clear from his very question—“What good thing shall I do …”—that he believed in salvation by works. This becomes even clearer when verse 16 is read in the light of verse 20,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

When next we meet, we will examine Jesus’ reply to this young man. It may be the same reply He would give to you.  Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁶ And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” ¹⁷ And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” ¹⁸ He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁰ The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” ²¹ Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Matthew 19:16–22 (ESV)

“Although Matthew is very indefinite with respect to the time when the event recorded in 19:16–30 occurred, the parallel account in Mark (see 10:16, 17) leaves the distinct impression that it took place immediately—at least very soon—after the bestowal of a blessing upon the little children. If so, then Christ’s views on marriage, children, and material possessions follow each other in a sequence that commends itself as being very logical.” – Dr. William Hendriksen

What is known about this individual who came to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Today’s text reveals the following information.

First, he was a man (vs. 16). This may seem pretty obvious from the text, but the ancient culture should not be ignored. As a man, he enjoyed many rights and privileges women did not possess, let alone enjoy.

Second, he was a young man (vs.20, 22). The word young (νεανίσκος; neaniskos) means a youth. He was beyond puberty, but unmarried. He was young and single.

Third, he was rich. The text says he had great possessions (vs.22). The word great (πολύς; polus) means a great deal of, or many. What he had a great deal of were possessions (κτῆμα; ktema). This refers to property. A property owner then, and now, was perceived to have great wealth by being a property owner.  

Fourth, he was discerning (vs. 20). In spite of all his worldly advantages, he perceived that he still lacked what was necessary to inherit eternal life. His discernment not only revealed what he lacked, but also who to approach with the answers to his dilemma (vs.16).

Finally, he was an individual who possessed initiative. He came to Jesus (vs. 16). The man wanted to know what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. He was ready, willing and able to do what was necessary to solve this heartfelt question.

“He was rich (Matt. 19:22), that is, in earthly material possessions. He was young (Matt. 19:20), probably not more than forty years of age, perhaps much younger (see 1 Tim. 4:12). He was prominent (Luke 18:18), being called “a ruler,” probably one of the officials in charge of the local synagogue (Matt. 9:18), a man of high reputation. This was true all the more because he was clean (Matt. 19:20), a man of excellent outward behavior, a virtuous individual. He was keen, eager. He had a problem on his heart and mind. He had not found that which would put his soul at rest. Being anxious to solve that problem he “ran up” to Jesus (Mark 10:17). Finally, he was reverent, shown by the fact that he “knelt before” Jesus, as the reference in Mark’s Gospel indicates,” explains Dr. Hendriksen.

Are you sure of your eternal destiny? Do you know that you possess eternal life? When next we meet, we’ll begin to examine the text in greater detail.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹³ Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, ¹⁴ but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” ¹⁵ And he laid his hands on them and went away.” (Matthew 19:13–15 (ESV)

This familiar narrative is also recorded in Mark 10:13–16 and Luke 18:15–17. In today’s text, we witness the disciples rebuking the parents but Jesus receiving the children.

There is an obvious close association between marriage and family. Ordinarily, marriage eventually results in couples having children. In the immediate aftermath of Jesus’ teachings on marriage and divorce (Matt. 19:3-12), Matthew records an incident between parents and their children with Jesus and His disciples.

Parents were bringing their children to Jesus so that He might lay His hands on them and pray. The word children (παιδίον; paidion) refers to children younger than the age of puberty. To lay hands represented a blessing from one to another. Children, then and now, represent the defenseless and dependent. Jesus is our defender and sovereign Lord.

“Children! How Jesus loved them! (Matt. 18:2-4). It is not at all surprising therefore that certain followers of Jesus brought their little ones to him, so that he might lay his hands on them, blessing them and praying for them. How big were these little ones? There are those who, basing their theory on the fact that the word used in the original for “little children” is in the New Testament by no means confined to those very young in years (for proof see John 21:5; 1 John 2:18, 3:7), believe that those who were brought to Jesus were children of elementary school age or even older. However, Luke 18:15 informs us that these “little children” were actually “infants.” See Luke 1:44 (an unborn babe). Cf. 1 Peter 2:2. They—or at least many of them—must have been “carried” to Jesus in the arms of their parents,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

However, the disciples would have none of it. Jesus, and by extension the disciples, were too important to be bothered by parents and their kids. The disciple viewed children as a distraction. They rebuked and disapproved of this interruption.

Jesus welcomed the children. He said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” The phrase “let the children come” was a commanding rebuke to the disciples. Jesus told His disciples to stop what they were doing in preventing parents from bringing their children to Him.

Jesus explained the kingdom of heaven is likened to little children. A child’s trust, commitment, dependence and worship is indicative of God’s rule and reign in believers’ lives. Therefore, Jesus laid His hands on them and then went on His way to Jerusalem.

Today’s text may provide comfort to those parents whose children have died prior to birth, at birth or in infancy. Are these little ones safe in the arms of God?

“These children were too young to have exercised personal faith. See Luke 18:15, where Luke refers to them as “infants.” Therefore, it is all the more significant that Christ used them as an illustration of those who make up “the kingdom of heaven” (cf. Matt. 18:1–4). Mark 10:16 also says he “blessed them.” God often shows a special mercy to those who because of age or mental deficiency are incapable of either faith or willful unbelief (cf. Jonah 4:11). They are called “innocent” in Jer. 19:4. This does not mean they are free from the inherited guilt and moral corruption of Adam’s sin (see notes on Rom. 5:12–19), but rather that they are not culpable in the same sense as those whose sins are premeditated and deliberate. Jesus’ words here suggest that God’s mercy is graciously extended to infants so that those who die are sovereignly regenerated and granted entrance into the kingdom—not because they are deserving of heaven, but because God in his grace chooses to redeem them,” explains Dr. John MacArthur. See 2 Sam. 12:1-23 and Mark 10:14.

Have a blessed day in the Lord. Pray for the Lord’s blessing upon and salvation of your children.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁰ “The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” ¹¹ But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. ¹² For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” (Matthew 19:10–12 (ESV)

Who wants to be told they shouldn’t get married? People never want to be told they can’t have something when it is something they really want; even when what they want will be disastrous. This is the case with some couples.

A young couple met with a pastor for pre-marital counseling. Throughout their meeting, the prospective newlyweds constantly argued with each other about everything while in the pastor’s presence. Finally, the pastor stopped the meeting and informed them that he could not in good conscience officiate their wedding. To their dismay, He informed them that they were incompatible and needed to end their engagement. How did they respond? They began to argue with the pastor as they argued with each other.

“The disciples correctly understood the binding nature of marriage, and that Jesus was setting a very high standard, permitting divorce only in the most extreme of circumstances,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

Jesus’ disciples understood His tough talk concerning biblical marriage (Matt. 19:3-9). They responded rather cynically by saying, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”

“They, along with many other people of that day and age—and of today!—seem to have been obsessed by the idea, “What can I get out of marriage for myself?” Their question should have been, “How can a man use this marvelous institution for the benefit of his wife, himself, his children-to-be, his fellow men, and God’s kingdom?” These men did not as yet fully understand that the spirit of love, service, and sacrifice, the very attitude of their Master (Matt. 20:28; Luke 22:27), must be applied to every relationship of life, also to that of marriage,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

Jesus’ response was equally direct. “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.” Jesus’ tough talk about marriage and divorce extended to singleness.

The Lord continued to explain that circumstances of life may prevent certain individuals from marrying. “For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”

“Jesus acknowledged the lifelong commitment of marriage can only be fulfilled through God’s gifting and is not His calling to all,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul. “Some may be precluded from marriage by physical causes (eunuchs from birth or made so by men), but others pursue the single life by choice, for the sake of advancing God’s kingdom (I Cor. 7:7-9).”

Are you ready, willing and able to answer God’s calling in your life? Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!