Matthew 19:12

"But he said to them, “Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given."

Key Reflection

Jesus suggests that understanding certain truths requires a special gift or grace from God, indicating that the knowledge of certain spiritual matters is not universally accessible to everyone. This implies that some teachings are meant for those whom the Father has chosen to reveal them to.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 12. Jesus proceeds to state that there were some who were able to receive that saying, and to remain in an married state. Some were so born; some made such by the cruelty of men; and some who voluntarily abstained from marriage for the kingdom of heaven's sake--that is, that they might devote themselves entirely to the proper business of religion. Perhaps he refers here to the ESSENES, a sect of the Jews See Barnes "Mt 3:7" who held that marriage was unsuitable to their condition, who had no children of their own, but perpetuated their sect by adopting the poor children of others. Eunuchs were employed chiefly in attending on the females, or in the harem.

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