Jesus Christ: Family, Masculinity and Sexuality
Ancient societies valued the notion of collective identity — often centring a person’s sense of self and worth on their place in the home, family, or community. Sons were an indispensable part of this ideal; they carried forward traditions by taking over from their fathers as providers and protectors. Marriages had to be formed between man and woman to secure that continuation from generation to generation; anything outside these confines was harshly judged because it did not meet societal expectations.
AN ALTERNATIVE PATH:
In a world where it was easy to conform, Jesus Christ chose the path less travelled. He understood that loving outcasts and pushing back against traditional social norms weren’t always popular or accepted, but he not only dared to be different but embraced it! I like to think of him as “queer”, not necessarily in a sexual sense but by an attitude that seeks meaning beyond what society deems normal. It brings us all closer into a community with those who are excluded and invites us to march alongside in celebrating our differences rather than conforming to one set way when life is so diversely beautiful.
JESUS CHALLENGED TRADITIONAL FAMILY AND MASCULINE ROLES:
Jesus Christ’s teachings changed the traditional notions of family and masculinity, focusing on acceptance of individuality and “otherness” as well as those who were oppressed or marginalised. He showed us that love is an action, not just a sentiment; it is a call to treat all people with kindness, regardless of how society labels them.
When looking at the Gospels, we can see that Jesus was disruptive to traditional family values and gender roles. For example, He welcomed children into His presence when other religious leaders would have excluded them (Matthew 19:13–15). He also welcomed women as disciples when they were typically seen only as homemakers (Luke 8:1–3). We can see this theme of disrupting traditional hierarchy throughout the Gospels. In Matthew 8:5–13, for instance, when a Roman Centurion asks for help for his sick servant, Jesus praises him for his faith. This was revolutionary since Jews disliked Romans due to their oppressive rule over Israel.
JESUS WAS SURROUNDED BY LGBTIQA+ AND LOVED THEM AS GOD LOVES ALL OF THEIR CREATION:
This inclusive approach extended to homosexuals, too; while homosexuality was condemned during Jesus’ time, He did not speak against it (John 8:1–11). Instead, He focused on loving everyone regardless of their sexuality or gender identity instead of judging them based on outdated social norms (Matthew 5:43–48). By doing so, He created a space where people could express themselves without fear of being judged or ostracised by society or religious institutions.
Jesus’ band of wayward followers faced immense scrutiny and judgement, particularly regarding their relationship with the eunuchs. Eunuchs were considered neither men nor women due to their form of castration as a dedication for Cybele; this “in-between” status was often frowned upon by both societies: Jewish temples barred them from entering, while Roman emperors had forbidden it altogether. Jesus embraced these outsiders with compassion in his teachings, providing an example that all people could be accepted within His circle of love; the fact that Jesus mentioned that someone might choose castration “for heaven’s sake” is remarkable (Matthew 19:12).
Jesus had sage advice concerning marriage and divorce, which He imparted to His followers. It may not have been what they wanted to hear, but it was wise nonetheless: true love demands that one think carefully before entering into the commitment of matrimony. Jesus also showed great compassion for those who felt separation due to other circumstances. He mentioned eunuchs — “born that way” or made by others — suggesting an open door in heaven if such a path fulfilled their heart’s desire (Matthew 19:11–2).
In this passage, Jesus offers wisdom and counsel on who should not seek out a female partner. He begins with those who have given up marriage in dedication to God — the “eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven.” He also mentions males potentially forced into eunuchry due to castration before eventually delving deeper by mentioning “born eunuchs.” While some suggest this refers to men born without testicles, this is implausible (see further below), particularly on the basis that further research reveals that this phrase could imply male homosexuality. Supported through social anthropology and history alongside science and psychology, Jesus’ words here offer timeless insight regarding companionship that still deserves acknowledgement today.
Jesus, in his great wisdom and compassion, acknowledged the existence of eunuchs as people who were “born that way.” He affirmed their inherent value and worth and showed us that no one is exempt from God’s love. In an age where many saw these individuals with prejudice due to unfamiliarity or fear — Jesus had a personal understanding.
Jesus broke societal boundaries by standing up for those often vilified because they lived differently than what was considered “normal.” During this period, eunuchs’ very existence threatened society’s definition of being male or female. But Jesus saw past this labelling and saw them simply as human beings worthy of love and respect (Acts 8:26–40). His message reminds us there should be no condemnation when loving our neighbours as ourselves, only acceptance regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
In any event, “natural” or “born” eunuchs were, in fact, not linked to a lack of testicles in ancient cultures, including ancient Jewish culture (as reflected in the Talmud). Instead, Rabbi Eliezer believed their “effeminate” traits could be “cured” (although such traits exist on the spectrum of hetero-masculinity, as proven by neuroscience and psychology). As we’ve also seen, eunuchs had a stigma attached to them that made them a target of homophobic prejudice.
Jesus, as a well-informed man of his time, would have known this was the common understanding of eunuchs. He states the obvious, however, that some people are merely born that way. His words carry heavy weight: God intentionally made homosexuals different from straight people. For the sake of Jesus, it is.
THERE IS VIRTUE IN ALL LOVING RELATIONSHIPS:
Jesus taught us that a heterosexual partnership is the natural order of things. But he also clarified that God sometimes blesses some with an alternative path and loves them just as much. In Matthew 19, Jesus applauds those born eunuchs for being in tune with their unique design from birth — created by our loving Father to live whole lives through His perfect plan.
When Matthew 19 is read in context, we see that Jesus teaches that most people are designed to be in heterosexual partnerships. But Jesus does not consider this the “pinnacle of virtue” as some modern Christians do. He agrees that God has wired some people to take an unconventional but valid life path. Some people are born eunuchs because God destined them to be.
Furthermore, in the Book of Acts 8:26–39, we see Philip baptising an Ethiopian eunuch despite his status as a “second class citizen” in ancient times. This passage clearly conveys that you should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of your background or circumstance. That is a powerful message for anyone cast aside or feeling on the outer.
In Galatians 3:28, Paul states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither bond nor free; there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Nothing is wrong with being “different” or “othered”, which can signify strength! To this end, faith in God can help us find solace even when everything else makes us feel helpless or alone.
It is likely that if Jesus or his disciples were eunuchs, that fact would have been used against them by their opponents. It is fair to say that Jesus and his followers became social eunuchs, or outcasts, by rejecting traditional notions of masculinity and the “normal” way of living.
FINAL WORDS ON JESUS AND MASCULINITY:
Jesus’ early years were filled with an incredible transformation as he moved from his humble beginnings in Nazareth to establishing a new life at the Lake of Gennesaret. It wasn’t just Jesus who dared to take on this grand endeavour — God chose him for it! He called upon a particular group of followers that challenged typical standards and expectations; they fearlessly left behind their homes, families, and daily responsibilities to embark on this exciting journey. A remarkable shift occurred when these brave individuals made such sacrifices: masculinity changed drastically while traditional family structures completely transformed.
Traditional masculinity and family models were modernised and transformed by God’s command with love, empathy, and compassion. Jesus Christ revolutionised the notion of family and masculinity by embracing individuals from all walks of life rather than judging them based on outdated societal standards. He showed us that love is an action — it involves treating others with kindness regardless of how society might label them. Today we must remember these lessons from Jesus’ teachings and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and accepted no matter who they are or what they believe in. When we do this, we honour God through our actions, just as Jesus did during His earthly life.
No matter your situation, know that you are loved by God just as much as everyone on this earth — and never forget it! Jesus Christ’s teachings provide hope and solace to those who may feel outcast due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. From his famous Sermon on the Mount to passages throughout the New Testament that advocate acceptance regardless of background or circumstance, Jesus offers redemption and reassurance even when everything else fails us.
