Then Peter said to [Jesus], “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”
Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”
Key Thought
At first glance, Peter’s statement and question seem very self-promoting. The question, however, is more his looking for reassurance that they have indeed tried to follow Jesus. They had, in fact, left everything to follow him. While they had not always understood or chosen the proper course, they had sacrificed everything to follow him. We must not discount the great sacrifices these 12 apostles made. When Jesus is crucified, it will make their devastation all the more severe.
Jesus does not rebuke Peter. Instead, like he had done for so many others who were desperate for his care and cure, he affirms him. In the same way, if we truly surrender our lives in obedience to Jesus Christ as Lord, he promises us very much the same kind of blessing he promises in today’s verses. Just as we cannot out sacrifice God, neither can we begin to imagine his ultimate blessings for us who love him and seek to faithfully follow him!
Today’s Prayer
Almighty and gracious God, I trust in your promises. Please give me the courage to live with radical faith in Jesus as Lord knowing that any hardship here will not go unnoticed and unrewarded by your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Luke 22:25-301 Corinthians 6:1-2Romans 8:18Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.