3/19/25 Matthew 19:23-30 “The Reward of Following”
Andrew and Peter had spent time with Jesus and heard Him speak. Presumably James and John had as well. But when Jesus called them to follow Him in Matthew 4:18-22, He was taking it to a whole new level. They were giving up their jobs, their family, their homes, just about everything, to follow this Teacher who performed miracles. Building personal wealth was no longer in their job description.
When Jesus talked of the challenge of being rich and still entering the kingdom of God in Matthew 19:23-26, Peter responded to Jesus with a question in verse 27. “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” He still focused on material things to some extent. Jesus answered in verse 28, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Quite a promise to the apostles.
The following promise in verse 29 was to everyone, including you and me. “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” We might not get rich when we choose to follow Jesus, but we will be rewarded. In fact Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Are we following Jesus? Are we diligently seeking Him?
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