Matthew 19:27-30 27Then answering Peter said to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28But Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you who have been following me in the renewal, when the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you also will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my name’s sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Outspoken Peter representing the rest of the disciples responds to Jesus’ challenging statement about who can be saved. His answer and question hint at further confusion about the requirements for eternal life. The disciples had left everything to follow Jesus, and so they wanted to make sure that they had done all they needed to receive eternal life. They had done what Jesus asked, so was there anything else for them to do? His opening word look is a way to get the attention of the other person. Peter presents a simple scenario and wants to know the outcome of it. The question basically inquires about what will there be in the future for the disciples.
Jesus responds with another profound statement beginning with truly. This is a declaration that has timeless truth and hope for all who would follow Jesus. The renewal is used with an eschatological meaning of when Jesus comes again and all things are renewed. It presents the wonderful image of recreation and restoration that compels our hope forward into total commitment. We get a glimpse into this promised renewal in verse 28. The first clear statement highlights the sovereignty and authority of Jesus as the Son of Man. He will sit on a throne of glory as the King of kings and Lord of lords. The book of Revelation builds on this image.
Jesus then gives a specific promise to the twelve disciples who had been following him. They would indeed one day be given a special reward for their faithfulness. It is unclear what it means that the disciples will participate in judging Israel. This could be a reference to how the disciples’ faithfulness compares to the unfaithfulness of the twelve tribes of Israel. It could also be a subtle incentive to continue following Jesus in order to qualify as judges. Each of the twelve disciples will sit upon a throne, which represents positions of honor and authority. These first disciples will have a special place at the time of judgment. We might wonder about Judas who betrayed Jesus and if someone would replace him on the twelfth throne, but any answer is only speculative. This idea may have been why the early Christians replaced Judas with Matthias in Acts 1.
Verse 29 reminds us that although there is a cost to following Jesus in this life symbolized in taking up one’s cross, there is also a reward. This verse expands the promise of verse 28 to include everyone who has followed after Jesus. Jesus promises a two-part reward for those who have counted the cost. A hundredfold is a big, round number representing a reward beyond imagination. The hundredfold seems to be in reference to the things that people give up in this world to follow Jesus; thus, the reward is experienced in this lifetime. The sacrifices can be challenging and great, including homes, family, and food security. Although believers may experience hardship and must sacrifice their earthly lives to some degree, they will have more peace and happiness. A disciple should have a better quality of life than a non-believer, though this quality may not be in wealth, position, power, or prestige. The other reward of eternal life is the greatest incentive. To suffer in this life with eternity in perspective takes the greatest faith in the promises of God. Our faith can grow with time and experience
Jesus repeats the reversal of God’s kingdom. Those who hold the positions of power and influence at whatever level, context, or group will find themselves last in God’s kingdom. These people have been deceived by the values of this world into thinking that life is all about gaining things and being “good” like the rich young ruler of verses 16-22. But those who have given up much in this life for the sake of Jesus will be first in the kingdom. They have allowed the Holy Spirit to transform their worldly thinking into the mind of Christ. They have crucified their old ways and embraced the new path of kingdom life.
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