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Introduction: Peter’s Inquiry and the Promise of Reward

In response to Jesus’ challenging remarks about the temptations and difficulties faced by those who possess wealth, Peter, with characteristic boldness, voiced a concern that must have been on the minds of the other disciples as well. The Lord had just explained how difficult it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God, likening it to a camel passing through the eye of a needle. This statement, which left the disciples astonished and concerned, prompted Peter to reflect on the sacrifices he and the others had made. With a mix of self-satisfaction and perhaps a desire for reassurance, Peter said, “Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” (Matthew 19:27, UASV).

Peter’s question, while somewhat self-congratulatory, was also a natural inquiry. Having left behind their livelihoods, families, and possessions, the disciples were curious about the rewards awaiting them for their sacrifices. Jesus’ response, filled with both encouragement and caution, provides profound insights into the nature of rewards in the kingdom of God.

The Generosity of Christ’s Promises

Jesus’ reply to Peter’s inquiry was both reassuring and thought-provoking. He assured the disciples that their sacrifices would not go unnoticed or unrewarded. He promised that in the “regeneration,” when the Son of Man would sit on His glorious throne, the twelve would also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). Additionally, He extended this promise to all who would forsake houses, family, or lands for His sake, assuring them that they would receive a hundredfold in return and inherit eternal life.

This promise highlights the boundless generosity of Christ. The disciples had left behind their fishing boats, nets, and modest homes, yet Jesus promised them thrones. The disparity between what was given up and what was promised is immense, underscoring the principle that God’s rewards far exceed any sacrifices made for His sake. The magnitude of these rewards is not only a testament to God’s grace but also serves to humble the believer. No one can claim that their sacrifices deserve such abundant rewards; rather, all who receive these rewards must acknowledge them as gifts of divine grace.

Misunderstanding the Nature of the Promises

While Jesus’ promises were indeed glorious, they also carried the potential for misunderstanding. The disciples, still influenced by Jewish expectations of a political Messiah, likely envisioned these thrones in a literal, earthly kingdom. They might have imagined themselves as rulers over the restored tribes of Israel, enjoying positions of power and prestige in a revived Davidic kingdom. However, this was not the reality that Jesus had in mind.

The language of thrones and judgment used by Jesus was intended to inspire hope and motivate His disciples, but it also carried the risk of being misunderstood. The promises were not meant to be taken as guarantees of earthly power but as assurances of spiritual authority and responsibility within God’s kingdom. The true fulfillment of these promises would come in a form far different from what the disciples initially expected.

The Reality of the Promise: Spiritual Authority and Leadership

The true fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to the twelve began to manifest itself not in political power, but in their foundational role within the early church. As the first preachers of the gospel and the apostles of Christ, they were given a unique position of authority. They became the spiritual leaders and judges of the new Israel, the church, which was to include both Jews and Gentiles.

The book of Acts and the epistles demonstrate how the apostles exercised this spiritual authority. They were entrusted with the gospel message, the “keys of the kingdom,” as Jesus had previously told Peter (Matthew 16:19). Their teachings and writings became the foundation upon which the church was built, and their example set the standard for future generations of believers. Although they did not receive thrones in the earthly sense, their influence and authority within the spiritual kingdom of God were far greater and more enduring than any temporal power could have been.

The apostles’ authority continues even today through their inspired writings, which remain a cornerstone of Christian doctrine and practice. Their words, recorded in the New Testament, guide and instruct believers, and their lives serve as models of faithfulness and devotion to Christ. In this sense, the apostles do indeed “judge” the twelve tribes of Israel, as they guide the spiritual descendants of Abraham—those who share his faith—through their teaching and example.

Eternal Rewards: The Future Fulfillment

While the apostles experienced the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise in their leadership roles within the early church, the ultimate realization of this promise awaits the future kingdom of God. The New Testament provides glimpses of this future reality, where those who have been faithful in this life will be rewarded with positions of honor and authority in the age to come.

The apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, speaks of a “crown of righteousness” that the Lord will award to him and to all who have longed for His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). Similarly, the apostle John, in the book of Revelation, describes a scene in which the faithful reign with Christ for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4-6). These passages suggest that the rewards promised by Jesus will be fully realized in the new heavens and the new earth, where His followers will share in His reign and enjoy eternal life in His presence.

In this future kingdom, there will be varying degrees of reward and honor, corresponding to the faithfulness and sacrifices of each believer. The principle that “many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30) will be fully realized, as those who have humbly and sacrificially served Christ in this life will be exalted in the life to come.

The Rewards of Sacrifice for All Believers

The promise of reward is not limited to the apostles; it extends to all who make sacrifices for the sake of Christ and His kingdom. Jesus assured His followers that anyone who has left houses, family, or lands for His sake will receive a hundredfold in this life and eternal life in the age to come (Mark 10:29-30).

This promise, like the one given to the apostles, has both a present and a future dimension. In this life, believers may experience a return on their sacrifices in various forms. For example, those who forsake earthly relationships may find new family in the fellowship of believers. Those who give up material possessions may find their needs met in unexpected ways, and those who endure persecution for their faith may experience a deepened sense of God’s presence and peace.

However, the ultimate reward for those who sacrifice for Christ is eternal life. This is the greatest reward of all, far surpassing any material or temporal blessings. Eternal life is not merely an extension of earthly existence but a qualitatively different kind of life, characterized by perfect fellowship with God, unending joy, and the absence of sin and suffering.

The Challenges of Misunderstanding and Misapplication

While the promises of reward are meant to encourage and motivate believers, there is a danger of misunderstanding or misapplying these promises. Some might be tempted to view their sacrifices as a means of earning God’s favor or securing a greater reward in heaven. However, this mindset misses the point of Jesus’ teaching. The rewards of the kingdom are not earned through merit but are given by God’s grace. They are a response to faith and obedience, not a payment for services rendered.

Jesus’ warning that “many who are first will be last, and the last first” serves as a reminder that God’s standards for evaluating worth and reward are different from human standards. The outward appearance of sacrifice or success may not correspond to the true condition of the heart. Those who serve Christ with a humble and sincere heart, even if their sacrifices seem small or unnoticed, will be richly rewarded. Conversely, those who seek to gain rewards through pride or self-interest may find themselves disappointed.

The Role of Persecution in the Christian Life

One of the striking aspects of Jesus’ promise is the inclusion of persecution as part of the reward. He promised that those who sacrifice for His sake will receive a hundredfold in this life, “with persecutions” (Mark 10:30). This statement acknowledges the reality that following Christ often brings opposition and suffering. However, rather than diminishing the value of the reward, persecution is presented as a necessary and even beneficial part of the Christian life.

Persecution tests and refines the believer’s faith, producing perseverance and character (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-4). It also deepens the believer’s dependence on God and draws them closer to Christ, who Himself suffered for our sake. In this sense, persecution is not a hindrance to receiving the reward but a means by which the believer is further prepared for it.

The Eternal Perspective: Fixing Our Eyes on the Reward

In light of the promises of reward, believers are encouraged to adopt an eternal perspective, fixing their eyes on the ultimate goal rather than the temporary trials and sacrifices of this life. The apostle Paul, who endured great hardship for the sake of the gospel, expressed this perspective when he wrote, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

This eternal perspective enables believers to persevere in the face of difficulties, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). It also motivates them to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, making the most of the opportunities God gives them to serve Him and advance His kingdom.

The Example of Christ: The Ultimate Sacrifice and Reward

Finally, it is essential to remember that Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of self-sacrifice and reward. He willingly gave up the glory of heaven, taking on human form and enduring the suffering of the cross for the sake of our salvation (Philippians 2:5-8). Because of His obedience and sacrifice, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).

As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example, laying down our lives in service to God and others. While our sacrifices can never compare to His, we are assured that they are not in vain. Just as Jesus was exalted after His suffering, so too will we share in His glory if we remain faithful to Him.

In conclusion, the rewards of self-sacrifice in the kingdom of God are far greater than anything we could ever give up. These rewards are not earned through our efforts but are graciously given by God in response to our faith and obedience. As we seek to follow Christ and make sacrifices for His sake, we can do so with the confidence that our labor is not in vain and that we will receive a reward that far exceeds our expectations.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).