the reward of discipleship

Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

Matthew 19:27

Peter’s question may sound selfish or out of line, but Jesus does not rebuke him for it. The question was legit based on the events that proceed it. It is a rare recorded instance in the gospels of Jesus inviting someone into discipleship and them turning Him down. For that reason alone we should really make sure we understand what is going on.

A young man came to Jesus sincerely wanting an answer to the MOST IMPORTANT of all questions: “What must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus pointed him first to God’s Law as the standard for “good deeds” and the young man welcomes the authority of God’s Word. He knows keeping God’s commands is what God required of the Jews, but he also knows something was still incomplete as he asks Jesus, “what do I still lack?” Matthew 19:20. He sees in Jesus a glimmer of the “something more” his soul is missing.

Jesus then powerfully makes this young man the same offer he made all twelve disciples: “Go, sell everything, give it all away, and follow me.” If this young man had followed through, church history would have been different. We would always have a list of 13 apostles instead of twelve. So this is significant. There is a decision made at that moment that is heartbreaking to read. This rich, young, influential (he was a “ruler” according to Luke 18), moral, and seriously religious man walked away from Jesus. The one thing he still lacked, he chose to still lack at the end. Wealth was his stumbling block.

The disciples are amazed at both Jesus’ offer AND this guy’s rejection of Jesus. They marvel that Jesus demanded such a price. It moves Peter to ask his question. After all, the twelve of them HAD all left past careers behind to follow Jesus when He chose them. What were they going to get? 

Jesus gives them two answers. First, in the kingdom yet to come 12 apostles will serve as ruler over the 12 tribes of Israel. That’s the eschatological far view of the end game. More immediately, a second answer was that any person who will surrender life to follow Jesus receives blessing now and eternal life. The reward of following Jesus is Jesus… now and forever. It is that second answer that all followers of Jesus can know right now. My life is magnitudes better following Jesus! My life in Him grows, stretches, expands, and matures in a glorious present of worship RIGHT NOW and forever with Jesus. Jesus now and forever is the reward of discipleship.