Unexpected Demand- part 4: A Reward Beyond Expectation (CLNT- Matthew 19:27-28)

27 Then, answering, Peter said to Him, "Lo! we leave all and follow Thee. What, consequently, will it be to us?"
28 Yet Jesus said to them, "Verily, I am saying to you, that you who follow Me, in the renascence whenever the Son of Mankind should be seated on the throne of His glory, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel

The topic of this series is Unexpected Demand. However, this week's discussion focuses on a question Peter asked Yeshua in Matthew 19:27–28. The response Yeshua gave Peter and the other disciples was unexpected, but, more importantly, it gave them a reason to hope. What they heard was a promise of an extraordinary reward!

Before we proceed, let us briefly recall last week's discussion. We examined the encounter between Yeshua and the young religious rich man. The response Yeshua gave this man was certainly not what his disciples expected. They probably assumed that Yeshua would commend the man for his religious commitment and assure him that he qualified to have eonian life.

Instead, Yeshua told him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him. The man became sorrowful and walked away. This response must have raised serious concerns among the disciples. If someone who appeared so religious, wealthy, and committed could not meet the demand Yeshua placed before him, what hope was there for anyone else?

This brings us to Peter.

Peter was not afraid to ask the question that was probably on the minds of the other disciples. In Matthew 19:27, he asked:

"Lo! we leave all and follow Thee. What, consequently, will it be to us?"

What a question! Peter wanted to know what awaited them after everything they had given up to follow Yeshua. Having witnessed the unexpected response to the rich young man, Peter wanted some clarification about their own reward.

And I am glad he asked!

Yeshua did not dismiss his question or condemn him for asking. Instead, he gave Peter and the other disciples an extraordinary promise. According to Matthew 19:28, Yeshua told them that, in the renascence, when the Son of Mankind would sit on the throne of his glory, they would also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

What?! Yes, you read that correctly!

Imagine being told that you would occupy a throne alongside Yeshua and participate in judging the twelve tribes of Israel. This was no ordinary reward. It was an extraordinary promise concerning their future position and responsibility in Yahweh's purpose.

But here is something we must understand: This particular promise was addressed specifically to the twelve disciples.

It is important not to confuse the promise in verse 28 with the promise in verse 29. Many Bible readers interpret Matthew 19:27–28 as though the reward of sitting on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel applies to every believer. However, the wording of the passage identifies a particular group: the twelve disciples who followed Yeshua.

Why were these twelve singled out?

Consider their lives and commitment during Yeshua's earthly ministry. They accompanied him through different seasons and circumstances. They experienced the heat of the day, the coldness of the night, hunger and abundance, comfort and discomfort. There were occasions when they had nowhere familiar to lay their heads. They left their livelihoods and committed themselves to the ministry of Christ.

They were not following Yeshua because he offered them salaries, financial benefits, or guaranteed them material comfort. Their lives became closely connected to his ministry, and they witnessed firsthand the challenges, opposition, and demands that came with following him.

However, we must not overlook another important detail: Their calling did not originate from their own human initiative - not by their personal will.

John 6:44 reminds us that no one can come to Yeshua unless the Father who sent him draws that person. This gives us another perspective on the calling of these twelve disciples. Their decision to follow Yeshua was not simply an independent human achievement. Yahweh was working out his purpose through them.

Furthermore, their commitment to the ministry did not mean that their journey would be without suffering. The book of Acts and other New Testament writings reveal the opposition and persecution that accompanied the proclamation of Christ. Some of the apostles also faced violent deaths, according to historical Christian traditions.

So, when Peter asked about their reward, we should not be quick to dismiss his question as greed or selfishness. He had witnessed what it meant to leave familiar surroundings, embrace uncertainty, and follow Yeshua through demanding circumstances.

His question was understandable.

And Yeshua's response must have brought tremendous encouragement to him and the other disciples. They were being shown that their present experiences were not the end of the story. There was a future position and responsibility awaiting them in Yahweh's purpose.

Now, here is where many Bible readers need to pay closer attention.

Matthew 19:28 and Matthew 19:29 should not be carelessly treated as though they are describing exactly the same reward.

Verse 28 speaks specifically about the twelve disciples sitting on twelve thrones and judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Verse 29, on the other hand, extends the discussion to those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or lands for the sake of Yeshua's name.

These are two distinct statements, and understanding the difference is essential to interpreting the passage correctly.

What, then, does verse 29 promise to the rest of those who follow Christ? Is their reward different from the special responsibility promised to the twelve disciples?

That is what we shall examine in next week's edition, by the special grace of God.

Thank you for taking the time to read this week's blog. Unfortunately, the Microsoft Office application I use to hand-type my blog is currently experiencing some technical difficulties. I sincerely hope the issue will be resolved before the next edition.

Until then, stay blessed.

Grace and Peace!

Reference:

https://www.concordant.org/version/read-concordant-new-testament-online