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Understanding the Disciples of Jesus

Text: Matthew 19 : 16 - 30

Many are “too polite” to ask personal questions. In some cultures, Peter’s approach would be deemed “embarrassing”. Let us consider what he said to Jesus as he sought to interact with Him.

“Then Peter answered and said to Him,
‘See, we have left all and followed You.
Therefore what shall we have?'”
MATTHEW 19:27

We need to understand why such questions keep coming up. Just a while ago, the disciples were disputing among themselves concerning personal greatness. Now Peter was raising a question that seemed to indicate that Peter was quite egoistic. How do we understand these disciples of Jesus?

1. The disciples were the products of their generation

Their thoughts, their responses, and even their conduct indicate that they were products of their generation. A number of things concerning that generation were revealed.

a) A secular and materialistic approach

The almost “business like” approach of the disciples typified their generation. The Sadducees in particular reflected the problem of deep secularist thinking. And many of them were in the top echelons of the Jewish religious hierarchy. Many made money purveying their religion!

b) Concern for Self

Many looked out for themselves! When they served, they thought in terms of the benefits that they would have! Peter (and this problem was not confined to him alone) therefore raised up a question that he thought was relevant and important. He and the other disciples had left their all to follow Jesus, what would they get in return for all the sacrifices that they had made?

2. Still in the process of training as disciples

How important it was that Jesus spent time training His disciples! They were not quite ready to fulfil their roles as apostles just yet! There were still many things to be corrected in their lives!

a) More cleansing of the heart needs to be done.

b) More filling of the mind with spiritual rather than secular thoughts.

c) More and deeper instruction necessary.

REWARDS OF THE GREATEST KIND

Peter’s question was not totally without any validity. One may indeed wonder how God would reward those who, for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, had “sacrificed” much in life.

“So Jesus said to them, ‘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.
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.
But many who are first will be last, and the last first.'”
MATTHEW 19:28-30

God is not One who will forget what we do for Him! God would honour every sacrifice made (giving up things, and even family) for the sake of the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ! Rewards of the greatest kind await those who serve Him faithfully till the end of life!

1. The Reward of Sitting on thrones with Jesus

It is difficult to even imagine what this means! But there we have it; there is the promise of a special reward from God, nothing less than sitting with Jesus on thrones.

2. The Reward of a Hundredfold

Jesus restated the promise of rewards! If the figure of sitting on thrones in heaven was too difficult to comprehend, then perhaps the idea of “a hundredfold” would be easier. A farmer would understand the term “hundredfold” without any difficulty. To a farmer, a hundredfold yield means maximum returns! To any businessman, a hundredfold return is most welcome news.

The lesson to be drawn is plain and obvious! None of the disciples need to fear that their efforts were not being noted! God would reward all in due time.

3. The Inheritance of Eternal Life

Jesus used different terms to illustrate His teaching points. He now added one more thought to His doctrine of salvation. To those who are saved through faith in Him could now speak of being given an inheritance from the Father!

A WORD OF WARNING

The words of Jesus must have brought great encouragement to the hearts of the disciples. However, the disciples must not become overly caught up with the thought of such great rewards. Many may start off well, but a good start does not guarantee a good finish! A reversal might well occur. The last becomes first, and the fist end up last!