INTRODUCTION
In Matthew 19:27-30, the Apostle Peter poses a fundamental question to Jesus on behalf of the apostles: what reward awaits those who have sacrificed everything to follow Him? This inquiry reflects the natural human longing for assurance that sacrifices made for a greater cause will have meaning and reward. The apostles had left their families, livelihoods, and possessions to join Jesus in His mission, embodying complete trust in His promises despite the challenges they faced. Peter’s question reveals both a curiosity about their future in the kingdom of God and a concern for the outcomes of their sacrifices. Jesus responds with a profound assurance of eternal glory, promising that the apostles will sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel in His future kingdom. This scene highlights not only the apostles’ deep faith but also their human need for reassurance and understanding of their role in God’s plan.
Jesus’ answer emphasizes that earthly sacrifices for the sake of His mission yield incomparable rewards in the kingdom of heaven. Beyond the apostles, Jesus extends this promise to all who give up their attachments for His name, affirming that they will inherit a hundredfold reward and eternal life. The passage highlights a paradoxical principle of the kingdom of God: “Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” Through this teaching, Jesus reveals that true greatness in His kingdom does not depend on earthly status or wealth but on humble devotion and willingness to serve. This promise of future glory encourages believers to place their hope not in worldly gains but in God’s eternal kingdom, where the values of self-sacrifice, humility, and service are eternally rewarded.
Matthew 19:27 “Then Peter said to him in reply, ‘We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?’”
Matthew 19:27 captures a heartfelt question from Peter that reflects both his leadership qualities and the human longing for reassurance: “You see, we have given up everything to follow you. What will be our lot?” Peter’s question is natural for anyone making significant sacrifices in following Jesus and sheds light on the path of discipleship, the value of sacrifice, and the promise of divine reward in the Catholic tradition.
Peter’s Bold Leadership
In the Gospels, Peter often acts as a spokesperson for the apostles, reflecting his natural leadership qualities. In Matthew 19:27, he asks Jesus a question not only for himself but on behalf of the other apostles, using the word “we” to represent their collective concern. This illustrates Peter’s understanding of community and his role in voicing the thoughts and uncertainties shared by his fellow disciples.
This moment also showcases the apostles’ unique situation. They had left behind their professions, families, and possessions to follow Jesus with an open-hearted commitment. Unlike the rich young man in Matthew 19:22, who walked away saddened by the thought of giving up his wealth, the apostles had willingly let go of their earthly securities to place their trust fully in Christ.
The Apostles’ Sacrifices
When Peter says, “We have given up everything to follow you,” he is referring to real, tangible sacrifices. The apostles left their families and occupations to follow Jesus. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen, leaving their nets and family responsibilities behind (see Matthew 4:20-22). Matthew, a tax collector, left his lucrative position to answer Jesus’ call (Matthew 9:9). These decisions were life-altering; they had chosen to surrender all personal and material attachments to pursue the unknown path of discipleship with Jesus.
Their sacrifices were not trivial. Most apostles, apart from John, were married with families who depended on them. They abandoned the safety of family life, steady work, and daily routines, choosing instead a life that would involve rejection, hardship, and eventually persecution. This is why Peter’s question resonates so deeply – he is essentially asking Jesus, “What does our sacrifice mean in the eyes of God?”
“What Will Be Our Lot?”: Human Longing for Assurance
The apostles’ sacrifices naturally led them to wonder about their future. Peter’s question, “What will be our lot?” reflects the human desire for reassurance in response to life’s sacrifices. Like most people, the apostles desired some form of confirmation or reward, a sign that their choice was worthwhile. Even in the Old Testament, this desire for assurance is evident. In the Book of Job, for instance, Satan questions Job’s motives, implying that Job’s faithfulness is motivated by God’s blessings (Job 1:9-11). It’s a question of whether dedication to God is done purely out of love or in hopes of rewards.
The apostles had yet to see the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission, and His teachings often challenged conventional understandings of wealth, power, and success. Jesus had repeatedly spoken of His coming suffering and death, which created confusion and concern about their future as His followers. Could they expect to be rewarded or even compensated for their sacrifices? These were questions that naturally arose, especially when they observed Jesus face increasing opposition and threats from religious authorities. Despite the mounting challenges, they stayed, hoping their commitment would ultimately lead to a share in His Kingdom.
Jesus’ Response: The Promise of Reward and Spiritual Abundance
In response, Jesus offers the apostles both a present and future promise: “You will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Mt 19:28), and anyone who sacrifices family, home, or lands for His sake will receive “a hundredfold” in return and inherit “eternal life” (Mt 19:29).
Jesus reassures Peter and the others that their sacrifices are meaningful and will be rewarded in a far greater measure than they can imagine. The “hundredfold” return does not refer to material wealth but to the spiritual riches, joy, and fulfillment found in serving God. In this promise, the Catholic Church sees the abundance of God’s grace and blessings, given both in this life through His presence and ultimately in eternal life. This reflects Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are you who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for yours is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:10).
This promise of reward also includes the apostles’ future authority, symbolized by “thrones” in heaven. This alludes to the role of the apostles and their successors in guiding the Church and shepherding the faithful, entrusted with the authority to teach and bring others to salvation. The apostles’ legacy lives on in the Church, where they hold a place of honor, reflecting the communal aspect of salvation and the unique role of those who lead others to Christ.
Catholic Teachings on Sacrifice and Detachment
The Catholic Church teaches that sacrifice and detachment from worldly possessions are essential aspects of discipleship. As Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mt 16:24). The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that “whoever possesses Christ as his own treasure is far from desiring worldly things” (CCC 2544). This detachment isn’t about renouncing material goods in themselves but rather about placing God at the center of our lives, free from the distractions and temptations of worldly desires.
Saint Paul also speaks of the glory that awaits those who endure trials for Christ’s sake, saying, “This momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Cor 4:17). Like the apostles, all Christians are invited to trust that their sacrifices for Christ are seen and cherished by God and will ultimately lead to eternal joy.
Reflection
Peter’s question, “What will be our lot?” encourages us to examine our own lives and our willingness to sacrifice for the sake of our faith. Are we willing to let go of worldly attachments, security, or personal ambition to follow Jesus fully? The call to discipleship may come with sacrifices, but Christ’s promise reassures us that these sacrifices are never in vain. Every act of faith and love is precious to God and will be rewarded.
In our world, the allure of wealth and power often competes with the values of faith, service, and simplicity. Jesus’ response to Peter reminds us to shift our focus from earthly rewards to eternal treasures. When we live with a heart centered on God, we experience the abundance of His grace in this life and the fullness of joy in the life to come.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of the apostles, who gave everything to follow Your Son. Help us to seek You as our true treasure, finding fulfillment in Your love rather than in worldly things. Strengthen us in times of sacrifice and remind us of Your promise of eternal joy. May our lives reflect Your Kingdom as we journey toward the abundance You have prepared for those who love You. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Matthew 19:28 “Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’”
In Matthew 19:28, Jesus offers a profound promise to His disciples, responding to Peter’s question about the reward for those who have given up everything to follow Him. This verse is both a reassurance and a call, providing insight into the eternal rewards of discipleship and the Catholic understanding of the Kingdom of God, divine favor, and Christian leadership.
Catholic Interpretation
Jesus’ words hold deep meaning and assurance for His apostles, emphasizing their unique place in salvation history. This promise reaches beyond a simple reward, offering a glimpse into the future authority and role His disciples would hold in God’s renewed creation.
1. The Concept of Regeneration
In Jesus’ mention of “regeneration” (from the Greek palingenesia), He introduces the idea of a renewed creation. This “renewal of all things” aligns with Old Testament promises, as seen in Isaiah’s prophecy of “new heavens and a new earth” (Isa 65:17) and echoes through New Testament teachings on the Kingdom of God. Catholic eschatology further explains this regeneration as the transformation that will occur at Christ’s return, when He will restore creation and establish His eternal kingdom. Revelation 21:1-5 describes this moment as the ultimate renewal, when God “will wipe every tear from their eyes,” and sorrow and death will be no more.
For Catholics, this regeneration also connects to the renewal offered through baptism, which grants believers a spiritual rebirth and makes them heirs of eternal life. St. Paul, in Titus 3:5, speaks of this renewal through “the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit,” marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship that prepares us for participation in God’s kingdom.
2. The Throne of Glory
The image of Jesus seated on “His glorious throne” underscores His role as the divine judge and King, a position not only of authority but also of fulfillment of the prophecies about the Messiah. Jesus, who came first to serve, will return to reign in full glory, and in that time, the apostles will sit alongside Him, sharing in this divine authority. The twelve thrones symbolize honor and responsibility, reflecting their unique role in the Church as the new Israel.
Jesus’ promise to the apostles speaks to their faithfulness and their central role in building His Church, forming the foundation for what the Catechism calls “apostolic succession” (CCC 77), where the apostles’ authority is passed down through their successors. Thus, the Church remains built on their legacy, sustained by their dedication, and their mission continues to be fulfilled by the bishops who serve today.
3. Judging the Twelve Tribes
When Jesus mentions “judging the twelve tribes of Israel,” He invites His apostles into a position of authority, resonating with the Jewish understanding of judgment as governance and guidance rather than mere punishment. This role signifies their place in the kingdom’s structure, where they will aid in guiding the faithful toward righteousness.
In Catholic teaching, this judgment is not reserved solely for the apostles but represents the wider Christian calling to “priestly, prophetic, and kingly” roles, established through baptism (CCC 1546). In the renewed creation, Christ’s followers are invited to share in His governance, teaching, and healing. Therefore, the phrase also serves as a reminder of the calling all Catholics have to lead lives of service, to act justly, and to bring others toward Christ.
Reflections
This passage offers Christians today a reminder of the lasting significance of discipleship. The rewards promised to the apostles extend to all who faithfully follow Jesus, encouraging us to reflect on what sacrifices we may need to make to align with God’s will.
1. Commitment to Christ: Following Jesus calls us to move beyond worldly comforts and prioritize His kingdom. Are there attachments or ambitions holding us back from a deeper commitment?
2. Servant Leadership: True leadership in the Kingdom of God, as exemplified by the apostles, lies in humility and service. This challenges us to view our roles in families, communities, and workplaces as opportunities to mirror Christ’s love.
3. Hope in Eternal Life: This passage strengthens our hope in the resurrection and in God’s promise of eternal life. It reminds us that our sacrifices, even if unnoticed by others, are treasured by God and will be rewarded.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promises You have given us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Strengthen our hearts and renew our spirits so that we may faithfully follow You in all things. Help us to serve as Your apostles did, with courage and love. May we joyfully take up our crosses, knowing that through them, we share in Your kingdom. Prepare us, Lord, to meet You in the renewal of all things, where sorrow and pain are no more. Through Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.
Matthew 19:29 “And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.”
In Matthew 19:29, Jesus extends a remarkable promise, highlighting the great spiritual and eternal rewards awaiting those who make sacrifices for Him. This verse encourages His followers to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly attachments, affirming that such sacrifices will lead not only to spiritual abundance but also to eternal life in communion with God.
Context and Significance
This teaching follows the encounter between Jesus and the rich young man, where the young man’s attachment to wealth hinders his journey toward eternal life (Mt 19:16-22). Jesus then uses this moment to assure His disciples that those who leave behind family, possessions, and even earthly security for His sake will be richly rewarded. This passage emphasizes that true discipleship often requires a departure from comfort, wealth, or even family ties in favor of a relationship with God.
In first-century Jewish culture, family and land were crucial aspects of a person’s identity and security. Leaving these behind was no minor act; it was a profound expression of devotion. Jesus is not advocating neglect or abandonment of family responsibilities; rather, He invites His followers to place God first, entrusting their needs to divine care.
Catholic Teaching on Detachment
The Catholic Church views this passage as an invitation to embrace the virtues of detachment and trust in God’s Providence. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2544-2547) teaches that material possessions should never obstruct our relationship with God. In this spirit, Catholics are encouraged to practice “poverty of spirit,” a disposition that values eternal life over temporary gains and comforts.
The saints embody this call. For instance, St. Francis of Assisi renounced his family’s wealth to live a life of simplicity and service. His example illustrates that by releasing our hold on material wealth, we find freedom, joy, and deeper spiritual fulfillment in serving God. This passage also reflects Jesus’ assurance of divine provision: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides” (Mt 6:33).
The Promise of Divine Abundance
Jesus’ promise of “a hundredfold” does not imply material wealth, but rather an abundance of grace, peace, and community that comes from faithful discipleship. In the early Church, those who followed Jesus often experienced intense persecution and loss, yet they were filled with joy and solidarity. This “hundredfold” blessing represents the spiritual fruit of sacrificial love and devotion, leading to a deeper communion with God.
Examples in Scripture highlight this joy amid sacrifice:
1. After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, the apostles “rejoiced that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name” (Acts 5:41).
2. Paul and Silas, imprisoned and suffering, prayed and sang hymns to God (Acts 16:25).
3. The Jewish Christians in Hebrews were reminded of their joy even after losing their property, knowing they had “a better and lasting possession” (Heb 10:34).
Reflection
Reflecting on Matthew 19:29 invites us to consider what attachments may hinder our commitment to Christ. Are there relationships, ambitions, or possessions we place above God? Jesus calls us to let go of anything that competes with our love for Him. St. John of the Cross notes that detachment from worldly things opens our hearts to receive the true riches of God’s grace and peace.
In today’s world, this call to sacrifice can feel challenging, as we often rely on our personal and material resources. However, Jesus promises that every sacrifice made for His sake brings eternal rewards, encouraging us to trust in His provision.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise that those who leave behind earthly ties for Your sake will be abundantly rewarded. Help us discern what holds us back from a closer walk with You. Grant us the courage to make sacrifices for Your Kingdom, trusting in Your goodness and provision. May our hearts find peace and fulfillment in seeking You above all things. Through Jesus Christ, who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Matthew 19:30 “But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
This captures one of Jesus’ most powerful teachings on humility, reversal, and the kingdom of God. This message is further illuminated through the parables and actions of Jesus, who consistently upended societal expectations and redefined what it means to be honored in the sight of God. In exploring this teaching, we find that it contrasts the values of God’s kingdom with the standards of worldly success and recognition.
Historical Context and Jewish Practices
During Jesus’ time, Jewish society had a strong hierarchy in which the elite – such as Pharisees, Scribes, Sadducees, and priests – held prominent positions and often felt superior to the poor, disabled, or sinful. Believing their outward piety and status guaranteed God’s favor, they neglected to uplift those in need and saw little value in the lives of ordinary people. Jesus’ teachings struck at the heart of this rigid structure. He often warned that God’s justice does not align with worldly status or social ranks.
For example, Jesus’ parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus demonstrates this reversal: Lazarus, a suffering beggar in life, is taken to the bosom of Abraham after death, while the rich man, who enjoyed earthly privileges, ends up in torment (Lk 16:19-31). Another parable, the story of the Prodigal Son, also illustrates that it is not one’s position but repentance and humility that restore a person in God’s kingdom (Lk 15:11-32). Even the prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Lk 18:9-14) reveal that true righteousness comes not from self-righteousness but from a humble heart.
Catholic Teaching and Humility
Catholic teaching embraces this verse as a call to live humbly, aware that our actions and attitudes towards others matter more to God than our earthly accomplishments. Jesus reinforced this message by choosing his apostles from among the lowly – fishermen, tax collectors, and other ordinary individuals – whom society often overlooked. They left their previous lives behind to follow Him, securing a place in the kingdom that those with worldly status would find hard to attain. As James reminds us, “Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?” (Jm 2:5).
The Catholic Catechism also echoes this teaching by reminding believers of the need to purify their hearts and strive for the love of God above all else (CCC 1723). Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, emphasizes a “poor church for the poor,” reinforcing that the Church’s mission is one of humility and service.
Reflection on Humility in Our Lives
In Catholic thought, Matthew 19:30 challenges us to examine our lives and reassess our ambitions. Are we striving for status, recognition, or material success, or are we aligning our lives with the values of God’s kingdom? This teaching invites us to let go of pride and embrace a life of service, especially towards those who may be disregarded by society. Jesus’ words highlight that God often chooses the lowly to do His work, mirroring Mary’s Magnificat, where she praises God for casting down the mighty and lifting the lowly (Lk 1:52).
Reflecting on Jesus’ teaching, we can strive to:
1. Serve Without Expectation: Offer kindness without looking for rewards.
2. Embrace Humility: Recognize that all gifts come from God and use them to uplift others.
3. Prioritize Inner Transformation: Cultivate a heart that aligns with God’s love and mercy.
4. Support Those in Need: Live out Jesus’ call to help the marginalized.
As believers, this passage is a call to imitate Christ, who, though divine, took on human nature and humbled Himself, even to the point of death on a cross (Phil 2:6-8). Let us embrace the humility and selflessness Jesus demonstrated and seek ways to honor others, especially the less fortunate, with a spirit of love and humility.
In applying Matthew 19:30 to our lives, let us remember that true greatness is not defined by what we gain but by how we serve. As we strive to live out this teaching, we fulfill our call to be disciples, carrying out Christ’s love in the world and building a legacy that will endure into eternity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who teaches us the values of Your kingdom. Help us to embrace humility and seek opportunities to serve others, especially those overlooked or marginalized by society. Grant us the grace to see Your image in every person we meet and to remember that our worth in Your eyes is not measured by worldly success but by the love we show and the service we render. Purify our hearts from pride and self-seeking. Guide us to be last in this world if it means being first in Your kingdom, using all our gifts for the good of others and for Your glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
In Matthew 19:27-30, Jesus assures His disciples that their sacrifices for His sake will lead to eternal rewards beyond human comprehension. By promising the apostles a place on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel, Jesus offers them a profound reassurance of both spiritual authority and everlasting honor in His kingdom. Yet, His closing words reveal a paradox: “Many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” This teaching calls His followers to a life of humility, self-sacrifice, and trust in God’s wisdom over worldly standards of success. For us today, it is a reminder that God values not our status, wealth, or achievements but our hearts devoted to Him and our willingness to serve others in love.
As Christians, we are encouraged to examine what we cling to in our lives—whether it be material wealth, recognition, or personal security – and consider how we might prioritize God above all else. The values of Jesus’ kingdom defy earthly logic, inviting us to invest in relationships, acts of kindness, and a life rooted in faith. Our sacrifices may go unnoticed by others, but they are treasured by God, who promises us an “eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Cor 4:17). This passage assures us that every choice we make for God is meaningful and will ultimately lead to the joy of sharing in His eternal kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to follow You, even when it requires sacrifice and humility. Help us to embrace a life of service and place our trust in Your promises over the fleeting values of this world. Give us the grace to let go of worldly attachments and seek our true treasure in Your Kingdom. May our lives reflect Your love and serve as a beacon of Your peace and joy to others. We ask this in Your holy name. Amen.