“Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?”– Matthew 19:27 (KJV)
“Then Peter said to him, ‘We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will there be for us?'”– Matthew 19:27 (NLT)
“Peter responded, ‘We left everything to follow you. What will we get out of it?'”– Matthew 19:27 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 19:27 Mean?
When we read Matthew 19:27, we see a moment between Peter and Jesus that explores the themes of sacrifice, commitment, and the rewards of following Christ. Peter, representing the disciples, is making a statement that highlights the life-altering decision they have made by leaving everything behind to follow Jesus. This verse raises important questions about the cost of discipleship, what it truly means to forsake worldly possessions, and what we can expect in return for our faith.
Peter’s question is quite bold. He is not merely stating a fact; he is essentially asking, “What’s in it for us?” This is a natural human inclination to want to understand the benefits of sacrifices we make. In our lives, we also sometimes wonder about the rewards for our loyalty and efforts. The fact that Peter raises this question shows he is wrestling with his faith and the implications of his commitments.
The earlier context of Matthew 19 helps illuminate this moment. Jesus is teaching about the difficulty of a rich person entering the kingdom of heaven. Afterward, He emphasizes how important it is to prioritize God’s kingdom over material wealth. The disciples, who have left behind their jobs and families, want to know their standing in this new reality Jesus is presenting. What will they receive for their dedication?
Matthew 19:27 Explanation and Commentary
This theme of sacrifice is not just limited to Peter; it’s one experienced by all of the disciples and indeed, by anyone who chooses to follow Christ. Throughout scripture, we read about the importance of taking up one’s cross for the sake of Jesus (Matthew 16:24). Discipleship implies a level of commitment that requires us to leave behind what is comfortable, and that can be a daunting prospect.
What we often fail to realize is that the rewards we receive for our faith and dedication often extend beyond earthly gains. When Jesus responds to Peter (which we will discuss further in this commentary), He emphasizes spiritual rewards that focus on eternal life. This brings comfort in moments of doubt that we might face during our own walk of faith. In other words, we can rest assured that God sees our sacrifices and the heart behind those sacrifices.
Peter’s question is a reminder of our human tendencies. We all want assurance as we traverse the path of faith. Are we investing in something worthwhile when we make sacrifices or face trials in our lives? As believers, we may sometimes doubt our choices, wondering whether they truly matter. However, this passage reassures us that our efforts in following Christ are never in vain.
In addition to Peter’s inquiry, we can also draw parallels with other biblical narratives. For example, in Mark 10:29-30, Jesus echoes similar sentiments to the question raised by Peter, promising that those who leave everything for the sake of the Gospel will receive a hundredfold in return. This serves as a comforting reminder that although we may endure hardships now, our sacrifices are acknowledged and rewarded in ways we may not even comprehend.
Ultimately, Matthew 19:27 invites us to reflect on our own faith journeys. Are we ready to follow Christ wholeheartedly? Are we willing to let go of earthly attachments? The depth of our commitment can indeed transform our relationship with Jesus, opening our hearts to receive the blessings He has in store for us.
Context of Matthew 19:27
Understanding the context of Matthew 19:27 is essential for grasping its significance. This chapter in the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus teaching about various important topics, including marriage, wealth, and the nature of true discipleship. Just before Peter’s question, Jesus addresses a rich young ruler who is eager to inherit eternal life but struggles with the idea of selling all his possessions. Jesus tells the young man that he must do this to follow Him, demonstrating the challenge that comes with genuine discipleship.
Peter and the other disciples witness this interaction and are perhaps filled with a mixture of confusion and determination. They have already left their lives as fishermen and other professions to follow Jesus, and Peter’s question stems from a place of wanting clarity about their own decisions in contrast to the rich young ruler.
This follows a consistent theme in Matthew’s Gospel, where Jesus calls out the implications of following Him. In Matthew 19:24, He mentions that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. This establishes a stark contrast to the values of the world and emphasizes the radical nature of Jesus’ teaching about riches and sacrifice.
In responding to Peter, Jesus provides insight into rewards that transcend worldly possessions. He encourages the disciples to rethink their understanding of what it means to be blessed and successful. The essence of His message is that the kingdom of heaven operates under different principles from societal norms and views on wealth.
This chapter concludes with Jesus outlining the roles of His followers in the coming age, stressing that those who have sacrificed will indeed find their sacrifices rewarded. This promise includes both spiritual blessings and a redefined understanding of family and community within the body of believers.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 19:27
To truly appreciate Matthew 19:27, it is helpful to break down its key components. The phrase “we have forsaken all” represents a significant act of faith. When Peter states this, he acknowledges that the disciples recognized the cost of following Jesus. This is not simply an act of leaving something; it also entails a conscious choice to devote their lives completely to Christ.
As we reflect on our lives, we can think about what it means to forsake our own desires, ambitions, and sometimes even relationships for the sake of following Jesus. We have all experienced moments where our commitment to God has meant doing things differently than the world around us, whether that means choosing kindness over retaliation or truth over comfort.
The phrase “and followed thee” highlights action. Following Jesus requires movement and dedication. It’s a journey filled with growth, challenges, and transformations. When we choose to follow Christ, our lives shift in profound ways. We witness changes in our character and how we interact with others, reminding us that the closer we get to Jesus, the more we become like Him.
The concluding question, “What shall we have therefore?” brings to light the concept of reward. Every believer grapples with the notion of reward in their walk with Christ. Are we working towards a reward, or are we motivated simply by love and obedience? Jesus’ response to this question is incredibly encouraging and serves as the heart of the matter. He reassures us that our sacrifices are valued and will not go unnoticed by the Father.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 19:27
Matthew 19:27 offers several powerful lessons that can impact our faith and daily lives. First, it teaches us about the cost of discipleship. Commitment to follow Jesus means that we must often sacrifice our desires or material things. Just as the disciples left their vocations, we too may find ourselves called to prioritize God’s kingdom over earthly attachments. What matters most is our willingness to follow, no matter the cost.
Another lesson revolves around the importance of asking questions. Peter’s query to Jesus resonates with anyone who seeks understanding about their faith and existence. It is okay to ask God for clarity about our paths and the sacrifices we make. When we express our doubts and inquiries to Him, we draw closer to understanding His purposes for us.
Additionally, the responses we receive when we boldly inquire about our concerns show God’s profound love for us. He desires for us to have peace about our choices and reassures us through His promises. In Matthew 7:7, we are reminded to ask and it will be given to us. This principle supports our willingness to seek understanding and assurance in matters of faith.
Lastly, we are reminded that our sacrifices lead to rewards beyond our comprehension. While we may not see them immediately, we can have confidence that God honors our faithfulness toward Him. 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. Whether our rewards are spiritual, emotional, or relational, we trust they will come in ways God deems perfect.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 19:27 teaches us important lessons about our commitment to Jesus and the nature of true discipleship. As we navigate our faith journey, we must acknowledge that it often requires significant sacrifices, much like those made by the apostles. Yet, we can find comfort in knowing that our sacrifices are not in vain and that God sees our heart’s intention.
As we reflect on Peter’s question – “What will we get out of it?” – let us embrace the promise of a rewarding relationship with Jesus and eternal life. Let’s remember that the real rewards do not always come in worldly riches but in spiritual blessings that can transform our lives and lead others to Him. We are all invited to experience the joy of following Christ wholeheartedly.
If you enjoyed this exploration of Matthew 19:27, consider reading other great studies. For example, you could check out Matthew 11 or gain insight from Genesis 18. There are many topics to explore that can deepen our faith and understanding of God’s word.