“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”– Matthew 19:28 (KJV)
“Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’– Matthew 19:28 (NLT)
“Jesus said, ‘Don’t you understand? When I’m resurrected, I’ll make everything right again. And you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.'”– Matthew 19:28 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 19:28 Mean?
In the verse from Matthew 19:28, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the future restoration of all things. He makes a profound statement about the roles that His followers will play in the world to come. Here, we are invited to imagine a time when everything will be made new. Jesus mentions the “regeneration,” a word that means a new beginning or a renewal of the world as we know it. It indicates a time when God will set all things right, and those who followed Him will have a part in this glorious future.
What does this really mean for us? It’s a promise of hope and reassurance. Jesus tells us that we are not merely following Him for our present lives but for what lies ahead. The disciples, who gave up everything to follow Him, will not be left empty-handed. Instead, they will sit on thrones. This imagery of thrones evokes a sense of authority and responsibility. It suggests that those who choose to follow Christ, enduring trials and tribulations on Earth, will be rewarded in an unimaginably glorious way.
Matthew 19:28 Explanation and Commentary
As we explore Matthew 19:28, we begin to realize how it encapsulates much of the Christian faith. Jesus’s promise signifies that our sacrifices are acknowledged. Many of us can relate to the struggles of following Jesus—we face challenges, ridicule, and even rejection. The assurance found in this verse invites us to persist despite these hardships. Jesus recognizes our commitment, and in return, promises us a significant role in His coming kingdom.
The reference to sitting on thrones reminds us that we will not just be passive observers but active participants in God’s eternal plan. To have authority or leadership in the Kingdom means we will be engaged in guiding those who seek truth and justice. This is an empowering message. It encourages us to envision ourselves not just as followers but leaders in the new world, serving alongside Christ.
In our current lives, we may often feel overwhelmed or unappreciated for our efforts, especially when witnessing injustice or apathy in the world. This promise serves as a reminder that God sees our efforts and sacrifices. Following Jesus may lead to struggles, but those struggles will not be in vain. We are not promised an easy life, but we are guaranteed a significant future. Our present sufferings are not our ultimate story.
As we process these thoughts, we can find strength in the communion of believers. We are in this together. Jesus entrusted His disciples with these words, which have been passed down through generations, encouraging us still today. This shared hope creates a bond among us as believers, making us a community grounded in faith and looking forward to what God has in store.
Context of Matthew 19:28
To fully grasp the richness of Matthew 19:28, we must consider its context. Just prior to this verse, Jesus is approached by a wealthy young man who asks what he must do to have eternal life. The conversation reveals the man’s struggle between his material wealth and the call of Jesus to selflessness and discipleship. When the young man walks away sorrowfully, it prompts Jesus to speak to His disciples about the challenges of wealth and the difficulty of entering the Kingdom of Heaven.
In this setting, the statement about the thrones becomes even more profound. After hearing Jesus’s teachings about sacrifice and the worldly attachments of the young man, the disciples may have felt anxious about their own sacrifices and decisions. They left everything to follow Him, and this moment encapsulates their fears and hopes. Jesus reassures them that following Him is worth it, emphasizing that their commitment will be recognized in a time to come.
This exchange demonstrates that the Kingdom of God reverses worldly values. While the wealthy may appear favored in society, true treasure lies in selflessness and dedication to God’s purposes. As we consider our roles in His Kingdom, our focus should move from what we often value, like money and status, to kingdom values such as love, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus’s promise encourages us to abandon worldly measures of success and trust in the spiritual rewards of our faithfulness.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 19:28
As we break down this verse, there are key elements to consider. Firstly, the term “regeneration” opens the door to understanding what Jesus is ultimately promising—a renewal of all things where injustice and suffering will be erased. The imagery of new life and restoration suggests that God will ultimately triumph over evil and chaos.
Next, when Jesus speaks of the “Son of man,” He is referring to Himself. This title emphasizes His role as the Messiah and reflects His authority. We recognize here that even as Christ was humble on Earth, He possesses the power to judge and lead in the upcoming Kingdom. This connection between His humble presence and His future authority serves as encouragement for us to also embrace humility in our lives.
Then, there’s the mention of “judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” This part speaks directly to the disciples, representing their connection to God’s chosen people and suggesting they will play significant roles in bringing God’s purpose to fulfillment. However, we can extend this to ourselves today. As followers of Jesus, we, too, participate in His mission of reconciliation and justice—not only among believers but reaching out to the world.
To summarize, as we dissect this verse, we recognize how each component builds on the theme of hope and participation in God’s divine plan. As we embrace Jesus’s teachings, we are invited not just to get through life but to live faithfully, guided by the assurance of what awaits those who believe.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 19:28
Matthew 19:28 offers us various lessons that resonate with our daily lives. One significant lesson is the value of commitment. The disciples left their comforts to follow Jesus, which is a challenging call. In a world that often prioritizes individualism and self-interest, the notion of sacrificing comfort for faith is both counter-cultural and profound. Just as they received a promise, we too can trust that our commitments—whether to family, friends, or serving others—will not go unnoticed by God.
Furthermore, the invitation to share in thrones and authority encourages us to see our roles within the church and society as essential. We should strive to lead with humility and grace, mirroring Christ’s servant leadership. As His followers, we inherently serve on behalf of His purposes here on Earth. Our everyday actions can wield lasting influence and inspire hope, especially in the face of hardship.
Moreover, Jesus’s assurance prompts us to endure trials, reminding us that our current struggles are not futile. There may be days when we feel like giving up, but remembering our long-term hope can reinvigorate our spirits. We can trust that being faithful amidst life’s challenges prepares us for the eternal rewards promised by Christ.
Lastly, embracing the mission we have through this scripture means engaging in the community around us. By being advocates for justice, mercy, and love in our world, we embody the very message Jesus delivered to His disciples. We enact the very values of the Kingdom of Heaven in our everyday encounters. This approach allows others to catch glimpses of God’s goodness through our lives and witness the power of His grace.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 19:28 offers a profound revelation about the future and a rich understanding of what it means to follow Christ today. This promise allows us to look beyond our current situations and see the transformative hope awaiting all believers. Jesus’s message helps us cultivate resilience as we engage with our faith communities, and it reinforces the idea that our choices matter.
As we ponder this scripture, let’s share this joy and hope with others around us. We belong to a community that is part of God’s narrative, where we’ll experience restoration and purpose together. For those of us who may be struggling with life’s hardships, let us lean on each other and encourage one another to see the bigger picture of God’s Kingdom. As we work toward understanding more about God, consider exploring other topics such as the teachings in Matthew 11 or the foundational stories found in Genesis to continue deepening our journey in faith.