Matthew 19:27 - Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?”
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What does "Matthew 19:27" mean?
Matthew 19:27, "Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?”" is a pivotal verse reflecting Peter's (and the disciples') commitment to Jesus and his subsequent question about their reward. Let's break it down:
"Behold, we have left everything..." This is Peter stating the sacrifice they've made. He is reminding Jesus that they have literally given up their livelihoods, families (in some cases), and possessions to follow him. Fishermen left their boats and nets, Matthew left his tax collector's booth, and so on. This wasn't a small commitment. It required a fundamental shift in their lives.
"...and followed you." This underscores their dedication. They haven't just given things up; they've actively chosen to follow Jesus, learning from him, living with him, and participating in his ministry.
"What then will we have?" This is the core of the question. It's a request for clarification on what they will receive in return for their sacrifice. It's a natural human question. They're essentially asking:
What will be the outcome of our commitment?
Will our sacrifice be worth it in the end?
What is our future in God's kingdom?
Interpretation and Significance:
1. Humanity and Imperfection: The question reveals the humanity of the disciples. They weren't superhuman saints immune to concerns about their own future. It shows that even with faith, they still wondered about the practical implications of their choices and desired assurance.
2. Reward Motivation: The question suggests an element of reward-based motivation. While they clearly believed in Jesus, they were also considering what they would gain by following him. This is a complex issue. Some interpretations criticize this as selfish, while others see it as a natural concern that Jesus directly addresses in the following verses.
3. Jesus' Response is Key: The meaning of Peter's question is best understood in the context of Jesus' reply (Matthew 19:28-30). Jesus promises them a great reward in the "renewal of all things" (the new creation), including:
Sitting on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Receiving a hundredfold more of what they gave up in this life.
Inheriting eternal life.
4. Beyond Material Reward: While Jesus does promise tangible rewards, the ultimate reward is spiritual: participation in his kingdom and eternal life. The key is that the rewards are not the sole motivation but a byproduct of genuine discipleship.
5. Universal Application: The verse isn't just about the twelve disciples. It raises questions for all Christians: What sacrifices are we willing to make for Christ? What do we expect in return? The verse challenges believers to consider their motivations and to trust that God will ultimately provide what is best, even if it doesn't always look like what we expect.
In conclusion, Matthew 19:27 is a realistic portrayal of discipleship. It acknowledges the sacrifices involved and the natural human desire to understand the outcome of our commitments. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach about the nature of reward in his kingdom, emphasizing that true discipleship leads to eternal life and participation in his reign.
Matthew 19:27 - Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?”
What does "Matthew 19:27" mean?
Matthew 19:27, "Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?”" is a pivotal verse reflecting Peter's (and the disciples') commitment to Jesus and his subsequent question about their reward. Let's break it down:
"Behold, we have left everything..." This is Peter stating the sacrifice they've made. He is reminding Jesus that they have literally given up their livelihoods, families (in some cases), and possessions to follow him. Fishermen left their boats and nets, Matthew left his tax collector's booth, and so on. This wasn't a small commitment. It required a fundamental shift in their lives.
"...and followed you." This underscores their dedication. They haven't just given things up; they've actively chosen to follow Jesus, learning from him, living with him, and participating in his ministry.
"What then will we have?" This is the core of the question. It's a request for clarification on what they will receive in return for their sacrifice. It's a natural human question. They're essentially asking:
What will be the outcome of our commitment?
Will our sacrifice be worth it in the end?
What is our future in God's kingdom?
Interpretation and Significance:
1. Humanity and Imperfection: The question reveals the humanity of the disciples. They weren't superhuman saints immune to concerns about their own future. It shows that even with faith, they still wondered about the practical implications of their choices and desired assurance.
2. Reward Motivation: The question suggests an element of reward-based motivation. While they clearly believed in Jesus, they were also considering what they would gain by following him. This is a complex issue. Some interpretations criticize this as selfish, while others see it as a natural concern that Jesus directly addresses in the following verses.
3. Jesus' Response is Key: The meaning of Peter's question is best understood in the context of Jesus' reply (Matthew 19:28-30). Jesus promises them a great reward in the "renewal of all things" (the new creation), including:
Sitting on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Receiving a hundredfold more of what they gave up in this life.
Inheriting eternal life.
4. Beyond Material Reward: While Jesus does promise tangible rewards, the ultimate reward is spiritual: participation in his kingdom and eternal life. The key is that the rewards are not the sole motivation but a byproduct of genuine discipleship.
5. Universal Application: The verse isn't just about the twelve disciples. It raises questions for all Christians: What sacrifices are we willing to make for Christ? What do we expect in return? The verse challenges believers to consider their motivations and to trust that God will ultimately provide what is best, even if it doesn't always look like what we expect.
In conclusion, Matthew 19:27 is a realistic portrayal of discipleship. It acknowledges the sacrifices involved and the natural human desire to understand the outcome of our commitments. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach about the nature of reward in his kingdom, emphasizing that true discipleship leads to eternal life and participation in his reign.