The Benefits of the Kingdom. Mark 10:28-31.
Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.”Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, “who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Dear Saints,
The disciples have not understood Jesus in the exchange with the rich young ruler. They are still at a loss to grasp the value of the Kingdom. So Peter most probably speaks for the rest when he raises the issue with Jesus.
Anxiety (v. 28). Jesus does not allow Peter to fully voice his concern. He has understood Peter’s and the other disciples’ fears. They left their livelihood to follow Jesus but are now faced with the possibility that they did it all for nothing. You see, they are still puzzled that it is difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom. That is why they asked Jesus, “Then who can be saved?” (v. 26). If the rich who they supposed had the favour of God would barely make it, then ordinary folk – and the disciples were such – were doomed!
Assurance (Vv. 29-30). Jesus cuts Peter’s speech short and declares to the disciples that they did not make a mistake. There will be compensation for everything one abandoned for the sake of Christ and of the gospel.
Earthly Compensation (Vv. 29-30a). Jesus promises a mixed bag of benefits and persecution. Everything will be repaid a hundredfold in this life, so following Jesus and forsaking things and people we love will result in again. But we must also expect to suffer persecution. The enemy through his agency, the world, will throw his worst at us. We can borrow a leaf from these same disciples who, having understood the value of the Kingdom, rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name” (Acts 5:41).
Eternal Comfort (v. 30b). It does not all end here. In the coming age, eternal life is the possession of all who have abandoned earthly things (which God restores, anyway) for Christ and the gospel. Even if there were no earthly benefits, this alone would suffice, because eternal life is not just existence. Life is about the quality of existence. It is about never lacking what or whom one desires and being fulfilled.
Alteration (v. 31). This curious statement by Jesus has often intrigued people because they do not consider the context. From the account of the rich young ruler, we can see that the disciples expected the wealthy to get the first picks of the Kingdom. Jesus is saying that the order is reversed. Many ordinary, even poor people, will be first to gain eternal life. Equating material wealth with God’s favour can cause one to miss the kingdom altogether. Jesus illustrates this in the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). Some people who had it really good in this life will suffer in the next, while some who suffered in this life will be spoiled in the next. Time for a rain check: Where do you stand with God? That is what really matters, you know. Are you chasing things at the expense of the gospel?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.