Matthew 19:27 Then Peter responded to Him, “Look, we have left everything and followed You. So what will there be for us?” CSB
Peter and his fellow disciples were paying a great price in order to follow Christ. They had walked away from their boats and fishing nets. Some had not seen their families for many days. They often slept on the ground and ate whatever someone was willing to share with them. Above all, there was an attitude of animosity among the religious leaders that was steadily growing against them. Considering the price they were paying – what would be the reward?
The Lord promised them great blessings.
Matthew 19:28 Jesus said to them, “I assure you: In the Messianic Age, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses, brothers or sisters, father or mother, children, or fields because of My name will receive 100 times more and will inherit eternal life. CSB
“Once you are in heaven and look back on all you have done, you will be grateful. Your life in heaven will be a hundred times more blessed than it is today. God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love. He will reward you.”
“Yet do not do what you do for the reward. Do what you do because of your devotion to Me.”
Consider this parable –
Luke 17:7 “Which one of you having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 Instead, will he not tell him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, get ready, and serve me while I eat and drink; later you can eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that slave because he did what was commanded? 10 In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are good-for-nothing slaves; we’ve only done our duty.’ ” CSB
The Bible Knowledge Commentary says – “A servant does not get special praise from his master for doing his job. Likewise disciples have certain responsibilities which they are to fulfill in humility as God’s unworthy servants.”
God has promised to one day reward His good and faithful servants. In heaven there we crowns and words of praise. Yet even in heaven, those who receive the rewards will not consider themselves to be worthy. Even in heaven there will be a spirit of humility.
Revelation 4:10 The 24 elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, worship the One who lives forever and ever, cast their crowns before the throne, and say: 11 Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created. CSB
Those who will receive the crowns will cast them before the throne of God and declare that He alone is worthy of praise. That is the spirit of a true kingdom servant. They do what they do; not for reward or recognition; but for the glory of God.
