Meaning of Matthew 19:27

Peter's question in Matthew 19:27, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?", arises directly from Jesus' preceding encounter with a rich young ruler who was unwilling to relinquish his possessions for the sake of discipleship. Jesus' pronouncement 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 God" (Matthew 19:24) deeply troubled the disciples, prompting Peter to voice their collective concern. Their question is not one of greed, but rather a sincere inquiry about the cost of discipleship and the nature of the reward for their sacrifice, reflecting a human desire for assurance and understanding in the face of radical commitment.

Context and Background

This exchange occurs within the broader narrative of Jesus' Galilean ministry, specifically as he journeys towards Jerusalem. The encounter with the rich young ruler immediately precedes Peter's question, setting the stage for a discussion on wealth, sacrifice, and eternal reward. The disciples had already witnessed Jesus' miracles and heard his teachings, and they had indeed abandoned their former lives – their livelihoods, families, and social standing – to follow him. Peter's question is therefore rooted in their personal experience of renunciation and their anticipation of the promised Kingdom.

Key Themes and Messages

Several key themes emerge from this verse:

• Sacrifice and Commitment: The verse highlights the significant sacrifices the disciples made. They left behind tangible assets and established lives for an intangible future with Christ.
• The Cost of Discipleship: It underscores that following Jesus involves a cost, a renunciation of worldly goods and security.
• The Nature of Reward: Peter's question probes the nature of the reward for such commitment. It's a natural human impulse to wonder about the recompense for significant giving.
• Faith vs. Materialism: The contrast between the disciples' willingness to give up everything and the young ruler's inability to do so is stark, illustrating the tension between faith and attachment to material wealth.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, Peter's question resonates with every believer who has made sacrifices for their faith. It speaks to the ongoing human struggle between prioritizing eternal values over temporal comforts. The significance lies in Jesus' subsequent response, which reassures them that their sacrifices will not be in vain. For modern application, it prompts self-reflection on what "everything" means in our own lives – are we holding onto anything that hinders our complete devotion to Christ? It encourages trust that God's economy of reward is far greater than any earthly loss.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse fits into the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, which often involves calling individuals out of their comfortable circumstances into a deeper relationship with Him, often requiring sacrifice. From Abraham leaving his homeland to the apostles leaving their nets, the call to leave and follow is a recurring theme. It also anticipates the New Heavens and New Earth, where true and eternal rewards will be fully realized, a concept developed throughout Scripture, particularly in Revelation.

Analogies

One could compare the disciples' situation to that of soldiers who enlist in a demanding campaign, leaving behind their civilian lives and comforts. They understand there will be hardship and risk, and they implicitly trust their commander's promise of victory and rightful spoils. Another analogy might be that of an investor who sells off less valuable assets to purchase a single, incredibly valuable one, understanding that the initial outlay is necessary for the immense future gain.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is intimately connected to several others:

• Matthew 19:21: "Jesus said to him, 'If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'" This is the immediate precursor, establishing the context of sacrifice.
• Mark 10:28-30: Mark's parallel account includes a more explicit promise: "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.'" This passage offers a more detailed answer to Peter's question.
• Luke 18:28-30: Luke also records a similar exchange, emphasizing the "manifold more" in the present life and eternal life in the age to come.
• Philippians 3:7-8: Paul echoes this sentiment, counting all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.
• 1 Corinthians 2:9: This verse speaks to the unseen and unheard rewards God has prepared for those who love Him, aligning with the promise of future blessings beyond human comprehension.