Meaning of Matthew 19:28

This verse from Matthew 19:28 is a profound declaration by Jesus concerning the future establishment of His kingdom and the role His faithful followers will play within it. The "renewal of all things" refers to a future eschatological event, often understood as the consummation of God's redemptive plan, where creation is restored to its original perfection and Christ's reign is fully realized. The "Son of Man" is Jesus' self-designation, emphasizing His divine authority and humanity, and He will be seated on "his glorious throne," signifying His ultimate sovereignty. The promise to the disciples—that they will "also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel"—highlights their privileged position in the coming kingdom, reflecting the foundational importance of the twelve apostles in the early church and their symbolic representation of the reconstituted people of God.

Context and Background

This statement by Jesus occurs within a larger discourse in Matthew 19 and 20, following the encounter with the rich young ruler. The disciples, having left everything to follow Jesus, are concerned about their reward. Peter, in particular, asks what they will receive for their sacrifice (Matthew 19:27). Jesus' response addresses this concern directly, promising not only present blessings but also future authority and participation in His kingdom. The number "twelve" is significant, directly referencing the twelve tribes of Israel, suggesting a restoration and reordering of God's people under Christ's leadership, with the apostles serving as key administrators and judges.

Key Themes and Messages

• Eschatological Hope: The verse speaks of a future, perfected state of existence, a redeemed creation where God's reign is fully established.
• Divine Authority of Christ: Jesus, as the Son of Man, will possess ultimate glory and authority on His throne, presiding over His kingdom.
• Reward for Discipleship: Those who have faithfully followed Jesus will be rewarded with positions of authority and responsibility in His kingdom.
• Restoration and Judgment: The judging of the twelve tribes signifies a reordering and vindication of God's people, and by extension, the administration of justice within the renewed creation.
• Continuity and Newness: The "renewal of all things" suggests both the restoration of what was lost and the inauguration of something entirely new, centered on Christ.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse offers a powerful assurance of future hope and the eternal significance of their commitment to Christ. It underscores that following Jesus is not merely a temporal decision but an investment in an eternal reality. The promise of participation in Christ's reign encourages perseverance through present trials, knowing that faithfulness will be rewarded. It also instills a sense of responsibility, as the disciples' future role as judges points to the ongoing importance of upholding God's standards and truth. The spiritual application lies in living with an eternal perspective, prioritizing Christ's kingdom above worldly pursuits, and trusting in His ultimate justice and restoration.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This promise is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies of a coming Messianic kingdom and the restoration of Israel. The concept of a renewed creation and a righteous reign of God is a recurring theme from Genesis to Revelation. The number twelve echoes the twelve patriarchs who founded the tribes of Israel, signifying that under the new covenant established by Jesus, the church becomes the new Israel, with the apostles as its foundation. The idea of God's people participating in His reign is also present in passages like Revelation 20:4-6, where believers are described as reigning with Christ.

Analogies

One analogy to understand the disciples' future role is that of a king appointing his most trusted advisors and generals to govern different regions of his newly conquered and peaceful kingdom. They are not independent rulers but administrators who carry out the king's will and ensure justice. Another analogy is that of a CEO who, after a successful company merger and restructuring, places his most loyal and capable executives in charge of key divisions, entrusting them with significant responsibility for the company's future success.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." This verse highlights the priority of seeking God's kingdom, which this passage in Matthew 19 promises future participation in.
• Luke 22:29-30: "And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." This is a parallel passage that reinforces the same promise to the disciples.
• 1 Corinthians 6:2-3: "Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if by you the world is to be judged, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?" This verse speaks to the authority believers will have in judging, aligning with the disciples' future role.
• Revelation 20:4: "Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years." This passage in Revelation directly depicts saints reigning and judging, echoing Jesus' promise.