![]() But the problem is that we do not have the vocabulary to describe details of an existence we have never experienced. When we think of eternal rewards, we should think primarily about spiritual rewards, not physical things that will pass away. In the resurrection, we will not need physical things. By this, he implied that what we do in this life will be rewarded in the future - but what sort of reward is it? What good is a treasure when there is nothing to buy? When streets are made of gold, what will be the value of gold? Jesus advised his disciples to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21). Members of the church in Thyatira were promised authority over the nations (Revelation 2:26-27). Jesus promised the 12 disciples authority over the tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28 Luke 22:30). In the parables of the pounds, the trustworthy servants were given authority over cities (Luke 19:16-19). In the parable of the servants, the faithful servant is rewarded by being put in charge of all the master’s possessions (Luke 12:42-44). In the parable of sheep and goats, the faithful are allowed to inherit a kingdom (verse 34). In the parable of talents, the reward is described in general terms: being put “in charge of many things” and being able to “share your master’s happiness” (verses 20-23). In the parable of the virgins, the reward is a marriage banquet (Matthew 25:10). ![]() In the parable of the vineyard workers, the gift of salvation is symbolized by one day’s wage (Matthew 20:9-16). Sometimes the reward is described as authority over other people, but Jesus also used other ways to describe our reward. In several parables, Jesus indicated that faithful disciples would receive great rewards. Where were the hundredfold rewards for them? Parables of reward The martyrdom of Stephen and James (Acts 7:57-60 12:2) may have come as a surprise. They were still thinking in terms of a physical kingdom that would soon bring earthly freedom and power to the people of Israel (Acts 1:6). I doubt that the disciples understood what Jesus was saying. ![]() God sometimes gives us gold and other temporary rewards (perhaps as an indication of better things to come), but the rewards that count most are those that last forever. He means that the things we receive in the next life will be 100 times as valuable as the things we give up in this life - as measured by real value, eternal value, not by temporary fads about physical things.Įven our trials have spiritual value to our benefit (Romans 5:3-4 James 1:2-4), and this is of greater value than gold (1 Peter 1:7). He is not promising to make everyone wealthy. Jesus is not promising to give 100 fields to everyone who gave up a farm to follow him. The Christian life is certainly “worth it.” But the blessings outweigh the difficulties by a hundred-to-one margin! Whatever sacrifices we make will be richly compensated. We will have persecutions, trials and sufferings in this life. God will reward us generously - but Jesus also warns us that this life is not a life of physical luxury. No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields - and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. The Gospel of Mark shows that Jesus is talking about two time periods: And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. Let’s begin by noting the way that Jesus answered Peter’s question:Īt the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. He inspired Scripture writers to talk about rewards, and I am confident that when God promises a reward, we will find it extremely rewarding - far above what we could even think to ask (Ephesians 3:20). God knows that we ask the question and, in this case, we need an answer. Scripture has something to say about rewards. Whenever our motive is right - when our labor and sacrifice are for Jesus - we will be rewarded. Our efforts will be rewarded - even if they were based on a misunderstanding. Our labors and sacrifices are not in vain. ![]() ![]() Is it worth it? Is there some sort of reward in store for us? We have given up a lot - careers, families, jobs, status, pride - in our spiritual journey. Is it really worth it?” Some people today might ask the same thing. We might paraphrase it like this: “We’ve given up a lot to be here. Peter once asked Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” (Matthew 19:27). Bible prophecy: The Rewards of Following Christ ![]()
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