27 Then Peter answered Him, saying, “Look, we have given up everything and followed You [becoming Your disciples and accepting You as Teacher and Lord]; what then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, in the renewal [that is, the Messianic restoration and regeneration of all things] when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you [who have followed Me, becoming My disciples] will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 

Matthew 19:27-28 (AMP)

Backdrop

Jesus has just responded to a rich ruler who was keen to gain eternal life but was unwilling to humble himself and confess and turn to Christ. He explained then to His disciples that things that are impossible for men (like salvation) are indeed possible with God.

Call to give up all

As Peter, representing the other 11, takes this in, he understands that entering eternal life requires a call to give up all, not just possessions. The disciples had all responded to Jesus’ calling to follow Him and forsake everything else. Peter was fishing when Jesus came to him and called him. He left the large catch of fish, his boat and everything to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:1-11). Matthew had been a tax collector. When Jesus called him, He immediately dropped everything and followed Him (Matthew 9:9-13). 

So, knowing this sacrifice they made, Peter asks Jesus what reward they will get for their sacrifice. 

Disciple’s reward

Today’s passage and tomorrow’s are one teaching that, for space, we have to break into two. Today focuses on the 12 (actually 11 since Judas Iscariot rejected Jesus). Tomorrow Jesus expands this to all His faithful followers. 

For Peter and the others, Jesus promises a special reward – to sit on thrones in Heaven, a position of power and authority in the Kingdom of God. Interestingly enough, John, one of the disciples, saw this in a glorious vision which he recorded in the book of Revelations. In Revelation 4:4 he describes what he saw in Heaven: “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.” Most Bible teachers and commentators believe 12 of the 24 elders are the disciples.

Why did they get this reward? One word: Grace. God chose them and they followed (except Judas Iscariot) faithfully and received their reward. 

RЯeflection

• The grace of God should never cease to amaze and humble us. Often we look at our accomplishments or character, our blessings, etc. and consider how great we are – even, ironically, how we are the most humble! But they all come from God (James 1:7).
• Do you ponder Heaven much? I’d encourage you to. Thinking about Heaven, reading about Heaven, can give us hope today and help align our purpose and direction, to run the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1-2).