reward of following Jesus Christ

767 reward for following jesus christ Peter asked Jesus, “Look, we have left everything and followed you; what will we get?” (Mt 19,27)On our spiritual journey, we have left much behind—career, family, work, social status, pride. Is it really worth it? Is any reward in store for us? Our efforts and devotion are not in vain. God inspired the writers of the Bible to write about rewards, and I am confident that when God promises a reward, we will find it to be exceedingly valuable—far beyond anything we could imagine: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Eph 3,20).

Two time periods

Let us begin with how Jesus answered Peter's question: “You who have followed me will, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And whoever has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my name's sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Mt 19,28-29).

The Gospel of Mark reveals that Jesus speaks of two periods of time: “There is no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times as much now in this present age: homes, brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, along with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mk 10,29-30).

God will reward us generously - but Jesus also warns us that this life is not a life of physical luxury. We will have persecutions, trials and suffering in this life. But the blessings outweigh the difficulties by a hundred to one! Whatever sacrifice we make will be amply compensated.
Jesus does not promise to give 100 extra fields to everyone who gave up a farm to follow. Jesus thinks that the things we receive in the next life will be worth a hundred times the things we give up in this life—measured in terms of real value, eternal value, not passing fads of physical things.

I doubt the disciples understood what Jesus was saying. They were still thinking about a physical kingdom that would soon bring earthly freedom and power to the people of Israel, and they asked Jesus, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Apg 1,6)The martyrdom of Stephen and James may have come as a surprise. Where was their hundredfold reward?

parables

In several parables, Jesus indicated that faithful disciples would receive great recognition. In the parable of the vineyard workers, the gift of redemption is symbolized by a day's wages: "Then those who had been hired about the eleventh hour came, and each received a denarius. But when those who had been hired first arrived, they thought they would receive more; and they each received a denarius." (Mt 20,9-10)In the parable of the sheep and the goats, believers are allowed to inherit a kingdom: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’” (Mt 25,34)In the parable of the pounds, trustworthy servants are given power over the cities: “Jesus said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’” (Lk 19,17)Jesus advised his disciples: “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Mt 6,20)With this, Jesus indicated that what we do in this life will be rewarded in the future.

Eternal joy with God

Our eternity in God's presence will be far more glorious and joyful than the physical rewards. All physical things, no matter how beautiful, delightful, or precious, are but faint shadows of infinitely better heavenly times. When we think of eternal rewards, we should think primarily of spiritual rewards, not physical things that pass away. But the problem is that we don't have the vocabulary to describe the details of an existence we've never experienced.

The psalmist expresses it this way: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Ps 16,11)Isaiah described some of this joy when he foretold a nation returning to its land: “The redeemed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; gladness and joy shall overtake them, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Jes 35,10)We will have fulfilled the purpose for which God created us. We will live in God's presence and be happier than ever before. This is what Christianity traditionally tries to convey with the concept of "going to heaven."

A despicable wish?

The belief in rewards is part of the Christian faith. Yet some Christians think it is dishonorable to want to be rewarded for their work. We are called to serve God out of love, not as workers who simply wait to be paid. Nevertheless, Scripture speaks of rewards and assures us of a wage: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebr 11,6).

When life gets difficult, it is helpful to remember that there is another life: "If faith in Christ gives us hope only for this life, we are the most to be pitied of all people." (1. Kor 15,19)Paul knew that the life to come would be worth his sacrifices. He renounced temporary pleasures in order to seek better, lasting joys in Christ.

Extremely great rewards

The biblical writers didn't give us many details. But one thing we know for sure – it will be the most beautiful experience we have ever had. "Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, because you know that from the Lord you will receive an inheritance as a reward." (Kol 3,23-24)The First Epistle of Peter gives us the answer to the question of what inheritance we will receive: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade, and is kept in heaven for you. By God’s power you are being guarded through faith for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. And so you will rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These trials are to bring you joy because of the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—to praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1. Petrus 1,3-7)We have so much to be thankful for, so much to rejoice in, so much to celebrate!

by Paul Kroll