27 “Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Matthew 19:27–30 (ESV)
- “Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession.”
- “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
- “Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not at all surprising that Christians should be called upon to suffer.”
- “Costly grace confronts us as a gracious call to follow Jesus.”
- “The followers of Jesus are to be different and not just in some minimal sense, but in the most profound way possible.”
The previous selected quotes are from German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) from his book The Cost of Discipleship. One author explains, “Bonhoeffer was a Christian pastor and seminary professor living in Germany in the 1930s. He wrote The Cost of Discipleship as a wake-up call for the church, which he felt had rendered Christianity somewhat meaningless by making discipleship too “easy.” He lived as he preached—his Christian beliefs compelled him to speak out against Adolf Hitler’s regime and ultimately led to his execution in 1945.”
What a contrast are Bonhoeffer’s words to those of the popular health and wealth preachers who promise a “best life now” scenario for followers of Christ. For many believers, they want a heaven on earth at all costs rather than following Jesus whatever the cost.
Following the Lord’s encounter with the rich, young ruler (Matt. 19:16-22), and Jesus’ instructions on the hindrance of riches (Matt. 19:23-26), Peter replied, ““See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”
Peter’s statement was in direct response to the behavior of the rich young ruler who departed from Jesus because the Lord’s demands of discipleship were too costly. Jesus demands everything for those who follow Him. Total allegiance is required.
Peter and the other apostles, with the possible exception of Judas Iscariot, had indeed left everything they previously owned and known. The departed their families, their work and even their social status to become followers of Jesus.
“Peter points out that they had already done what Christ demanded of the rich young ruler (v. 21). They had embarked on the life of faith with Christ. Notice that Jesus did not rebuke Peter for his expectation of reward (cf. Rev. 22:12),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
“Had The Twelve not done exactly what Jesus had asked the young man to do? Had they not “left everything” and followed Jesus? The answer, then, would seem to be obvious, namely, that The Twelve would have treasure in heaven. Nevertheless, Peter seems not to have been entirely certain about this, for the Master had also declared that with men it is impossible to be saved, and that it is God, he alone, who imparts salvation (verses 23, 24, 26),” states Dr. William Hendriksen.
What followed was a comforting answer from the Lord. We will consider this when next we meet. In the meantime, consider Jesus’ demand for total commitment. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 