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)
Jesus’ promises to the twelve disciples, excluding Judas Iscariot, are a direct response to Peter’s observation in vs. 27. What promises did Jesus make?
First, Jesus emphasized the truth, or reality, of what He said. “Truly, I say to you.” Truly (ἀμήν; amen) refers to what is indeclinable. It is a statement of reality. It means a strong affirmation. The Lord involved His own authority in what He said (Matt. 5:17-48).
Second, there will be new world. New world (παλιγγενεσία; palingenesia) literally means renewal or regeneration. It is the same word Jesus used in John 3:1-5 when referring to the new birth, or regeneration, needed for the sinner’s conversion. However, here it refers to the new heaven and the new earth (Rev. 21:1).
Third, Jesus said He would sit on a glorious throne. To sit (καθίζω; kathizo) refers to having authority. Glorious (δόξα; doxa) means praiseworthy and honorable. Throne (θρόνος; thronos) means supernatural power and authority to rule. This is a statement of Jesus’ magnificent deity.
Fourth, the disciples will also sit on twelve thrones. Those who follow Jesus in this context refers specifically to the twelve. They will personally occupy positons of delegated authority. Their responsibility will be to judge or govern Israel.
“Jesus assures these twelve disciples—excluding Judas, but since he would be replaced the number twelve is still correct—that even though it is God who is the sole Author of their salvation, they themselves will be richly rewarded for the sacrifice they have made and are making,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.
Rewards and honors for faithful service is clearly taught in Scripture. Is the reward of grace from God (Gen. 22:15–18; Ps. 25:12–15; Dan. 12:3; Matt. 5:1–12; 10:32, 41, 42; 11:28–30; 25:34–40; Luke 12:32, 37, 43, 44; 19:17–19; 1 Cor. 3:14; 9:17; Col. 2:18; 3:24; 2 Thess. 1:7–10; Heb. 10:35; 11:6, 26; 2 John 8; Rev. 2:7, 10, 17, 26–28; 3:5, 10–12, 21; 22:12).
“What is meant by these “twelve tribes of Israel”? In all probability the term refers to the restored new Israel. Whether, as such, it indicates the total number of the elect gathered out of the twelve tribes of the Jews from the beginning to the end of the world’s history (cf. Rom. 11:26), or even all the chosen ones of both the Jews and the Gentiles (cf. Gal. 6:16), in either case it must refer to those who have been regenerated, for into the reborn universe to which 19:28 refers nothing unclean will ever enter (Rev. 21:27),” states Dr. Hendriksen.
“The Twelve, who have followed Jesus here, having remained loyal to him in his trials (Luke 22:28), are going to receive the special reward that among all the members belonging to the new Israel they will be pre-eminent in reflecting the glory of their Lord and Savior. Those who have been closest to Jesus here will also be closest to him there. See also 2 Tim. 2:11, 12; Rev. 3:21; 20:4.”
What a glimpse today into the glorious eternity awaiting the apostles. Tomorrow, we will see what Jesus said about the glorious eternity awaiting all believers in Christ. Until next time!
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 