What Do I Get Out of This? (Luke 18:28-34)
In most situations, one of the most common questions people naturally ponder is, "What's in it for me?"
Sometimes, this question isn't explicitly voiced but rather silently contemplated.
Nevertheless, it's a natural query that arises almost universally. Whether it's heading to work and expecting a payrise or attending a event and wondering about personal gain, the underlying inquiry remains: "What do I gain from this?"
While this might sound selfish, even the 12 apostles raised similar queries regarding discipleship. Hence, it's not unreasonable for us to do the same.
If we genuinely commit to following Jesus Christ, what are the benefits?
In today’s podcast episode, I aim to address this question comprehensively. Let's explore this further by turning to Luke chapter 18, starting from verse 28.
28 Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”
29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33 they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”
34 The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.
Let's break down Peter's statement and Jesus' response in verse 28 of Luke chapter 18. Peter's remark seems simple at first glance: " We have left all we had to follow you."
However, to truly grasp its significance, we need to consider the broader context, not only within this passage but also within the synoptic gospels.
The backdrop to Peter's statement is crucial. Jesus had just concluded a conversation with a wealthy young man who sought guidance on attaining eternal life. Jesus challenged him to sell all his possessions and follow Him, but the young man walked away disheartened.
It's against this backdrop that Peter speaks up.
Peter's point becomes clearer when we compare Luke's account with Matthew's. In Luke 18:28, Peter's statement appears straightforward. However, in Matthew 19, it's presented as a question: "What then will there be for us?" Peter essentially asks, "We've given up everything to follow you. What do we get in return?"
Jesus responds with assurance in verse 29, promising abundant blessings both in this life and in the age to come for those who forsake worldly attachments for the sake of the Kingdom.
Peter's declaration of leaving everything behind aligns with Jesus' promise of rewards for those who make sacrifices for the Kingdom's sake. It's a poignant reminder of the disciples' literal abandonment of homes, families, and comforts to follow Jesus throughout Palestine.
Let me share with you an extraordinary example from church history that exemplifies the impact of the passage we've been discussing.
In the 3rd century, there lived a man named Anthony, who hailed from a wealthy family. After his parents' death, he inherited their considerable wealth. However, at the age of 20, Anthony encountered the story of the rich young ruler in the Bible, which deeply resonated with him and he felt compelled to emulate the young ruler's act of forsaking everything to follow Jesus.
Inspired by this encounter, Anthony sold all his possessions and distributed the proceeds to the poor. He bid farewell to his friends and embarked on a solitary journey, seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Initially, he secluded himself in his own home, but as his devotion grew, so did his detachment from worldly affairs. By the age of 35, Anthony had retreated to an abandoned fort, where he lived in complete isolation for two decades.
He subsisted on food thrown over the fort's walls and shunned all human contact.
Despite his initial solitude, Anthony's reputation as a devout man attracted numerous followers who sought his guidance.
Reluctantly, Anthony emerged from his seclusion around 305 AD to mentor these disciples/followers in the ways of spiritual discipline.
Over the course of several years, he provided instruction and organized groups of monks, but eventually, he withdrew once more to lead a solitary life.
Throughout his long and ascetic existence, Anthony remained a focus of spiritual devotion. Although his followers multiplied and sought his wisdom, they did not form a communal monastery; instead, they emulated Anthony's solitary lifestyle, living in isolation as monks.
Anthony's radical decision to renounce worldly comforts and embrace solitude laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into the monastic movement. His profound commitment to the teachings of Jesus, particularly the call to forsake all for the sake of the Kingdom, earned him the title of the father of monasticism and left an indelible mark on Christian spirituality.
The other fellow I know in church history that did this didn't quite go that radical, but he did, based on this passage, give away everything literally. And that person was Peter Waldo.
Peter Waldo, was a wealthy man in France who, upon encountering the biblical passage, literally sold all his possessions, provided for his family, and distributed the rest to the poor.
This radical act of devotion led to the founding of the Waldensian movement, which endured persecution but continues to exist to this day.
These examples demonstrate how some individuals took Jesus' teachings literally and made significant sacrifices in their lives.
However, it's essential to understand that Jesus isn't asking everyone to follow suit in a literal sense.
Rather, the underlying message is about prioritizing Jesus above all else. While Jesus' words may seem extreme, the context is meant to only demand a prioritization of loyalty to Jesus above everything else, even familial ties.
In essence, Jesus calls for placing Him as the ultimate authority in one's life, ahead of material possessions and even family relationships.
Failing to do so can impede spiritual growth and lead to misplaced priorities.
The most common incorrect focus for many is one of becoming overly consumed with acquiring wealth or material comforts which can detract from one's relationship with God and with others.
Not everyone may be called to sell everything and live in poverty, in fact only a few are. The overarching principle remains: Jesus must be the foremost priority in one's life.
It's intriguing how the mention of a wife in this passage adds a unique extra dimension compared to some other passages. While leaving parents and siblings may seem straightforward, the inclusion of a wife and children adds complexity. The essence isn't about physically abandoning them but rather prioritizing Jesus above all else.
So far, we've been exploring what it truly means to follow Jesus, as Peter inquires in Matthew 19: "What do we get out of this?"
In response, Jesus assures in verse 30 that those who give up worldly priorities to follow Him will receive abundant blessings both in this life and in the age to come.
The value of what's forsaken will be eclipsed by the blessings received. This encompasses not only material possessions but also human relationships. Additionally, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of following Him to attain eternal life.
Now, let's delve into what's meant by "in this present age" in verse 30.
Jesus elaborates on this in the verses that follow, disclosing to the twelve disciples the events that will unfold in Jerusalem.
This isn't merely forewarning; it's a revelation of future events that they wouldn't otherwise know. Jesus is providing them with insight into what lies ahead, demonstrating one of the benefits of following Him, includes the privilege of receiving divine revelation.
In essence, Jesus' disclosure here illustrates one aspect of what believers receive in this present time: divine knowledge and foresight into God's unfolding plan.
It's a tangible manifestation of the blessings conferred upon those who choose to follow Jesus, showcasing the richness of spiritual rewards in addition to material blessings.
So, what I want to suggest: that one of the benefits of following Christ is you get to know things nobody else knows. He gives us revelation.
In. John chapter 15, verse 15 tells us.
"No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from my Father I have made known to you."
Understanding the distinction between being a servant and being a friend to the master is crucial. Servants merely execute tasks instructed by the master in the moment, whereas friends are privy to the master's inner thoughts and plans.
Likewise, by following the Lord, we gain the privilege of friendship with Him, receiving insight into His plans and purposes that wouldn't otherwise be accessible.
This friendship is characterized by a sharing of innermost thoughts and a deeper level of intimacy.
One of the primary benefits we receive by following the Lord is this friendship, grants us access to divine knowledge and understanding.
However, this is just the beginning—a foretaste of the greater blessings to come.
In this passage, we see that the disciples initially struggled to comprehend Jesus' teachings because they clashed with their expectations. Jesus points them to the Scriptures as the key to understanding, urging them to approach God's Word with open minds and hearts.
Indeed, following Christ offers a myriad of benefits beyond mere intellectual insight. It encompasses qualities such as love, joy, peace, and self-control—attributes that enrich life far more than any material possession.
Additionally, as followers of Jesus, we become part of the family of God, experiencing deep spiritual connections that often surpass even our closest human relationships.
Moreover, the promise of eternal life in the age to come is a cornerstone of our faith. To grasp the true significance of this promise, we must first know Christ intimately, as emphasized in John 6:36. This verse underscores the centrality of our relationship with Jesus in experiencing the fullness of eternal life.
In essence, following Christ not only grants us divine insight and spiritual riches but also offers the assurance of a future filled with eternal blessings in His presence.
“He who believes in the son has everlasting life”.
See, you get it right now it is a present possession.
Having life is one thing, but having abundant life is another.
Remember when Jesus said,
"I am come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly."
(John 10:10)?
In 2 Peter chapter 1, he elaborates on this concept.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
(2 Peter 1: 5-7)
Do you see the progression? It's about growth.
Now, look at verse 8:
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 10:Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11: and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Wait a minute. Does that mean you could be unfruitful? Yes, it does. Now, verse 9: " Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,." So, you need to abound in these qualities. Verse 10 reinforces this: "Therefore, brethren, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure." This doesn't mean it's in doubt; it means it's confirmed. Verse 11 sums it up: and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. " When you grow spiritually and follow Christ, you have an abundant entrance into the Kingdom.
But if you neglect these qualities, you won't have an abundant entrance; it will be barren.
Let me illustrate this concept: just as physical life is freely given at birth, so too is spiritual life freely given when one trusts in Jesus Christ (John 3:36).
However, what you do with your physical life is a matter of choice. You can squander it or live abundantly, but achieving great things requires effort.
This aligns with the essence of Luke 18, where becoming a disciple leads to receiving eternal life and an abundant and rewarding existence in the future Kingdom.
Consider Galatians chapter 6, verse 7:
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."
(Galatians 6: 7)
Sowing to the flesh leads to corruption, but sowing to the Spirit yields everlasting life. This implies that to attain spiritual abundance, one must actively sow into the Kingdom.
So, what are the rewards of following the Lord? Following the principles outlined in 2 Peter chapter 1 tells us such things as adding virtues to your spiritual life, growing, serving, and giving results in blessings now and in the future, particularly when the Lord returns.
In essence, those who trust and follow the Lord are blessed in this life and receive even greater benefits in the next.
However, it's crucial to note two points:
Firstly, becoming a disciple solely to gain something is misguided.
True discipleship stems from love for the Lord, and genuine rewards follow from this heartfelt commitment.
Secondly, consider the principle of investment: just as you would sow so shall you reap.
Following the Lord is a wise investment that yields abundant returns. Ultimately, reaping what you sow underscores the wisdom of aligning one's life with the teachings and path of the Lord.
There's a story about John Wesley who decided to go to Georgia in the United States from England to become a missionary to the indigenous people.
Someone confronted him, questioning why he would leave behind a comfortable life with good provisions and respect to face the challenges of winter meals and converting, as he called them, “savages” in a far off land?
Wesley's response was profound. He replied, "Sir, if the Bible is not true, I am as great a fool and a madman just as you say. But if it is of God, then I am of a sober mind. For Jesus said, 'Many more will be given in the present time and in the world to come everlasting.'"
Here's the essence of it: If the Bible isn't true, then any effort, money, time, or talent invested in it is foolishness.
But if it is true, then embracing it is one of the wisest decisions you can make.
So, the choice is yours: Will you be a believer and just sit in a warm pew, or will you step out and invite others to join you?
Will you wholeheartedly go all out for the Lord, or will you settle for merely being a passenger.