Mark 10:30 “But that he will not fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.”
As Peter is following Jesus, he decides to pause and evaluate his decision. Maybe you have done the same thing. From Mark 10:28, Peter said to Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you!” This statement contrasts with the previous story of the RICH YOUNG RULER who was unwilling to give up his riches to FOLLOW JESUS.
Hearing what Peter said, Jesus responds and, in doing so, clarifies the cost of following Him. He also points out the rewards of following Him. Regarding the cost of following Jesus, following always involves LEAVING. Often, the one leaving will be leaving what one does, as well as many family members and friends. To leave is, well, hard. Peter states a truth about his life in which he left fishing for fish to become a fisher of men.
With Peter stating the truth about his life, Jesus now states the truth about what one can expect to receive when they leave the known for the unknown in following Him. He tells Peter (and tells you and me) that no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for Me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age and in the age to come, eternal life.
As we unpack this truth, Jesus tells of what one receives in this present age and in the age to come. As far as leaving family and/or friends and even occupation, Jesus says one is going to find a richness in new relationships that will seem as if one has hundreds of mothers and brothers, and sisters.
Some of you reading this can immediately give testimony of how this has played out in your life. I know I can!!
He also stays on point about the cost of following Him, as it will mean that while there is the richness of Christian fellowship, there will be the hatred of the world. With that sobering thought of receiving persecution, He immediately reminds us of our future ETERNAL LIFE in the age to come!
While FOLLOWING JESUS is costly, it is also very REWARDING!! You don’t lose with leaving, and there is tremendous gain in going!
And as far as persecution goes, the best the enemy can do is scare you with heaven!
Friends, you will not lose by leaving to follow Jesus! The one leaving will also be receiving!
Continue Strong, knowing He takes care of His followers better than we deserve,
And remember to DATE THE WORD