| (v 29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “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 (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.” – Mark 10:30 |
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| The COST and the REWARDS of FOLLOWING JESUS Mark 10 tells of the Apostle Peter evaluating the decision to FOLLOW JESUS. In Mark 10:28 Peter said to Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you!” This statement contrasts the previous story of the RICH YOUNG RULER who was unwilling to give up his riches to FOLLOW JESUS. The response of Jesus to Peter is one that clarifies the cost but also the rewards of FOLLOWING JESUS. Following always involves LEAVING. Often the one leaving will be leaving what one does and has 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. He knew his life would never be the same when he decided to follow Jesus. He had left everything. 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, we really have several truths here as Jesus tells of what one receives in this present age and in the age to come. As far as leaving family and 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. One has to love that 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 as far as persecution goes the best the enemy can do is scare you with heaven! Friends, you will not lose in leaving to follow Jesus! The one leaving will also be receiving! Verse to DATE the Word on October 30 (10/30) is Mark 10:30. Mark 10:30 says (29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “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 (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.” Continue Strong knowing He takes care of His followers. And remember to DATE THE WORD |