What does Jesus promise to those who leave everything to follow Him?

When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, He did not sugarcoat the cost of discipleship. He made it clear that following Him would require sacrifice, commitment, and a willingness to leave behind the familiar and comfortable. However, Jesus also made profound promises to those who were willing to leave everything behind to follow Him. These promises are not only relevant to His immediate disciples but also to all who choose to follow Him today.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses this very issue with His disciples. Peter, speaking on behalf of the disciples, says to Jesus, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" (Matthew 19:27, NIV). Jesus responds with a promise that is both immediate and eternal:

"Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19:28-29, NIV)

This passage highlights several key aspects of what Jesus promises to those who leave everything to follow Him.

Immediate and Future Rewards

Jesus promises both immediate and future rewards. In the present age, those who leave behind their homes, families, and livelihoods for the sake of Jesus will receive "a hundred times as much." This is not necessarily a promise of material wealth but rather a promise of spiritual and relational richness. Those who follow Jesus often find a new family in the community of believers, a new purpose in serving God's kingdom, and a new identity as children of God. The church becomes a new home, and fellow believers become brothers and sisters in Christ.

In the future age, Jesus promises eternal life. This is the ultimate reward for those who follow Him. Eternal life is not just an unending existence but a life of perfect communion with God, free from sin, suffering, and death. It is the fulfillment of all God's promises and the realization of the believer's deepest longings.

The Cost of Discipleship

While the rewards are great, Jesus does not downplay the cost of discipleship. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says:

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26-27, NIV)

This language is stark and challenging. Jesus is not advocating literal hatred of one's family; rather, He is emphasizing the need for undivided loyalty to Him. Following Jesus requires a willingness to prioritize Him above all other relationships and commitments. It means being willing to endure hardship, persecution, and even death for His sake.

The Paradox of Gain through Loss

One of the central paradoxes of the Christian faith is that true gain comes through loss. Jesus says:

"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:25, NIV)

This paradox is at the heart of what it means to follow Jesus. To save one's life in the sense of clinging to earthly possessions, relationships, and ambitions is to ultimately lose it. But to lose one's life for Jesus' sake—by surrendering all to Him—is to find true life, both now and in eternity.

The Example of the Apostles

The apostles themselves are examples of those who left everything to follow Jesus. Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their fishing nets and their families. Matthew left his lucrative position as a tax collector. Paul, though not one of the original twelve, left his prestigious position as a Pharisee to become an apostle to the Gentiles. Each of these men faced significant sacrifices, but they also experienced the fulfillment of Jesus' promises.

Paul, in particular, articulates the joy and reward of following Jesus despite the cost. In his letter to the Philippians, he writes:

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him." (Philippians 3:7-9, NIV)

Paul's testimony reflects the profound transformation that occurs when one leaves everything to follow Jesus. The things he once valued—status, wealth, and power—became insignificant compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.

The Promise of God's Presence

Another significant promise Jesus makes to those who follow Him is the promise of His presence. In the Great Commission, Jesus assures His disciples:

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20, NIV)

This promise of Jesus' continual presence is a source of comfort and strength for believers. No matter what sacrifices they make or hardships they endure, they are never alone. Jesus is with them, guiding, comforting, and empowering them through the Holy Spirit.

The Role of Faith

Living with faith is essential for those who leave everything to follow Jesus. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is by faith that believers trust in Jesus' promises, even when the cost of discipleship is high. Faith enables believers to see beyond their immediate circumstances to the eternal rewards that await them.

The author of Hebrews provides a powerful exhortation to live by faith, drawing on the example of the heroes of faith in the Old Testament:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV)

By fixing their eyes on Jesus, believers can persevere in their faith journey, confident in the promises He has made.

The Eternal Perspective

Ultimately, Jesus' promises to those who leave everything to follow Him invite believers to adopt an eternal perspective. The sacrifices and sufferings of this present age are temporary and pale in comparison to the glory that awaits. Paul captures this perspective beautifully in his letter to the Romans:

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18, NIV)

This eternal perspective enables believers to endure hardships with hope and joy, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Conclusion

In summary, Jesus promises profound rewards to those who leave everything to follow Him. These promises include immediate spiritual and relational richness, eternal life, the presence of Jesus, and the joy of knowing Him. While the cost of discipleship is high, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. By living with faith and adopting an eternal perspective, believers can experience the fullness of Jesus' promises both now and in the age to come.