What’s in it for me?

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Matthew 19.

It was a shock to hear Jesus challenge a rich young man to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow. The disciples paid close attention when Jesus spoke of how hard it was to get rich people into his kingdom. Peter responds, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” (Matthew 19:27)

We know exactly where Peter is coming from. We wonder, no more than that, we need to know, “What’s in it for me?” Is it worth it. What’s the return on my investment?

Why should I exercise? Why should I eat healthy? Why should I take the medication? Why should I care about someone else? Why do I have to learn this in school? When will I ever use it?

Of course, we’ve been conditioned to respond this way. If you eat your green beans, you’ll get dessert. After you clean your room, you can play with your friends. You get an allowance, but you’ve got to do your chores each week. If you want a starting spot on the team, you’ve got to show up and practice hard. Those who follow the rules of the road don’t get traffic tickets.

So why follow Jesus? Why trust in him? Why do what he says? What’s the payout?

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. 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” (19:28-29)

When most of us read this, we like the idea of eternal life. But we really like the idea of receiving a hundred times what we’ve given up. That’s a 10,000% return on your investment! That’s nothing to sneeze at. Wouldn’t this be a great place to begin a prosperity gospel ministry?

Unfortunately, greed causes us to misinterpret that promise. Jesus also said that life doesn’t consist of an abundance of possessions.

So what is Jesus talking about here? What did he want the disciples to take home with them? Maybe this is his way of saying that the rewards are far beyond anything you could ask or imagine!