The Trade

The Trade

Mark 10:28-31, NLT

Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

Setting the Scene

In contrasting the disciples with the young man and the interaction he had just observed, Peter exclaimed that they had “given up everything” to follow Jesus. Jesus reminded Peter and the others that following him has its benefits as well as its sacrifices. Yes, they had to leave “everything” to follow him, but they would be paid back “now” (the time period between Jesus’ first and second comings) as well as “in the world to come” (after Jesus’ second coming). Anyone who gave up something valuable for Jesus’ sake would be repaid a hundred times over, although not necessarily in the same form. Along with the rewards, however, would come “persecution.”

This was the answer to the rich young man’s question about how to obtain eternal life (Mark 10:17). Jesus explained that by submitting to his authority and rule, making him top priority over all else and giving up anything that hinders following him, each person can have “eternal life.” In the future, the values of this world will be reversed. Those who have much and seem important now will be “least important then” and vice versa. Jesus may have been speaking to the disciples’ mixed motives. Some were hoping for victory over the Romans; some wanted status in God’s Kingdom. Yet rewards in heaven are not given on the basis of merit or other earthly standards. All that matters in heaven is a person’s commitment to Christ.

Getting Personal

What have you given up to follow Christ?

In what ways have you experienced persecution because of your faith?

How does Jesus’ promise to the disciples (Mark 10:29-31) encourage you? Motivate you?

Persecution comes in many forms: social ostracism, public ridicule, financial deprivation, physical abuse, loss of employment, and even rejection by family and friends. In some parts of the world, this persecution is severe, including torture and death. During such times, many wonder if what they gave up to follow Christ was worth it. Jesus answers with a resounding “Yes!” He promises his presence—to be with us now during our difficult times—and a glorious eternity after this life ends.

Talking to God

Pray today about any discomfort you may be experiencing because of the gospel. Then take time to pray for persecuted brothers and sisters in great pain and danger around the world because of the cause of Christ.