Luke 18:28-30 is about the sacrifices and rewards that come with following Jesus wholeheartedly, emphasizing that those who leave behind material possessions for the sake of the kingdom of God will receive blessings both in this life and in the life to come.
28 And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.”
29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,
30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
Setting the Scene for Luke 18:28-30
In Luke chapter 18, verses 28-30, the scene unfolds with Jesus having a conversation with his disciples. The disciples, including Peter, John, James, and the others, are gathered around Jesus as they discuss the cost of following him. They have been traveling with Jesus, witnessing his miracles and teachings, and now Jesus is explaining to them the sacrifices that come with being his followers.
The setting is likely outdoors, perhaps along the dusty roads of Galilee or in a quiet spot on a hillside. The disciples are listening intently to Jesus as he tells them that those who have left everything to follow him will receive a hundredfold in return in this life, along with eternal life in the age to come. The disciples, who have given up their livelihoods and families to follow Jesus, are grappling with the implications of his words, realizing the radical commitment required to be his disciples.
As the sun sets in the background, casting a warm glow over the group, the disciples ponder Jesus’ words, knowing that their lives will never be the same after encountering the transformative power of his teachings. The scene captures a moment of deep reflection and dedication as the disciples come to terms with the challenges and rewards of their decision to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
What is Luke 18:28-30 about?
This verse emphasizes the concept of sacrifice for the greater good, suggesting that dedicating oneself to serving the kingdom or a noble cause will lead to abundant rewards both in this life and the afterlife. The idea of sacrifice is not just about giving up something valuable, but about willingly and selflessly offering one’s time, effort, and resources for a cause that transcends personal gain. It highlights the belief that acts of sacrifice are ultimately meaningful and will be recognized and rewarded by divine forces or in ways that might not be immediately apparent.
Have you ever wondered about the true impact of the sacrifices you make for others or for a cause you believe in? This verse invites us to reflect on the motives behind our actions and the deeper significance of selfless acts of service. It prompts us to consider the long-term effects of our sacrifices, suggesting that they can bring not only tangible rewards but also a sense of fulfillment and purpose that transcends our worldly desires. It challenges us to think about the legacy we are creating through our sacrifices and to trust that our efforts are not in vain, but rather contribute to a greater good that will be honored and celebrated in this life and in the hereafter.
Understanding what Luke 18:28-30 really means
In Luke 18:28-30, we find Jesus addressing His disciples following the encounter with the rich young ruler. This passage holds significance in highlighting the essence of understanding the sacrifices and rewards that come with discipleship. Peter’s poignant declaration, “We have left all we had to follow you,” encapsulates the profound sacrifices the disciples made in their journey with Jesus, underscoring the unwavering commitment required to be His follower.
Moreover, Jesus emphasizes the depth of sacrifice by mentioning leaving behind home, family, and relationships for the sake of the Kingdom of God. This underscores the personal and relational costs involved in discipleship, emphasizing the Kingdom’s priority over earthly ties. The promise that follows, of receiving manifold blessings in this life and eternal life in the age to come, serves as an assurance to believers that their sacrifices are not in vain but are met with abundant rewards.
Parallel passages in Matthew 19:29 and Mark 10:29-30 echo this promise of rewards for those who forsake worldly attachments for the sake of Jesus. Additionally, Paul’s words in Philippians 3:8 further reinforce the idea of considering all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, emphasizing the supreme value of discipleship.
The relevance of this message extends to contemporary believers, urging them to prioritize their faith and commitment to Jesus above all else. It serves as a reminder that sacrifices made for the Kingdom of God are not overlooked but are acknowledged and rewarded by a faithful God. This assurance provides hope and motivation for individuals to persevere in their faith journey despite the challenges they may face.
Illustrating this truth, the anecdote of a modern-day missionary who left a comfortable life to serve in a remote area exemplifies the tangible rewards of sacrificing for the Kingdom. Despite initial hardships, the missionary experienced profound joy and fulfillment in witnessing lives transformed and communities uplifted, mirroring Jesus’ promise of abundant blessings for those who forsake for His sake.
In conclusion, understanding and embracing the cost of discipleship is paramount for every believer. Jesus’ promise of blessings in this life and the assurance of eternal life should serve as a source of encouragement and strength. As we reflect on our own commitments and priorities, may we be reminded of the eternal perspective Jesus offers, spurring us on to wholeheartedly follow Him, knowing that our sacrifices are met with immeasurable rewards in His Kingdom.
What must we be willing to leave for Jesus?
We must be willing to leave behind everything for Jesus. This includes our possessions, relationships, and attachments to the things of this world. The rich young ruler in the passage was unable to let go of his wealth to follow Jesus, but Jesus makes it clear that anyone who leaves these things for His sake will receive many times more in this age and eternal life in the age to come. This illustrates the necessity of prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else.
The call to leave everything for Jesus is a call to total surrender and commitment. It requires a radical shift in our priorities, where Jesus becomes the center of our lives and we are willing to let go of anything that hinders us from following Him wholeheartedly. This may look different for each person, but the underlying principle is that nothing should come before our devotion to Christ. When we are willing to leave everything for Jesus, we open ourselves up to experience His blessings and abundant life both now and in eternity. A deep trust and faith in Jesus is reflected by the willingness to leave everything for Him. It requires us to let go of our reliance on the things of this world and instead put our confidence in Him alone. We demonstrate our belief that He is worth more than anything this world has to offer by giving up everything for the sake of following Jesus. This act of surrender brings freedom, joy, and the assurance of His presence in our lives.
Application
Let’s declutter our lives of distractions that pull us away from our true purpose, just like we would streamline our work for efficiency. It’s time to clear those barriers that hold us back from being our best selves, much like we prioritize our family above all else. Can we release our grip on material possessions, our cozy routines, and our personal ambitions to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to Jesus?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.