Peter began to say to Jesus,
'We have given up everything and followed you."
Peter was speaking on behalf of this disciples when he asked this question. He implied what all of them were wondering, "What then will we have?" (see Matthew 19:27). They were concerned since Jesus had told the young man that riches were more of a liability than an asset. They were sure that they themselves had been able to let go of much of what they had in a way that he had not. But it appears that even if they had given it up they were still attached to it to some degree, like the Israelites in the desert who still longed for the comforts of Egypt (see Numbers 11:5). They seemed to hope that giving up wealth now would lead to wealth later, and they wanted to clarify how that would work.
Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
Jesus did not rebuke Peter for his question or criticize the fact that there was still selfishness in his heart. Rather, he explained that, as Peter hoped, there would be a reward for sacrifices made. But it was not insofar as things were strategically surrendered for selfish ends that there would be a reward. Rather it was when things were surrendered for the sake of Jesus and for the sake of the Gospel that a true reward would be given. Giving up on earthly riches to obtain more earthly riches at some point in the future did not come a guarantee. It was only those exchanging worldly riches for heavenly wealth that were promised blessings.
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age
The rewards promised by Jesus, though they came from seeking treasure in heaven, were not restricted to heaven alone. It was precisely when disciples had hearts that were in the right place that Jesus was free to bless them, even here and now. Given wealth, they would use it for others. Given new family, they would respond with service and love rather than demands. Of course, in this world we see that these blessings the Lord promised are not analogous to those that the replace. The wealth he gives is primarily the wealth of grace and of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The family he gives are the other members of his body with whom we join together in worship of God. To an earthly mindset this might seem to be less than worldly wealth or even a copout. But seen rightly it is far more. This is wealth that cannot fail us, that will not pull us back down to earth, that can't pull against us in our desire to follow Jesus. Earthly well comes with all of these liabilities. But the wealth Jesus gives leads and draws us onward to "everlasting life in the age to come".
with persecutions,
Jesus was clear. Life for the sake of the Gospel was not going to be a cakewalk. It did come with blessings that far outweighed what was given up. But it was never without persecutions while this life continued. Just as Jesus was persecuted for standing for the truth so would his followers be for standing up for him. Whether this was done by governments, by individuals, or even by the forces of the evil one trying to corrupt God's work in individual hearts, there was no avoiding the fact that all would face temptations and trials. All would need to take up their crosses to follow Jesus through this life if the life of the resurrection was really what they desired.
What about those of us who still have many goods of this world? The point is not necessarily that we all must abandon our lives in this world and become mendicant monks begging for our bread. Rather, the primary thing is our disposition toward what we do have and the way we make use of it in our lives. Sirach tells us that merely doing what we are called to do is a pleasing sacrifice before the Lord.
To keep the law is a great oblation,
and he who observes the
commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
This is reminiscent of the words of the prophet Micah: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (see Micah 6:8). But we must do so with a willing spirit and a positive attitude. As Sirach writes, "pay your tithes in a spirit of joy". Paul confirms this, writing, "God loves a cheerful giver" (see Second Corinthians 9:7).
We're not living as disciples for nothing. There is a great reward waiting for us, greater than anything the world can offer. In the truest sense the reward is ultimately the one thing that can satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts: God himself.
No comments:
Post a Comment