On hearing this, the disciples were astonished and said, “Who, then, can be saved?” Jesus looked
at them and answered, “For human beings it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”
Then Peter spoke up and said, “You see, we have given up everything to follow you. What, then,
will there be for us?”
Jesus answered, “You, who have followed me, listen to my words: on the Day of Renewal, when
the Son of Man sits on his throne in glory, you, also, will sit, on twelve thrones, to judge the twelve
tribes of Israel. As for those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or
property for my Name’s sake, they will receive a hundredfold, and be given eternal life. Many who
are now first, will be last, and many who are now last, will be first.
Reflection:
“What, then, will there be for us?” Peter personifies typical human mindset. We are inclined to invest only
in those ventures that bring some significant return, even in spiritual realm. How many people seek after
God only to use him as an ATM in manifold ways! Of course, God provides for our physical, psychological,
and spiritual needs. Thus, Jesus answered Peter’s question understandingly and positively and did
promise them great returns. However, no sooner had Jesus promised them judges’ seats with him in the
Kingdom, than the sons of thunder got their mother to ask Jesus for privileged seating in the Kingdom
(cf. Mt20:20-21)! Yet, as their following of Jesus got closer and more intimate, they changed. Their
self-interests fell away and they would even lose their lives for him. Like Paul, they would come
to count everything as loss and rubbish just for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and be
with him (cf. Phil 3:8-9).
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