Jesus doesn't just acknowledge their loyalty; he highlights that they "remained through" His trials. This implies they didn't just passively stick around, but actively endured the struggles and pressures alongside Him, distinguishing them from those who faltered.
“You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just rebuked the disciples for their arrogant ambition about who would be greatest, and is now speaking of the betrayal that is about to happen. In this moment, he tenderly acknowledges their faithfulness, recognizing that they have remained steadfast with him through the various trials and opposition he faced during his ministry. This recognition of their loyalty highlights their contrast with Judas and foreshadows the greater ministry they will have after his earthly life.
It's easy to feel unseen, especially when things get tough. But Jesus notices.
Right before the disciples would falter and flee, Jesus reminds them of their steadfastness. He doesn't just see their future failures, but their past faithfulness. The word 'continued' (or 'remained through') speaks of a deep, abiding loyalty that persevered through difficult times and pressures. These weren't just minor inconveniences; 'temptations' here refers to the intense trials, humiliations, and assaults Jesus faced from Satan and a hostile world. Jesus is saying, 'You didn't jump ship when things got hard. You stayed with me.' This recognition from Jesus is a powerful affirmation of every act of loyalty and self-denial we offer Him.
Jesus wasn't just exempt from trials; His whole life was marked by them. And ours will be too.
The 'temptations' Jesus refers to aren't just His initial struggle in the wilderness. His entire earthly ministry was a constant battle against opposition, false accusations, and the relentless pressure from spiritual forces and human rulers. He entered into glory through these intense trials. The disciples, by staying with Him, shared in these difficult seasons. This verse reminds us that following Jesus means walking a path that often involves hardship and opposition, mirroring His own experience. We, too, will face trials where our faith is tested.
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Jesus' words aren't just an observation; they're a promise of future blessing.
Immediately following this commendation of their faithfulness, Jesus pivots to a promise: 'you who have stayed with me in my trials, I confer on you a kingdom.' (v. 29). This isn't a reward earned by their loyalty, but a kingdom conferred upon them by His grace. Their faithfulness is recognized and affirmed, leading to an even greater bestowal of blessing. It's a beautiful picture of how God not only sees our endurance but actively rewards it, not out of obligation, but out of His generous love and His plan to elevate us alongside Christ.
Understand the original words
diamenō · Greek Verb
To remain, abide, or continue in a state or relationship; implies steadfastness and loyalty despite adversity.
peirasmos · Greek Noun
Challenges, temptations, or hardships faced; in a biblical context, these test the endurance and faithfulness of the believer.
diatithēmi · Greek Verb
To bestow, covenant, or confer authority or a portion; it signifies the active transfer of responsibility and honor from God to humans or Christ to his followers.
basileia · Greek Noun
The sovereign reign and rule of God, inaugurated by Jesus and fulfilled in eternity, representing the realm where God’s will is perfectly done.
thronos · Greek Noun
A seat of authority used for ruling and administration; used metaphorically for the authority delegated to the saints to participate in Christ's future reign.
krinō · Greek Verb (Participle)
The act of exercising judicial authority, rendering decisions, or administering justice; refers to the eschatological role of the faithful in Christ's kingdom.
Jesus' words in Luke 22:28 acknowledge the unwavering loyalty of his disciples through the intense opposition and testing he faced during his ministry, setting the stage for their future roles in his kingdom.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
During Jesus' public ministry, he faced constant opposition, ridicule, and attempts on his life from religious and political leaders. Many disciples followed him through these turbulent times.
c. AD 30
Many Disciples Fall Away
After a challenging teaching by Jesus, many of his followers found it too difficult and abandoned him. This event highlighted the true commitment of the inner circle.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Last Supper
Jesus shared his final Passover meal with his disciples, a sacred and solemn occasion filled with deep teachings and the institution of communion.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane
Jesus endured intense spiritual suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane as he faced the coming crucifixion, a profound trial he faced in solitude.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested, and subjected to unjust trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin and Roman authorities.
c. AD 30
The Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus was crucified and then resurrected on the third day, the ultimate triumph over sin and death.
This passage echoes the theme of the world's opposition to Jesus and, by extension, to His followers, highlighting the 'trials' Jesus endured and that His disciples would face. It underscores the idea that faithfulness to Christ means being set apart from and opposed by the world.
1 Peter 4:12This verse directly addresses believers facing fiery trials, encouraging them not to be surprised but to rejoice as they share in Christ's sufferings. It connects directly to Jesus' acknowledgment of His disciples sharing in His 'temptations' or trials.
Philippians 1:29Paul reminds the Philippians that it has been granted to them not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for His sake. This reflects the concept of enduring hardships alongside Christ, mirroring the disciples' commitment.
Hebrews 4:15This passage emphasizes that Jesus, as our High Priest, can sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in every way, just as we are, though He did not sin. It provides a foundational understanding of Jesus' own experience of 'temptations' or trials.
pulpitLuke 22:28: "Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations."
Verse 28. - Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. But after the gentle rebuke of their jealous ambition, which rebuke was veiled in the great instruction, their Master, with the tenderest grace, referred to their unswerving loyalty to him. Their faithfulness stood out at that hour in strong contrast with the conduct of Judas. It is always thus with their Master and ours. Every good deed, every noble…
barnesLuke 22:28: "Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations."
My temptations - My trials, my humiliations, and my assaults from the power of Satan and a wicked world.
Jesus doesn't just acknowledge their loyalty; he highlights that they "remained through" His trials. This implies they didn't just passively stick around, but actively endured the struggles and pressures alongside Him, distinguishing them from those who faltered.
Jesus has just rebuked the disciples for their arrogant ambition about who would be greatest, and is now speaking of the betrayal that is about to happen. In this moment, he tenderly acknowledges their faithfulness, recognizing that they have remained steadfast with him through the various trials and opposition he faced during his ministry. This recognition of their loyalty highlights their contrast with Judas and foreshadows the greater ministry they will have after his earthly life.
Jesus has just rebuked the disciples for their arrogant ambition about who would be greatest, and is now speaking of the betrayal that is about to happen. In this moment, he tenderly acknowledges their faithfulness, recognizing that they have remained steadfast with him through the various trials and opposition he faced during his ministry. This recognition of their loyalty highlights their contrast with Judas and foreshadows the greater ministry they will have after his earthly life.
"“You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." — Jesus doesn't just acknowledge their loyalty; he highlights that they "remained through" His trials. This implies they didn't just passively stick around, but actively endured the struggles and pre…
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Last reviewed October 2026
