Matthew 19:27
Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Peter's question, "What then will we have?" isn't just about a future reward, but a direct comparison to the rich young man who just walked away; he's asking, "Since we did the opposite of that guy, what's our specific takeaway here?" It highlights a deeply human, even understandable, desire for assurance and recognition when we make significant sacrifices for our faith.
Right after Jesus tells a rich young ruler to sell everything and follow Him, Peter, speaking for the disciples, highlights their own sacrifices. He points out that they have indeed abandoned their livelihoods and families to follow Jesus, and now he's asking what that faithfulness will earn them. This question arises in the context of Jesus discussing the difficulty the wealthy have in entering the kingdom and the rewards for those who give things up for His sake.
Peter looked at what he and the other disciples had given up for Jesus. It wasn't much by worldly standards, but it was everything to them. What does it mean to truly 'forsake all'?
Peter's declaration, 'we have left everything,' might seem like a humble boast. The commentators point out that the disciples' possessions were likely modest – fishing nets, boats, maybe a small home. Yet, for these working men, these were their livelihoods, their security, their entire world.
It’s About Sacrifice, Not Scale
After making a radical commitment, it's natural to wonder: 'What's next?' Peter’s question isn't just about personal gain; it's a deep inquiry into the reality of God’s kingdom.
Peter’s question, 'What then will we have?' (or 'What reward shall we get?'), reveals a mind grappling with the implications of following Jesus.
Beyond Earthly Gain
Peter's question reflects the disciples' immediate, earthly perspective on discipleship, contrasting with Jesus' focus on future spiritual realities and heavenly rewards.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, gathering disciples and teaching about the Kingdom of God. This period is marked by miracles and calls to radical discipleship.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
The Rich Young Ruler Encounters Jesus
A wealthy young man asks Jesus how to gain eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all he has, give to the poor, and follow him, but the man goes away sorrowful, unwilling to give up his riches.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Teaches on Sacrifice and Reward
Following the encounter with the rich young ruler, Jesus teaches his disciples about the difficulty of the wealthy entering the Kingdom of God and the rewards for those who have sacrificed everything to follow him.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Appoints the Twelve Apostles
Jesus formally designates twelve of his followers as apostles, promising them future authority and a special role in his kingdom.
This passage records Peter asking a very similar question, highlighting the disciples' desire for understanding and reassurance about their sacrifices for Jesus.
Luke 18:28Luke's version emphasizes that they 'left their own home' and followed Jesus, underscoring the reality and totality of their abandonment of worldly possessions and security.
1 Corinthians 9:23Paul discusses enduring hardship for the sake of the gospel and mentions his motivation to 'get a share in the things announced,' echoing the disciples' desire for reward.
Philippians 3:8Paul counts all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, showing a transformed perspective on 'forsaking all' that moves beyond a transactional mindset.
Matthew 6:33Jesus' teaching to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness' provides the underlying principle for why God will provide for those who prioritize Him above all else.
vincentMatthew 19:27: "Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?"
WeEmphatic, in contrast with the young ruler.
calvinMatthew 19:27-30: "Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?"
- Then Peter answering said to him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? 28. And Jesus said to them, Verily I say to you, That you who have followed me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his majesty, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29. And whos…
Peter's question, "What then will we have?" isn't just about a future reward, but a direct comparison to the rich young man who just walked away; he's asking, "Since we did the opposite of that guy, what's our specific takeaway here?" It highlights a deeply human, even understandable, desire for assurance and recognition when we make significant sacrifices for our faith.
Right after Jesus tells a rich young ruler to sell everything and follow Him, Peter, speaking for the disciples, highlights their own sacrifices. He points out that they have indeed abandoned their livelihoods and families to follow Jesus, and now he's asking what that faithfulness will earn them. This question arises in the context of Jesus discussing the difficulty the wealthy have in entering the kingdom and the rewards for those who give things up for His sake.
Right after Jesus tells a rich young ruler to sell everything and follow Him, Peter, speaking for the disciples, highlights their own sacrifices. He points out that they have indeed abandoned their livelihoods and families to follow Jesus, and now he's asking what that faithfulness will earn them. This question arises in the context of Jesus discussing the difficulty the wealthy have in entering the kingdom and the rewards for those who give things up for His sake.
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"Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”" — Peter's question, "What then will we have?" isn't just about a future reward, but a direct comparison to the rich young man who just walked away; he's asking, "Since we did the opposite of that guy,…
