Note: On Tuesdays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.
Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” (Matthew 19:27, NRSVCE)
If ever there was a Bible verse made for reading out loud, emphasizing a different word each time, it is Matthew 19:27, in particular Peter’s words.
“We have left everything and followed you…” and that makes us special, not like all those people You talk about theoretically.
“We have left everything and followed you…” well, except for maybe our particular conceits and biases and fears and judgey-ness of our companions.
“We have left everything and followed you…” more or less, anyway. Some of Your teachings are hard, and our following is kind of half-hearted or reluctant.
“What then will we have?” Because that’s what it comes down to, right? Jesus has just said that it’s impossible for people to be saved on their own. What’s in it for us?
Jesus doesn’t offer confusing words. Those who give up everything and follow will inherit eternal life.
So, that’s what’s in it for us—if we say yes.
