What Will You Sacrifice?
Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “I assure you who have followed me that, when everything is made new, when the Human One sits on his magnificent throne, you also will sit on twelve thrones overseeing the twelve tribes of Israel.”
This verse in Matthew is within the context of Jesus’ teaching when he left Galilee and went to Judea on the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds follow, including Pharisees, who ask questions regarding Jewish law. Previously in this chapter they have asked about marriage and divorce and how to gain entry into the Kingdom of God. The disciples are astonished at the parable of the rich man and Jesus’ statement that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for the rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. Peter asks “What then will be there for us?” and Jesus responds that those who have followed him will sit on thrones with him at the renewal of all things.
However, following Him isn’t just about making a statement that “I believe. . .” hanging out with a certain group of people, or being at the Temple at certain times. Jesus has told them to make sacrifices: sell possessions and give money to the poor or leave their homes and families for his sake. Jesus reiterates some of the 10 Commandments, saying, “You shall not murder, commit adultery, steal or give false testimony. You shall honor your mother and father and love your neighbor as yourself.”
The sacrifice is not about just what we give up, it is also about how we live. We are asked to live in a way that is different from what is typically viewed as acceptable or successful in the modern world and to love people who are different from us, not just those with whom we share skin tone and values and beliefs. As a teacher, I never earned a lot of money. I never expected to. What I did come to cherish was my time: time with my family, time for recreation, time for personal learning. I came to guard “my time” and sometimes make questionable decisions about how to use it. “If I skip church this morning, we can sleep in,” or “If I skip church this morning, maybe I can make a dent in that mountain of dirty laundry.” My desire for time led me to place more value on some things at the expense of other more important things, such as worship and Bible study. I needed to rearrange my priorities; the eye of the needle for me was maintaining the importance of time for worship and service in my life.
If my goal is to sit with Jesus at the renewal of all things, then my life must demonstrate that goal. I must strive to not only follow His teachings but also to make the sacrifices I am asked to make in His name.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, help us each to understand what is expected of us as your followers. Give us the strength and courage to make hard choices so that our time on Earth is pleasing to you and an example to others. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to do this. Amen.
This devotion is written and read by Pat Scruggs.
Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.
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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.
