Matthew 19:29—“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”
These words of our Lord remind us that true discipleship carries a cost. Following Christ often requires sacrifices. A true disciple must endure misunderstood relationships, surrender familiar comforts, and set aside earthly possessions and securities. Yet Jesus does not speak to discourage us, but to strengthen us. He assures His followers that no sacrifice made for His name is ever overlooked, forgotten, or wasted.
Christ is not commanding us to despise family or land, but to value Him supremely above all earthly ties. When loyalty to Christ brings loss, He Himself becomes our reward. Believers may lose much in this world, yet Christ promises they will gain far more in Him. As He says, they “shall receive an hundredfold.” This hundredfold is not worldly riches but the rich fellowship of God’s people, the spiritual blessings of His kingdom, and the deep joy of belonging to Christ.
The promise rises even higher: “and shall inherit everlasting life.” Earthly sacrifices last only for a moment, but heavenly rewards endure forever. Whatever believers give up for Christ is returned with immeasurable gain in the life to come. In Him, every loss becomes gain, every sacrifice becomes joy, and every step of faith and obedience leads toward the bliss of everlasting life.
