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Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and
followed you.” Mark 10:28
Peter had just witnessed Jesus’ conversation with the rich young
man, to whom Jesus said, “Go, sell what you have, and give to the
poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me”
(Mark 10:21). After the young man went away sad because he had many
possessions, Jesus turned to the disciples and lovingly explained
the radical demands of the Gospel: “It is easier for a camel to
pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter
the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:25). This statement was astonishing to
the disciples, and Peter’s response reveals a common tendency for
us all: He began to think about himself.
The Gospel can be embraced in two ways. First, with a more
intellectual approach, we can study, understand, and explain Jesus’
teaching. This is important, especially for preachers and teachers.
The second way is more challenging: We must hear the Gospel,
believe it, and, with the help of grace, live it. When engaging the
Gospel in this second way, we often do exactly what Peter did: We
think about ourselves and whether or not we live up to it.
Both approaches are necessary. Understanding the Gospel
intellectually is a crucial starting point. Too often, we water it
down to an exhortation to be kind to others, say some daily
prayers, go to church, and avoid serious sin. Those who intensely
study the Word of God, however, will discover so much more. Jesus’
many teachings, when clearly understood, will challenge even the
greatest saint to greater holiness. Even those who “have given up
everything” to follow Jesus will be challenged as they are
confronted with the depth of our Lord’s Word.
Once we understand the radical demands of the Gospel, we must do
what Peter did: We must apply it to our particular situation. This
introspection is good and necessary and is a sign that the Gospel
is sinking in. Like Peter, we might at first justify ourselves,
saying, “I have given up everything to follow You, Lord.” But we
must then look deeper, more honestly at ourselves, and evaluate our
lives in the clearest way possible.
Jesus’ response to Peter is the response He makes to us as we go
through this self-evaluation, even if it tends to be more of a
self-justification. Jesus gently explains that those who radically
follow Him without reserve, giving up “everything” to follow Him,
will receive two blessings.
First, they will receive “a hundred times more now in this present
age.” This is not a promise of riches, material prosperity, good
health, or freedom from suffering, which Jesus emphasizes by His
follow-up statement: “with persecutions.” However, it does mean
that the spiritual blessings we will receive in this life, if we
radically give up everything to follow Him, are far greater than
anything this life can offer and will flood our souls with peace
and satisfaction, even in the midst of persecutions and every form
of hardship.
Second, Jesus also promises “eternal life in the age to come.” This
promise, though desirable, can at times feel abstract. It is
sometimes difficult to get excited about the promise of eternal
life while we are still immersed in the concerns of this life. Of
course, we will not think that way once our life on earth is
complete. On that day, the promise will become very real and remain
so for eternity.
Reflect today on Jesus making these two promises to you. Do you
believe that giving up “everything” and following Jesus will
produce “a hundred times” more than what you give up? What
attachments does our Lord ask you to relinquish? Believe what Jesus
says. The life of holiness, as modeled by the saints, makes great
demands upon us. If we believe this and live it, then the second
promise will become our hope and eternal delight. This life is
short. Turn your eyes to eternal life in the age to come, strive
for that gift, and both promises will become a reality in your
life.
Most generous Lord, the spiritual blessings You promise to those
who give up everything to follow You far surpass anything this life
can offer. Grant me the grace to understand this truth, believe it
fully, and live it wholeheartedly. May I journey through this life
with my eyes fixed on eternity, anticipating the great rewards You
have prepared for those who follow You without reserve. Jesus, I
trust in You.
Image: Stained Glass - Jesus and Saint Peter
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