New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 19:27

The Cost of Following

“Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?” Matthew 19:27 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 19:27, in plain English

Peter speaks up: 'We've left everything to follow You. What will we get for that?'

Why it's here

It's an honest question. They gave up homes, jobs, and families. Peter wants to know it was worth it.

Who's speaking

Peter asks the question any of us would ask after making a huge sacrifice.

Where it sits in the story

After seeing the rich man leave, Peter looks at what he's given up and wonders what it's all for.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Peter notes that the disciples have left everything (aphēkamen panta) to follow Jesus and asks what their reward will be — a natural question after the rich man's failure.

Language and setting

Peter's question reflects a legitimate concern about the cost-benefit of radical discipleship, which Jesus will answer positively.

Voice

Peter speaks for the Twelve, asking about the reward for their total commitment.

Significance

Peter, watching the rich man walk away, turns the mirror on himself: we gave up everything — what do we get?

In context

Matthew 19:25–29

25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

26Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

27“Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?”

28Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.

Read all of Matthew 19 — A rich young man walks away sad, children are welcomed, and the disciples wonder who can possibly be saved. Jesus redefines what it costs to follow him.

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