Written by Paul J Bucknell on May, 27, 2023

Mark 10:29-30 The Rewards of Following Jesus

Jesus promises rewards for those who follow Him in Mark 10:29-30. At times, we may feel discouraged due to our sacrifices, but Jesus encourages us to look beyond and focus on the promises He has made to those who remain faithful. It is worth it, both now and in the future. To better understand Jesus' message, we should ask ourselves why He said this and why the three synoptic gospels recorded this incident (Mat 19:29; Mark 10:29-30; Lu 18:29-30). (Note that the fact that they all begin with verse 29 is incidental, not deliberate.)

Mark 10:29-30

²⁹ Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, ³⁰ but that he shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. (NASB used)

Jesus’ words

The initial words, “Jesus said,” are essential. We can gain terrific insight into all sorts of earthly and heavenly things through Jesus’ words. There were many things He said, but those that He left for His disciples, contained in God’s Word, remain as fixed pegs upon which we build our understanding of the world and our interaction. Perhaps there is no more critical time than this to speak of our hopes and endurance. After all, the world is, with much effort trying to allure us, assuming that what it offers is better than what the Lord offers. Have we succumbed to our dreams to the world’s ads (actually, all they want is your money)? Our society is broken and filled with fake smiles and paper currencies. Jesus’ words, however, daringly stick out, challenging us to take Him up on His words.

Jesus’ words are true and trustworthy. Harbor no doubts about Jesus’ words but on those things that counter what He says. Jesus says these things because what He says is contrary to what they, and maybe us, believe.

This powerful promise was recorded three times, once in each synoptic gospel. Interestingly, the passage is placed after the same incident each time. The disciples wondered if there was any reward for leaving all and following Jesus.

²³ And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” ²⁴ And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” ²⁶ And they were even more astonished and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” ²⁷ Looking upon them, Jesus said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” ²⁸ Peter began to say to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You” (Mark 10:23-27).

After seeing the rich man’s plight and the fact that they had given up all to follow Jesus, Peter says, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You.” These two questions, perhaps, summarize his and our questions that we might be too embarrassed to ask.

Is it worth it to give up one’s wealth to follow Jesus?
We didn’t have much to give up, but what we had, we gave up. What’s in it for us?

We can imagine why they asked this. The disciples had given up all to follow Jesus, and the evil one whispered to them, “You fools!” In verses 29-30, Jesus responds to them. The Lord always gives sufficient illumination to walk in victory. It might not look like we won at the moment, but if you take the long-term perspective into view, Jesus instills in us a powerful vision for the future. In line with Jesus’ words, we need to learn how to take these words and live in light of them, full of anticipation and excitement. The gospel rides on the back of the victory of Jesus Christ, and anything contrary to it must be discarded. This is what Jesus’ words effectively teach us.

Below is a chart of the three similar sections in the synoptic Gospels. Though similar, they differ. We will focus on the one from Mark, but sometimes, other passages help us verify the meaning of a less clear one.

There are three sections to these verses: 1) The Losses, 2) The Purpose, and 3) The Reward.

1) The Losses (Mark 10:29a)

In verse 29, Jesus speaks about the losses suffered by those in the kingdom. “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and the gospel’s sake.” What stands out is the cost for some to follow Jesus and spread the gospel. There are two inclusive statements in verse 29, the first very terse, while the second is long and descriptive.

“There is no one.” This is the inclusivity of those who outright follow Jesus. There is no partiality or favoritism. Everyone, regardless of income, race, gender, or educational level, can be included in this promise so that they fulfill the qualifications. This is awesome. Even though Jesus came to the Jews, the promise is open to all, including us–there is nothing in our lives, status, race, or setting to keep us from experiencing these rewards.

(2) The second inclusion is very descriptive, but it is not regarding the person, as in the first point, but on the cost of discipleship: “who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms.” A person could interpret this as only referring to particular cases. Still, its broad sweep indicates that no matter what it costs us to follow Christ, whether in believing or serving, He would greatly reward us.

“Left house”

The word ‘house’ indicates those permanent places where people live. Those mentioned in 1 Peter 1:1 had to leave their houses due to persecution. The believers in Orissa, India, during 2011-12, couldn’t return unless they recanted their faith and returned to Hinduism, much like those mentioned in 1 Peter 1:1-2. Our homes are where we place our possessions and center our lives around–people we know, where we work, etc. If owned, it means a significant loss of wealth, but it constantly insinuates that they need to go to a new unknown home, often in a faraway place, away from the persecution and family.

“Left brothers or sisters or mother or father or children”

Brothers, sisters, mothers, or fathers all point to the need to leave our family because of their new belief in Christ or service. Families are our most dearly loved ones. Here they lose being near those they love and find help, affection, and a sense of belonging, along with any inheritance. This happens quite routinely in some countries, usually, those countries having solid confidence or a majority in their religion or philosophy. Believers can even suffer outright rejection from their families. Usually, this happens only for a year or two, but it can last a lifetime. In either case, Jesus promises a reward.

“Left farms”

The last area Jesus mentions is farms, which point not so much to a place to live but to their livelihood, their income. Those in the agricultural society depend on their farms to live. Without a farm, from where would they gather their food? In big urban situations, it is hard to imagine what it is to leave your only source of food or barter, but we can liken it to losing our jobs.

Jesus identifies the costs of following Him:

House: “Where will I live?”
Family: “Who will love and care for me?”
Farms: “How will I make money to eat and live?”

Today, in various societies, we see believers losing their jobs, families, houses, and sometimes their lives, whether in Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, communist or secular societies. This is the cost of following Jesus. Because of the worldwide coverage of news and information, we can easily see where the most recent persecution against believers occurs.

Application

It is easy to be a cultural Christian, just doing things that Christians do. At least it has been. Such oppression is arising in surprising places and at astonishing speed. People are rightly wondering if these coordinated efforts to corral Christians are a mark of the latter days. It possibly could be. But more importantly, are you one of the protected plants growing up who has never considered the value of your faith and what you are willing to lose to maintain that faith?

Have you been brought up in a Christian home or culture? Do you believe it is convenient and comfortable, or have you thought hard about following Jesus? Have you committed yourself to following Jesus no matter where He leads? Thousands of believers now have to leave their homes as refugees (e.g., Syria, Iraq, and Nigeria). You only can take what you can carry and run with you. All that made your life so special is gone in a flash because you name the Name above all names–Jesus.

Let your love for comfort, ease, salary, security, life, freedom be the kind you do not hold tightly. Do not fear, for this is the time that God has given us clear opportunities to show Him how much we love Him. Yes, there will be a reward, but more than this is your ability to prove your gratefulness for what He has done on the cross.

Here are some statements that are suggested to say firmly aloud until you are convinced of them!

I love you, Jesus, more than all.
I like comfort, provision, and freedom, but they are not more important than obedience and sharing the Gospel.
I will trust you to take care of me in extreme situations.
I will not my life’s prime values from my job or steady life income but from your love for me.
I will love you to death if necessary.
I will not question your goodwill for me as you bring me through life’s difficult circumstances.
I will not make small or big compromises. God’s desire is my standard.

These kinds of statements enable us to properly work through what we believe. By the way, it is okay to tell the Lord you feel weak or oppressed. Don’t pretend to be bold when you are not. Work from your inward commitment outward. Who do you love the most? I hope it is Jesus; otherwise, you will compromise.

Some believers are concerned for persecuted Christians, but you must keep your theology lightbulb turned on as you think through these circumstances. The Book of Revelation reveals that some will die by famine, others by persecution, etc. God’s sovereignty allows for such testing but does not personally bring it on. Satan is behind all this evil. Don’t blame God for the evil but trust Him for grace for whatever comes your way.

The Synoptic Comparison - Because they left all

2) The Purpose and Intention (Mark 10:29b)

“For My sake and for the gospel’s sake.”

Mark mentions that the reason or intention of leaving one’s family or home makes a difference. Some, of course, leave only because of fights with their family. This is hardly what Jesus is referring to. Jesus mentions two reasons, though similar: Your devotion to Jesus and your commitment to spreading the gospel.

In this age, with the suicidal missions that Muslims take for Allah, we can, perhaps, better understand the purpose for which these people do these things. The Muslims, in their blind belief, do it for Allah and the promised future of riches and wives. The future hope, however, enables them to brave challenging missions.

Jesus, however, is careful to help us discern our motives. Do we faithfully serve the Lord? Are we encouraged by the rewards, or do we mainly seek the rewards? The difference is significant. Although people might misunderstand Jesus’ words, He brings them up. Let me suggest three reasons.

#1 The comfort from knowing that God is aware of what we have given up and our suffering.

The wounds that people experience can never be fully healed on earth. Revenge doesn’t do it. We cannot relive our lives. But eternal blessings combined with the perspective that God makes right from wrong go an incredibly long way. Step beyond your gripes and pain and look to how God can compensate for the losses experienced here in this life.

#2 The confidence from knowing God’s plan: God sent His Son to suffer, and His Son found enormous reward.

Doubts can plague the troubled believer. Satan attempts to shout us down into self-rejection and hopelessness, breaking apart our resolve to complete obedience. These promises are the bright glaring promises, dispersing the clouds of darkness hanging over our souls. With this knowledge and confidence, we can stand strong, endure all things, brave the most wicked foes, and live victorious lives despite the dreary drips of darkness threatening to extinguish our most basic hopes.

#3 The hope in Jesus’ promise helps us to live for the future, where we will be abundantly rewarded.

Sadness, loneliness, bad health, problems, and frustrations can mount up and strip us from our joy, but the Lord, through His promise, enables us to look beyond our past, present and future experiences in this age and see that something much greater lies ahead. We don’t need to become obedient sad sacks but exhilarant over the coming glories. We can tell those who are suffering that it is worth it. This is Jesus’ life and experience, and He will share all His joys with us. There will be no politics, pressures, rudeness, or selfishness that will steal away the joys of your reward from what you have suffered.

The promise, comfort, and confidence that these verses bring us are more important than those with worldly goals, though they are in the future, might gain.

3) The Reward (Mark 10:30)

But that he shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. (Mark 10:30)

This third section is broken down into promises for now and for the later age.

Receive more - never think it will be less.

The equation goes something like this, what we lose now will be 100 times over-rewarded, both now and in eternity. It is the easy way to gain what we otherwise could not—the supreme investment. The time element can be short. For example, you are fined for being a believer and lose your house because you cannot afford it. Under Moslem rule, this is the fine that Christians have to pay for so-called protection from being killed.

All these losses are not what people choose, except in their element of choosing to be faithful. This is not a matter of volunteering. Many go to the mission field so they can spread the gospel. Many can’t afford a house but focus on living overseas. Their families are far away. There are many such losses, but they will all be wonderfully rewarded.

Houses and families

Jesus strengthens our faith so that whatever we lose, we will gain much more significance later. The Matthew account is briefer and does not explicitly mention this ‘now’ aspect of the reward as Mark and Luke. This new aspect of blessing is a most interesting perspective. Jesus is not just saying that it might happen but that it will happen. God, then, promises to oversee our situations on earth, especially when we go through difficult times to find those present rewards.

Jesus enumerates two things given up: houses and family. When we give up our house, we find that others open their houses to us. The love of God is manifested when refugees are fleeing and find a new home, though temporary, in someone else’s home. In many cases, what they end up sharing is a better home than they ever had. As missionaries, we have regularly seen the saints’ devotion to their hospitality. They always want to give you the best. They will make secret sacrifices to feed us the best.

Jesus also mentions a big family: brothers and sisters and mothers and children. This, of course, refers to the Christian community that accepts us more than our own families. How often has a family given up their best bed for the missionaries? The friendship and willingness to do anything that is needed are quite stirring. In my own experience, I do not doubt God’s special understanding of how He cares for those serving Him.

Farms

Christians are willing to go out of their way to care for the needs of the refugee or Christian worker. When income is a problem, they help resolve it by offering jobs and money when needed. The point is that we do not need to worry about income (Mat 6:33). Many wives work for supplemental income. My wife and I have decided that she will remain at home (but free to serve in the church). And so, the Lord has graciously cared for us and our 8 children over these many years. In the beginning, one could say it is accidental, but we have seen the unique ways God has provided. He takes care of us now as we trust Him in the various aspects of life. My wife cannot explain how God provides, except we know He has. Each instance becomes a miracle to us, whether it is college fees, health needs, or ministry costs. God is faithful. Let me provide an example.

Although we have had very little money for a vacation, we have been able to visit my father each year while living so that our children could experience the beautiful Florida oceans. God closely supervises our situation so that He confidently states that He will awesomely care for us now and in eternity, even if we have such things taken away from us. Throughout my life, with 40+ years of full-time service, I can testify that God has always taken care of us. I sometimes tell people that God uses our lives with eight children and faith ministry to demonstrate how He can provide for us in the modern context of a big city. He does not only do these miraculous things in the ancient past but now. The Lord asked me to give up a secure salary to serve Him otherwise. He does take care of us–and I could go on for an hour or more telling you instances of how He has personally done this–but the point is, it is true for all of us. If He asks something from you, give it up. Follow Him. Don’t hold back. Refuse to compromise your values. You and I only have this life.

Troubles - be honest

Jesus is not just saying that once we have experienced trouble, all will be well. It is interesting how Jesus mentions persecutions as another ‘fringe’ benefit of serving the Lord and the Gospel. We might be attacked; people will falsely accuse and threaten us. Instead of being shocked, Jesus is saying that we should expect it as part of the course, but He oversees it, and we can trust Him through these times.

Eternity (Mark 10:30b)

“And in the age to come, eternal life.”

Finally, Jesus mentions the promises of the eternal age, including eternal life—no more tears, pain, separation, and war. The clearest smash to liberal Christianity was the two world wars. People could see how we were not living in an idealistic world where man constantly improved. Our world is going down, down, down, not up and up. If God grants us a revival, mankind will get better, but that is because the truth is being preached and obeyed. This is far different from our world today. Knowledge is not a cure-all. Though not stated here, Jesus means to give all His people new bodies with which to function and live for all eternity.

God has eternity to not only balance the ledger sheet, so to speak, on what He promises us. Remember the hundredfold; the Lord goes far beyond what we deserve–all grace. But again, we are concerned about now, so Jesus says now, He does take care of us here. For all eternity, He promises to reward us abundantly.

What is Jesus doing? He is clearly saying that it is worth following Him. The cost is incomparable to what one gain, though the costs be severe (for the reward will yet be more significant!). Can you agree with Him? If God grants, and it seems we all will be given this opportunity soon, will you not take this opportunity to follow Jesus? This was the way of our Master. He lived in the hope of what would be. He persisted and was persecuted. Was God in control? Yes. Did God love His Son? Of course. Might He call His other sons and daughter to suffer? Yes. And more about this verse, will you allow Jesus to promise to accompany you through these dangers?

There is an eternal age; what we do now shapes what reward we face in eternity (cf. Daniel 12:2-4). Don’t think you will lose out. Oh, no! We have Jesus’ word for it. When Jesus suffered, He gained all. Jesus lived by hope in God’s promises, and so should we. Don’t put your heart on the things of the world lest you gain distorted perspectives so that you live for now rather than for eternity.

Jesus is pledging these things because He knows how vital promises are to protect His children from Satan’s lies. Here are some values I want you to practice until you can unabashedly state them. I believe He wants us to be stronger believers with a clear witness of the Gospel so that He can wonderfully reward us.

Summary

I love Jesus more than all.
I will love You even if I suffer loss.
Those things on earth are temporary.
I will love you to death as necessary.
My real home is with You in eternity.

I have resolved this by privately and openly stating that I will follow Jesus at all costs. Why? Because of the joy in following Christ, the love that fills my heart, the greatness of being part of His great redemption plan, the exceeding delight in being loved, and such kindness that I never would or could discover elsewhere. The answer is easy to me.

The disciples said, “Where else would we go?” By openly working through this decision early on, the fear that creeps into our lives can effectively be dealt with. Otherwise, fears and lusts steal away our convictions by having us make small compromises until we find ourselves wholly compromised and manipulated by others, rather than being led by Jesus’ command.