Jesus now speaks emphatically. The Greek word Amen,
which he uses here, emphasizes that what he now assures his disciples will surely come to pass. Because they have left their homes, wives, brothers and sisters, parents, and children for the sake of the kingdom (in Mark 10:29, for my sake and for the gospel
and in Matthew 19:29, for my name's sake
), they will certainly receive a reward, even a multiple reward (a hundredfold
in Mark 10:30) here on earth. This includes their interaction with brothers and sisters within Christ's church. Certainly, experiencing God's grace already here and now is also worthy of consideration.
Yet, there is much more! Those who heed Jesus' call in their earthly lives will get to share in eternal life, a life that will never be ruined and where we may enjoy God's presence forever (read Revelation 21:1–4!) The apostle Paul longed for this very much, as is evident from what he once wrote in a letter to the Philippians, My desire is ... to be with Christ, for that is far better
(Philippians 1:23). How wonderful it is that we receive these wonderful promises from our Saviour Jesus. Let this reassure and encourage us to respond in faith to his call: Come, follow me!
29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothersor parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,