23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. 27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 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 a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Matthew 19:23-30 KJV)
Teaching about giving up things
Christ used the occasion of the rich man turning away from Him (Matthew 19:22) to teach His disciples how difficult it is for the rich to be saved (Matthew 19:23-26). He said, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:23). This was especially addressed to His disciples, who had little in the world, to help them see that fewer worldly possessions meant fewer obstacles to eternal life. The statement is repeated for emphasis: “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Mt 19:24). This proverbial expression highlights a difficulty beyond human ability—only God’s grace can overcome it.
The rich face greater expectations and more subtle temptations. Wealth entangles, flatters, and tempts one to settle for this world as their portion. Rich people are accountable for how they use their wealth, influence, and time, which adds to their spiritual burden. It’s rare for someone to be rich and not become attached to wealth, and love for riches excludes the love of God (1 John 2:15; James 4:4). Riches are a burden, as described in Habakkuk 2:6, where people “load themselves with thick clay.” A rich man is likened to a camel, weighed down with wealth that is not his forever. He receives it from others, uses it for others, and must leave it behind.
The disciples were astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25). They were not contradicting Jesus but reflecting on the great difficulty of salvation. Considering how many desire riches or are affected by them, it seemed almost hopeless. But Jesus answered, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Mt 19:26). Salvation is beyond human power—no one can change the heart, bend the will, or turn the soul by natural means. It is a work of divine power alone (Genesis 18:14; Numbers 11:23). Faith is created and preserved by that power (Ephesians 1:19; 1 Peter 1:5). Job, reflecting on God’s sovereign grace, said, “I know that you can do all things” (Job 42:2).
This applies especially to the salvation of rich people. They are not saved in their worldliness but from it. Even amid wealth’s temptations, God’s grace is sufficient. If they are saved, they become living monuments to God’s power. Perhaps Jesus implied that there was still hope for the rich young man who had walked away sorrowfully (Matthew 19:22).
Peter then asked, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” (Matthew 19:27). Peter and the others had given up their former lives—not necessarily sold everything, but they had left all behind to serve Christ. Their sacrifices weren’t grand—some gave up boats and nets, others, tax booths—but they had made Christ their priority. Though people often exaggerate their sacrifices, Christ didn’t rebuke them. He accepted their offerings as precious, just like the widow’s two mites.
Peter’s question, “What then will there be for us?” was not inappropriate. Christ Himself looked to the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2), and Moses looked forward to his reward (Hebrews 11:26). True followers may ask what they can expect—not as a claim of merit, but in the hope of the promised reward. The disciples had followed Christ faithfully without visible compensation, and now, having contrasted themselves with the rich young man, they looked ahead.
Jesus answered with promises. First, to His immediate followers: “At 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” (Matthew 19:28). During Christ’s ministry, there was a renewal or reformation (Hebrews 9:10). The disciples followed Him in these early stages when their role involved labor, not dignity. Their honor will be fully realized when Christ returns in glory. The delay teaches them to wait in faith and hope and assures them they will share in Christ’s honor (John 12:26; Colossians 3:4).
This promise likely has multiple meanings. After Christ’s ascension, they preached with authority and governed the spiritual Israel (Galatians 6:16). Their teachings judged those who rejected Christ. They also had a role in the destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:31) and may play a part in the future conversion of the Jews, ruling them by the gospel. Most importantly, in the final judgment, the apostles will be honored as assessors with Christ. Their sitting on thrones denotes dignity and rest. They will not condemn—Christ alone does that—but their faithful testimony will contribute to the judgment of those who rejected the gospel.
Jesus also extended His promise to all believers who sacrifice for His sake: “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29; Mark 10:30). Whatever is given up out of love for Christ will be repaid many times over—both in spiritual blessings now and eternal life to come. If we lose relationships, we gain deeper fellowship in the body of Christ. If we lose possessions, we gain treasure in heaven. Every disciple who surrenders anything out of genuine devotion to Christ is included in this promise.
However, this promise has conditions. The sacrifice must be made for Christ’s name’s sake—not for personal gain, applause, or self-interest. It must be coupled with obedience and perseverance. It is not the mere act of losing something that is rewarded, but the willingness to lose it for Christ.
Finally, Jesus concluded with a caution: “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:30). This warns against pride or presumption. Some who seem foremost now may fall behind, while those who seem insignificant may be honored. God’s judgment often overturns human expectations. Those who exalt themselves may be humbled, and the humble exalted.