How can we apply the principle of sacrifice in Matthew 19:27 today? Setting the Scene Matthew 19:27 — “Then Peter replied, ‘See, we have left everything and followed You. What then will there be for us?’” Peter speaks for every disciple who has literally walked away from home, business, and security to follow Jesus. Christ’s answer (vv. 28-30) affirms that such sacrifice is never wasted; God notices and rewards it. That truth still stands today. What the Verse Teaches About Sacrifice • Sacrifice is tangible: “left everything” means real possessions, plans, and comforts were surrendered. • Sacrifice is Christ-centered: the point is “to follow You,” not self-denial for its own sake. • Sacrifice is rewarded: Jesus promises “a hundredfold” (v. 29) and “eternal life.” Biblical Foundations That Reinforce the Principle • Luke 9:23 — “If anyone desires to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” • Romans 12:1 — “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • Philippians 3:7-8 — Paul counts “all things as loss” for the surpassing value of knowing Christ. • 2 Samuel 24:24 — David refuses to offer “burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing.” Motives Matter • Love, not legalism — 1 Corinthians 13:3 warns that giving up everything “but not having love” profits nothing. • Hope, not greed — Rewards are sure, yet Hebrews 11:6 reminds us we “must believe that He exists and that He rewards,” trusting His timing. • Trust, not fear — Matthew 6:33 calls us to “seek first the kingdom,” confident He will supply needs. Practical Ways to Live Out Sacrifice Today Time • Schedule daily, unhurried time with the Lord, even if it costs sleep or leisure. • Block regular hours for congregational worship and service, resisting competing commitments. Possessions & Finances • Tithe and give offerings first, not after expenses (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Hold assets loosely: see homes, cars, and gadgets as tools for ministry, lending them when needed (Acts 4:34-35). Career & Ambition • Choose integrity over promotion when the two collide (Colossians 3:23-24). • Be willing to relocate, change roles, or forgo income if gospel opportunity calls. Comfort & Reputation • Identify with Christ publicly, even when it risks social standing (Matthew 10:32-33). • Embrace inconveniences—late-night visits, humble tasks, cross-cultural friendships—for His name. Relationships • Place Christ above family expectations, yet love family sacrificially (Luke 14:26; Ephesians 5:25). • Forgive costly offenses, mirroring His sacrifice (Ephesians 4:32). Personal Desires • Submit sexual ethics, entertainment choices, and life plans to Scripture (1 Peter 1:14-16). • Fast periodically, letting physical hunger deepen spiritual hunger (Matthew 6:16-18). Blessings Linked to Sacrifice • Present joy — Mark 10:30 promises blessings “in this age,” often through deeper fellowship, purpose, and spiritual fruit. • Eternal reward — 2 Corinthians 5:10 assures each believer will “receive his due” for things done in the body. • Christ Himself — The greatest reward is closer intimacy with the Savior (John 14:21). Staying the Course • Recall God’s faithfulness: journal answered prayers and provisions. • Surround yourself with believers who model sacrificial living (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Fix your eyes on “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith,” who “for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). Sacrifice, then, is not a one-time heroic gesture but a daily lifestyle of placing everything at His feet, confident that whatever is surrendered to Jesus is never truly lost. |
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