What is the meaning of Matthew 19:28? Jesus said to them • Matthew 19 records a private moment after the rich young ruler walked away. Peter had asked, “See, we have left everything and followed You. What then will there be for us?” (v. 27). • Jesus answers directly to His disciples—men who had already surrendered livelihoods and reputations (cf. Mark 10:28; Luke 18:28). Truly I tell you • This is Jesus’ solemn guarantee. Each “truly” (Matthew 24:35; John 14:6) underscores the absolute reliability of His words. • We can take the promise at face value because “it is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18). In the renewal of all things • The phrase points to a literal future moment when creation is restored (Acts 3:21, “the time of restoring all things”; Revelation 21:5, “Behold, I make all things new”). • Romans 8:19-22 pictures creation “groaning” until this renewal; 2 Peter 3:13 promises “new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” • The disciples—and we—look forward to a real, transformed world, not merely a spiritual idea. When the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne • “Son of Man” echoes Daniel 7:13-14, where the Messiah receives dominion and an everlasting kingdom. • Jesus will visibly return and rule (Matthew 25:31, “He will sit on His glorious throne”; Revelation 20:4). • Philippians 2:9-11 assures that every knee will bow to Him. You who have followed Me • The promise is directed to those who left nets, tax booths, and family ties to follow Christ (Matthew 4:19-22; 9:9). • Following is ongoing loyalty (John 12:26, “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me”). • The Lord honors sacrificial discipleship (Luke 22:28, “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials”). Will also sit on twelve thrones • Literal thrones signify real authority granted to the apostles (Luke 22:30). • This foreshadows the broader truth that “the saints will judge the world” (1 Corinthians 6:2). • Revelation 4:4 pictures elders surrounding God’s throne, hinting at shared rulership in the coming kingdom. Judging the twelve tribes of Israel • Israel will be regathered and restored (Ezekiel 37:24-25; Isaiah 11:12). • The apostles will exercise administrative judgment—governing, deciding matters, and mediating justice (Psalm 122:5, “thrones for judgment were set”). • God’s covenant faithfulness ensures “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26); the apostles’ roles are part of that future order. summary Matthew 19:28 pledges a literal, future kingdom in which Jesus reigns from a glorious throne and His faithful apostles share real authority over restored Israel. The verse assures believers that sacrificial discipleship will be rewarded tangibly when creation itself is renewed and Christ’s righteous rule fills the earth. |
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