Just as Jesus The Christ must suffer, die, and resurrect, so too will the faithful disciple experience the same. All true disciples of Jesus are described as fellow Men of Sorrows who taste death, both of themselves, their self-serving passions, and literal death of the body. But the promise from our LORD is that none of this suffering and death will go unnoticed. It is God's promise through HIS Son, that all who taste death for the sake of Jesus Christ will see an eternal reward that outshines any lost earthly/worldly treasure. The encouragement is that the true disciple will be encouraged in this reality ... this promise. And who better to keep his promises than our LORD. God is a covenant keeper. So we are covenant people.

The genuine disciple of Jesus may seem to lose much but the truth is that the true disciple gains more. This is Jesus' promise and comfort. We do not deny ourselves with the intent of earning an eternal promise. Instead the true disciple denies himself for no reward at all ... denial of self, death of self, is for the sake of Jesus Christ. The point is not OUR reward. The point is THE LORD, Christ Jesus. If Jesus is glorified through HIS suffering and death, then he pours out HIS glory upon those who empty themselves for HIM.