Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

— Matthew 19:27

Often in life we are taught that we will be rewarded for certain behaviors and actions—especially if we try hard and work at something with all our heart. In our reading for today, Peter speaks for the others around him and asserts that they’ve given up everything to follow Jesus. Can they expect a reward?

In his teaching here, Jesus indicates that there is a cost in following him. When a rich young man asks how he can “get eternal life,” Jesus speaks of keeping God’s commandments, and he calls on the young man to give up his wealth to the poor and to follow him. Unable to do that, the rich young man turns away disappointed.

Jesus explains to his disciples how hard it can be for a rich person to be saved. In fact, he says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom. Gaining salvation for ourselves is impossible, but, thankfully, God has provided a way for us. If we turn to Jesus, he will save us and give us new life.

Like Peter and the other disciples, we should turn to Jesus, recognizing that all that we have has been given by God. And we should seek to honor God first by serving him and others. Though our rewards in this life may not include wealth or status, the Lord will bless us with all we need and with the assurance that we will have eternal life with him “at the renewal of all things.”

Help us, Lord, to follow where you lead, serving you and others as we await full life in your presence. Amen.