"Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" (Matthew 19:27). Peter's question was seemingly motivated by the rich young ruler's refusal to follow the directive of Jesus and Jesus' response to the refusal (verses 16-24). The question is a good one and relevant to all who would be followers of Jesus Christ. It is important to our study because of three basic things it contains: the cost of discipleship, the identity of discipleship, and the motive of discipleship.
THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
It is always wise to count the cost. To say that "the best things
in life are free" is not actually true. Certainly it is not true
in Christianity where the best things in life are to be found. The
religion of Jesus, "the true grace of God wherein ye stand" (1 Peter
5:12) is not without price. A monetary value cannot be placed upon
it because discipleship is not a commodity to be bought and sold on the
commercial markets. It is an exchange of one life for another with
sacrifice involved in the exchange.
It is important for us to understand that "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein" (Psalms 24:1). Realizing that we are "stewards" and not "owners" will help us keep the proper view of things. The cost of discipleship is simply a rendering unto God the things that are God's (Matthew 22:21).
THE IDENTITY OF DISCIPLESHIP
Just being a disciple is not enough. Many great leaders have
had disciples. One must be aware that a Christian is a disciple of
Jesus and must consciously, with purpose, follow Him. Peter said,
"we have left all and followed thee." Note the worthy example
for all to follow for it shows us the identity of a true disciple: "Again
the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon
Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two
disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus" (John 1:35-37).
THE MOTIVE OF DISCIPLESHIP
What shall we have therefore? This question of Peter's was not
presumptuous nor out of place. It was a perfectly legitimate question
relevant to the issue at hand. Peter was not bargaining with the
Lord. He was simply seeking information. The question drew
a positive answer without rebuke.
The promise of reward is often held out as a motive for becoming a Christian and of remaining one (Mark 16:15,16; Hebrews 10:34-36). Christianity is rewarding in this present life and will be even more so in the next (1 Timothy 4:8).
The answer to Peter's question will be dealt with in a future lesson. Until then, let us heed the admonition of 2 John 8, "Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward". There are two things about Christianity that all should remember: First, whatever sacrifice it may cost you, it is worth the price. Second, whatever sacrifice you may make cannot equal the sacrifice Jesus made to obtain the privilege for you!
Now, study the questions and the Bible verses in the study sheet and answer them.