The Gospel and the Kingdom - Matthew - The Rewards of Being a True Disciple

 

TEXT: Matthew 16:27-28 – ²⁷ For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. ²⁸ Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

We are finishing up our study in Chapter 16 today. In this chapter, we saw that Jesus refuses to give the Pharisees a sign to prove His divine identity. Also, we saw Him warn His disciples to beware of the Pharisee's false teachings. And ending our study with Peter correctly identifying who Jesus is. As we continue, today we pondered over Jesus Reminder, Revelation, Rebukes, and the Requirements. Let’s end on a high note of the REWARDS for being a true disciple.

He starts with the general rewards of all of Jesus’ disciples (vs.27).

This will occur at His Second Coming. We read from the Apostle Paul in 2 Cor. 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” This judgment is not about Salvation, but rewards for our service. Every disciple or follower of Christ will go through this.

It is often called The Bema Seat. Paul describes this for us in 1 Cor. 3:12-15 –

“If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.”

Jesus does make a reference to a specific reward that will go to three of Jesus' disciples (vs.28) – Peter, James, and John will soon be allowed to witness the transfiguration of Christ (next chapter).

So, how do we apply this account to ourselves today? 

We need to stop and look truthfully at ourselves. How do we measure up to the requirements of a true disciple? Do we daily:

• Deny ourselves?
• Take up our cross?
• Follow Him?

 

Yes, I asked these same questions yesterday, but that is because they are vital questions that we must truthfully answer. Not just a casual glance. Not just a nod in their direction. But do we daily seek to be a true follower of Jesus Christ? And if we do, there are rewards in the life to come.