“Jesus said, Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News, but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time: houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” — Mark 10:28-31
Jesus assures His followers that anyone who sacrifices family, possessions, or security for His sake and the Gospel will be rewarded abundantly. This reward is not just in the world to come but also in this present life, though it will come with challenges, including persecution. However, the Lord’s way of rewarding is different from the world’s. Those who seem important now may be humbled, while those who are overlooked or suffer for their faith will be honored in God’s Kingdom.
Following Jesus Christ may require sacrifices—losing relationships, status, or comfort—but God promises that whatever we give up for Him will be repaid in ways beyond our understanding. Our true family is found in the community of believers, and our ultimate reward is eternal life. We must also remember that the Lord’s standards are different from the world’s—those who seek power and recognition now may find themselves last in the Kingdom, while those who serve humbly will be exalted.