Matthew 19:29

English NET Bible - 2005 (New English Translation)

And whoever has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.

What Does This Mean?

Jesus says that anyone who gives up things like family or possessions for his sake will get back much more, including everlasting life. This promise is about the rewards of following Jesus.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a toy box full of your favorite toys. If you gave all those toys away to help someone in need, God promises you'll get even more special things and a wonderful forever home with him!

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this Gospel around AD 80-90 for Jewish Christians, emphasizing Jesus' teachings as fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The cultural setting was one where family ties were very strong.

Living It Out Today

A modern scenario could be a young professional who decides to give up a high-paying job to serve in a remote area helping the poor and sick, trusting God will provide.

Topics

salvationfaithrewardeternal lifesacrificepromise

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'hundredfold' in Matthew 19:29 mean a literal number?

No, 'hundredfold' is used metaphorically to indicate an abundance of blessings that far exceeds what someone might give up.

Is this verse about leaving family literally?

It's more about prioritizing faith over family when necessary. Jesus doesn't condemn families but emphasizes the importance of spiritual priorities.

Does Matthew 19:29 promise material wealth as a reward?

The verse speaks more about blessings and rewards in spiritual terms, including eternal life, rather than just material wealth.

What kind of sacrifices does this verse refer to?

It refers to significant personal sacrifices like giving up family or possessions for the sake of following Jesus and spreading his teachings.

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