Jesus said, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29). Luke wrote, the believer that sacrificed in this life shall “receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life” (Luke 18:30).
Hundredfold in blessings
Jesus is obviously speaking in a figurative way. The “hundredfold” that Christians receive in this life consist in the joy of Christian fellowship and in the more real and intense satisfaction that comes with service for God. Often people that chose the narrow way, got rejected by their families and loved ones. But the Lord provides them instead with more loving brothers and sisters in the greater family of God’s children (Matthew 12:46–50).
Thus, when believers give up all to follow Christ, they receive in return not only a hundredfold, but “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Earthly success and popularity are based on an altogether different standards from those by which God estimates a man’s worth. And an example of the reversal of conditions in the future life is seen in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31).
Having nothing yet possessing all things
In this sense, Paul speaks of “having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Corinthians 6:10). Christianity not only sustains the soul in the hour of trial but imparts the spirit with joyful triumph and fills the mind with assurance and hope. (Isaiah 61:3). Also, Jesus deliverers the believers from the power of sin and the hands of Satan. He gives them power to be “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). And He grants them to be saved “to the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:25). All this is cause enough for a life of joy, fulfillment, and peace – the hundredfold.
In addition, God gives the new believers the spirit of contentment (Philippians 4:11). And He grants them the ability to always rejoice regardless of the circumstances whether it is favorable or unfavorable (Philippians 4:4). Thus, a life of contentment and joy is the Christian’s inalienable birthright that is given as a free gift from the Lord.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
