THINK TOGETHER.
Do you know anyone that is great? What makes them great?
READ TOGETHER.
Matthew 19:27-29. 27Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28Jesus said to them…29everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
Our scripture today comes at the end of Jesus’ conversation with the rich ruler (see day 65). Jesus had just told the rich ruler that he should sell everything he has and follow Jesus. Do you remember what the rich ruler did? That’s right, he went away sad because he was very rich. He didn’t want to give anything up in order to follow Jesus.
That’s when Peter asks Jesus about what will happen to the disciples. We have left everything and followed you, he says. What then will we have?
That’s when Jesus makes us a tremendous promise: everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
What exactly is Jesus promising us? He is promising us that anything we give up for Jesus, he will give back to us in Heaven 100 times more.
One time I let my neighbor use my lawnmower because he didn’t have one. Then suddenly he moved away without giving me my lawnmower back. But I like to think that one day I will have 100 lawnmowers in Heaven. What will you have 100 of in Heaven?
If we lose our house or land for Jesus, don’t worry, because in Heaven we will live in a mansion with him and we will own the whole planet. ALL the land will be yours to use and enjoy.
If we have to give up even our family and friends for Jesus, if they reject you for following Jesus, he will give you a new family in God – the Church. Hopefully this won’t happen, but if it does, you don’t have to worry about being loved and cared for. Jesus will always take care of you in this life, always giving you everything you need. And 100 times more in Heaven.
This is a great promise from a great God. Hopefully it should give us all the confidence we need to do what the rich ruler could not do – give away what we have in order to help others. When you know that one day you will have everything, you no longer have to hold on to everything you have now.
Because of Jesus we have everything we need for this life and even more in Heaven.
With Jesus we don’t have to worry about losing anything.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
Just for fun have everyone answer this question: What would you like to have 100 of in Heaven? Make sure your children know that Heaven isn’t only about getting more things, but about having eternal life with God.
PRAY TOGETHER
Father, help me to be able to share all I have knowing that you will always give me all I need and more, including 100 times more in Heaven. Amen.
TLICfamily 