really…

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I assure you that it will be very hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. In fact, it’s easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.” When his disciples heard this, they were stunned. “Then who can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them carefully and said, “It’s impossible for human beings. But all things are possible for God.” Then Peter replied, “Look, we’ve left everything and followed you. What will we have?” Jesus said to them, “I assure you who have followed me that, when everything is made new, when the Human One sits on his magnificent throne, you also will sit on twelve thrones overseeing the twelve tribes of Israel. And all who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or farms because of my name will receive one hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last. And many who are last will be first. (Matthew 19:23-30, CEB)

Ok as I read this passage today I was struck with a question. Peter replies to Jesus saying, “all things are possible for God.” with, “what will we have?” Now Jesus didn’t say, “are you doing this for what you get?” No Jesus says, “…you also will sit on twelve thrones overseeing the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Now my wonder is, what about Judas? You see Judas was one of the 12 here. Does Judas get to sit on a throne over one of the tribes of Israel?

And honestly, why is this here? If you are following Jesus for what you will get, I think you are doing it wrong. I follow Jesus because he gives me a model of living that makes sense and is most helpful to all people.

I try to live like Jesus because it is the best thing I can do, not for what I get.

I try to love. Because of Love.

Loving People. Loving God.