Luke 18:29Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If this were not the case, and both parties held equal attachment, then each would be equally deserving of renunciation. Consequently, even in the present age, they receive far greater rewards, exemplified by the apostles. Each of them, having forsaken their humble abodes, has been granted marvelous congregations, expansive fields, numerous faithful companions, and countless blessings. In the age to come, their reward will not consist of additional fields and worldly honors, but of everlasting life.

Moreover, He encompasses in His promises not only those who abandon material wealth but also those who renounce family—father, mother, spouse, and siblings—for the sake of God's kingdom, assuring them they will receive much more in this life, along with eternal life in the age to come. Yet, it cannot be doubted that those who live righteously will assuredly attain eternal life; however, it is essential first to identify who abandons father and mother, spouse, and family, and secondly, to delve deeper into how these individuals will receive many blessings in this world. Many people do indeed leave behind father and mother, spouse and siblings, often disregarding the natural bonds of kinship in favor of their devotion to Christ. In doing so, He instructs us, saying, ‘He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.’ At another moment, He declared, ‘Think not that I am come to send peace on earth; I say not unto you, I am not come to send peace, but division; for I am come to divide a man from his father, and a daughter from her mother, and a daughter-in-law from her mother-in-law.’ When the divine message of the Gospel ensnares the entire world in faith as if in a net, enlightening it with the true knowledge of God, there are those who would gladly embrace it if not for the burdens of shame, fearing their parents and being overly concerned with their displeasure or sadness. If they are idolaters, they may resist the idea of their children dedicating themselves to the service of Christ, abandoning the falsehoods in which they were raised, which have become second nature. Often, when sons are unbelieving and unkind, their fathers lack the resolve to provoke them by fervently pursuing faith and the salvation offered through Christ. The same can be observed in the relationships between brothers, between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law, and vice versa. Yet, those who are resolute in spirit and place nothing above their love for Christ willingly embrace the faith and strive to enter His household in a spiritual manner, unperturbed by the conflicts, or rather the divisions, that may arise with their earthly relatives. Therefore, individuals depart from their homes and families for the sake of Christ, seeking to honor His Name by being called Christians, or rather, for His glory, as His Name often signifies His divine glory.

This will be realized in the era of the kingdom, specifically on the seventh day of sanctification, when God ceased from all His creative works—the true Sabbath for the just. In that time, they will be free from earthly endeavors, for the feast prepared by God will be close at hand, and they shall partake of every kind of delicacy laid out before them.

As foundational pillars in the construction of Christ's church, the apostles are uniquely assured a closer relationship with Him compared to other believers (1 Cor. 6:2). All saints will judge the world, and Christ assures the apostles that they will share in the judgment alongside Him. It is important to note that “judgment” in this instance should not be restricted solely to the concept of judgment in a narrow sense, for the apostles' promise encompasses not just the final universal judgment but also represents a symbol of authority, power, majesty, and glory that will be bestowed upon them in the future. The twelve tribes of Israel symbolize the people of God, the collective of true believers, serving as the representative name for all genuine followers of Christ (Rev. 21:12).

In response, speaking not only to the Apostles but to anyone who might grapple with this question, Jesus affirmed, "Everyone who is hindered from following Me by his brothers or sisters, or by his father or mother or wife or children, or by his attachment to his wealth, house or land, and who forsakes all these things for My sake and My gospel, will receive in this same life, here on earth, in the midst of the persecution awaiting him, a hundred times more houses, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, children and lands; and in the age to come Eternal Life. As for you who have followed Me, in the future age, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 19:28).

Jesus reaffirmed the Old Testament commandment to honor one's father and mother and called for love towards not only family and neighbors but also enemies, directing His followers to do good to all. Therefore, He could not demand that His disciples abandon their parents, spouses, children, siblings, and others unless these relationships obstructed their ability to live according to God's will. Caring for one's spouse, children, and elderly parents is a responsibility that should be set aside only in extreme circumstances, when the choice is between denying Christ to please loved ones or leaving them to uphold faithfulness to Him. In such instances, Jesus permitted the renunciation of parents and relatives, relieving His followers from their obligations to them.

Understanding the difficulty of forsaking family ties built on kinship, friendship, and love, as well as the home where one was raised, Jesus comforts His disciples with the assurance that those who relinquish their families, homes, and lands for His sake will find a hundredfold reward in this life. In the early centuries of Christianity, amidst the persecution of believers, Christians formed a united family, treating one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. Each Christian's home was open to others; thus, anyone who left their home and family for Christ’s sake entered a community of believers where they could find in the elders, parental figures who provided care and support, in peers, siblings, and in the younger members, a new generation of children, enjoying many more familial connections than they had before.

Moreover, beyond this temporary solace following the loss of loved ones, those who prioritize Christ above all else will receive the promise of eternal life in the age to come. This stands as the reward for all who follow Christ, believing wholeheartedly in His divine nature and teachings.

He declared, “Truly I say unto you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of His glory, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” However, to prevent any feelings of arrogance from surfacing due to such a grand promise, the Savior promptly reminded them not to place undue value on their status as followers, for in the kingdom of heaven, the criteria for greatness differ significantly: “for many shall be first last, and the last first.”