Matthew 19:27-28

Matthew 19:27-28

[27] Then  answered  Peter  and said  unto him,  Behold,  have forsaken  all,  and  followed  what  therefore?  [28] And  Jesus  said  unto them,  Verily  I say  That  which  have followed  in  the regeneration  when  the Son  of man  shall sit  in  the throne  of his  glory,  also  shall sit  upon  twelve  thrones,  judging  the twelve  tribes  of Israel. 

What does Matthew 19:27-28 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Jesus" statement encouraged Peter to ask a question. It may have occurred to him when Jesus told the rich young man that if he followed Him he would receive treasure in heaven ( Matthew 19:21). He asked Jesus what those who had made this sacrifice could expect to receive.
Jesus assured the disciples very definitely-"Truly I say to you"-that God would reward them for leaving what they had left and following Him ( Matthew 19:28). The "regeneration" or "renewal" (Gr. palingenesia) refers to the establishment of the messianic kingdom ( Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 4:2-6; Isaiah 11:1-11; Isaiah 32:16-18; Isaiah 35:1-2; Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; cf. Acts 3:21; Romans 8:18-23). Then the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne (lit. throne of glory, cf. Matthew 25:31; Daniel 7:13-14). This is a very clear messianic claim. Jesus equated Himself with the Son of Prayer of Manasseh , the judge of humanity ( Daniel 7:13). Moreover the12disciples will then sit on12thrones judging the12tribes of Israel (cf. Isaiah 1:26; Daniel 7:22).
"In the O.T. krinein [1] often means "govern" (e.g. Ps. ix4 , 8)." [2]
Since there were12chief disciples or apostles ( Matthew 10:2-4), it seems clear that Jesus had these individuals in mind. "Israel" always means Israel, the physical descendants of Jacob (Israel), whenever this term appears in the New Testament. The reward of these disciples for forsaking all and following Jesus would be sharing judgment and rule with the great Judges , Jesus, in His kingdom ( Psalm 2). This judgment will take place and this rule will begin on earth when Jesus returns at the Second Coming ( Matthew 25:31-46).
"This is clearly a picture of the millennial earth, not heaven. Late in Christ"s ministry, He supports the concept that the kingdom, while postponed as far as human expectation is concerned, is nevertheless certain of fulfillment following His second coming." [3]
How much the rich young man gave up to retain his "much property" (cf. Matthew 19:21-22)!
"The Lord thus confirms the promise He had already given to Peter ( Matthew 16:19) and enlarges it to include all of the apostles. They are to be rulers over Israel in the kingdom." [4]
There is a vast difference between earning salvation with works and receiving a reward for works. Salvation is always apart from human works, but rewards are always in response to human works.