Mateo 19:27-28

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 Man, the judge of humanity (Daniel 7:13). Moreover the 12 disciples will then sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel (cf. Isaiah 1:26; Daniel 7:22).

"In the O.T. krinein [to judge] often means ’govern’ (e.g. Ps. ix. 4, 8)." [Note: M’Neile, l 282.]

Since there were 12 chief 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 Judge, Jesus, in His kingdom (Psalms 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." [Note: Walvoord, Matthew: . . ., p. 146. See also David K. Lowery, "Evidence from Matthew," in A Case for Premillennialism: A New Consensus, p. 180.]

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." [Note: Toussaint, Behold the . . ., p. 229.]

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.