Giving Up to Get

1. The Promise

Read the sermon's main passage together.

> Then Peter said in reply, 'See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?' Jesus said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And 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. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.' — Matthew 19:27-30

What had Peter and the disciples already given up to follow Jesus? What specific things does Jesus promise them in return? Which part of his answer surprises you the most?

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2. Two Responses

The sermon contrasted the disciples with the rich young ruler who walked away.

> Jesus said to him, 'If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.' When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. — Matthew 19:21-22

Why do you think the ruler found it so hard to let go of his stuff, while the disciples left everything? What is something in your life that would be painful to release if Jesus asked for it?

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3. An Unshakable Kingdom

The sermon connected Jesus' promise to Daniel's prophecy and to Matthew 25.

> And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. — Daniel 7:14

> When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. — Matthew 25:31

If Jesus' kingdom is everlasting and cannot be destroyed, how does that change the way you view temporary things you might lose for his sake—like popularity, free time, or future plans?

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4. Your Real Cost

Jesus made this promise to everyone who follows him, not just the apostles.

> And 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. — Matthew 19:29

As a teenager, what does 'giving up houses or brothers or sisters or lands' actually look like today? Name two or three specific sacrifices a student at your school might make to put Jesus first.

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5. When It Feels Invisible

The sermon reminded us that God notices every sacrifice we make for him.

> Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. — Philippians 3:8

> For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. — Hebrews 6:10

Have you ever felt like following Jesus cost you something important and nobody noticed? How do Paul's words and God's promise in Hebrews shape the way you think about those hidden moments?

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6. Springboard: First or Last?

> So the last will be first, and the first last. — Matthew 20:16

The sermon said that sacrifice 'may not be our motivation, but that is a good and gracious God who elevates His people.' Some say it is selfish to follow Jesus partly because of the rewards he promises; others say it is wise because God himself invites us to store up treasures in heaven. Is it wrong to be motivated by what we 'get' in the age to come? Explain your view and listen to others.

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