Rewards of Following Jesus
This is the fourth and final message in a series about following Jesus. You can see each of the first three parts here – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. I encourage you to go back and read those first.
In the last post, we reflected on what the cost of following Jesus is. Counting that cost in our decision is so important, but I don’t ever want us to count that cost without always counting the rewards. Although, the rewards are really too numerous to count, aren’t they?
Reflecting on what the rewards of following Jesus are, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed at exactly what to share. My mind spun at all of the rewards I’ve received! My exact thought was, how do I possibly write about each one in detail, especially those that are incredibly personal?! Then it hit me. These rewards in my mind are unique to me and my relationship with Jesus.
Each person’s life is unique. YOU are unique. Your personality, your thoughts, your experiences – all unique to you. Thus your relationship with Jesus is unique also. It makes sense that the rewards we each experience as a result of following Jesus would be unique too!
I sensed Jesus speak to me – there are three rewards that every person receives the same – those are what I’m focusing on.
Following Jesus, accepting Him as Lord and Savior of your life, and having a relationship with Him rewards us with:
- Eternal life with Him
- The Holy Spirit while we are on Earth
- Peace – beyond our understanding
Eternal Life
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
This scripture is so clear. If we believe in Jesus, we have eternal life. But what does that really mean? In traditional Christian culture, it means we have life beyond a physical death and are saved from hell. But there’s more! I’m going to let scripture answer the more:
John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” 1 John 5:11 – “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”
In John 17:3, Jesus was actually praying to the Father. By His own admission, it’s clear eternal life is about knowing God. 1 John 5:11 says eternal life is in His Son, Jesus.
Eternal Life = knowing God through Jesus.
I really want you to understand what it means to truly know God through Jesus. The new testament was translated from the Greek language. The Greek word for know is Ginosko, which means ‘to know in an intimate way’. Webster defines intimate this way: warm friendship developing through long association; very close association, contact, or familiarity. To truly know, is to develop a deep relationship. One you’ll need to nurture like you nurture your human relationships, but that is another post!
Ultimately, I believe that eternal life is life after physical death and salvation from hell. But it is so much more than that. It is life in Jesus NOW! And it begins now as we build that relationship with Him – through regular, purposeful, contact (praise, worship, conversations, prayers, etc. etc.). Begin building today!
The Holy Spirit on Earth
We all know that after Jesus’ death and resurrection, He left Earth and went to be in Heaven with Father God. Before His ascension, He told His disciples this: “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” John 14: 15-17
The reward is a helper for all of life here on Earth and beyond. Jesus goes on to say how the Holy Spirit will help us. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26
What a wonderful reward, to know that we have a helper to remind us of all the Jesus spoke, of His commands, of His love.
Peace
The gospel of John is packed full of scriptures speaking to the rewards of following Jesus! In fact, Jesus continues on in John 14:27 to talk about that third gift of peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
When I read this, I wondered about Jesus saying “My peace I give you”. What is His peace? I couldn’t help but think about the reason Jesus was sent to Earth. Matthew 1:21 tells us He will save His people from their sins. He paid the price for our sins with His death. He was sent to pay the price. He was sent to die for us. And He knew this.
But the gospels aren’t littered with Jesus worrying or fretting over His death. Instead we see Him going about the Father’s business – sharing the Gospel message, sharing His healing powers, sharing His time, energy, words with all who would show up. When He prayed for the cup to pass from Him, He still relinquished His will to the Father’s. And even in His final moments (as He hung dying on the cross), He interceded with the Father on behalf of those who had just mocked, spit on, and crucified Him. He was undisturbed by any circumstances. He was at rest with the outcome. If that isn’t peace, I don’t know what is.
That is a peace I want.
That is the peace Jesus gives.
My challenge for you: take a few moments to write down the personal rewards you have received since choosing to follow Jesus. And read that list often!
And if you haven’t yet decided to follow Jesus and would like to talk further about that, I’m here! Comment below or send me a message. I’d love an opportunity to have a conversation with you.
Father, thank you first and foremost for Jesus! For His sacrifice to give us these rewards of eternal life, the Holy Spirit, and peace beyond our understanding. Thank you for the freedom to follow Him! May we choose it daily.
In Jesus name, Amen!
