"What’s in It for Me?"

We all love a good deal. We search for discounts, compare prices, and make sure we get the most out of our money. But what happens when life feels unfair—when we’ve sacrificed so much but seem to get so little in return?

• A dedicated employee is overlooked for promotion while a less competent colleague advances.

• A business owner chooses honesty but watches competitors profit through unethical means.

• A single person remains pure before marriage yet sees others who compromised find partners first.

These moments make us ask: Is following Jesus truly worth the cost?

Peter’s Question: What About Our Sacrifice?

In Mark 10:28-31, Peter voices a concern we all have at times:

Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time... with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Peter had just witnessed Jesus’ conversation with the rich young ruler—a man who wanted eternal life but walked away sorrowful because he wasn’t willing to part with his wealth. Unlike that man, Peter and the other disciples had indeed left everything to follow Christ. So, he asks Jesus: What’s in it for us?

Jesus’ answer gives us three key insights into the cost and rewards of following Him.

1. Following Jesus Requires Letting Go of Comfort and Security

Jesus never sugarcoats the reality of discipleship. Sometimes, following Him means letting go of possessions, relationships, or opportunities.

• A Christian business owner may have to refuse unethical but profitable deals.

• A believer from a different faith background may face rejection from their own family.

• A student may have to stand alone in their values when others conform.

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

Reflection: What comforts or securities might God be asking you to release in order to follow Him more fully?

2. Following Jesus Brings Both Blessings and Challenges

Jesus promises a hundredfold return—not just in eternity, but even in this life. However, He also includes persecutions in that list. Following Him doesn’t mean an easy life, but it does mean a life of purpose, joy, and eternal rewards.

C.S. Lewis once said: “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered to us… We are far too easily pleased.”

God’s rewards far surpass what the world can offer. The question is: Do we trust Him enough to wait for them?

3. Sacrifice Is Only a Sacrifice When You Don’t Know What You’re Trading For

Imagine if someone offered you a fully furnished mansion in exchange for your old, broken-down house. You wouldn’t hesitate, right? That’s what Jesus is offering—something far greater than what we’re asked to leave behind.

Whatever we leave behind for Christ, He replaces with something better—both in this life and the next.

Trust the Exchange Rate of Heaven

Sacrifice for Christ is never in vain. As Paul reminds us:

“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

Yes, there is a cost to following Jesus. But the reward is far greater.

Questions for Reflection:

• What is Jesus asking you to surrender today?

• How has He already blessed you in ways you didn’t expect?

• How can you be a blessing to others in your spiritual family?

Sacrifice is only a sacrifice when you don’t understand what you’re gaining.

Trust that God’s rewards will always outweigh the cost.