23 Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”

25 When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

26 Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

27 Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?”

28 Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many will be last who are first; and first who are last.”

Matthew 19:23-30 - World English Bible

In Matthew 19:16-22, the young rich man approached Jesus with a question about eternal life, an inquiry that led to his disappointment. After the Lord questioned the ability of the rich to enter the Kingdom, the disciples followed up with a similar question: what about us? To the followers of Jesus and the majority of the population, the young rich man represented the blessed, the righteous man who enjoy God's favor in life with wealth and possessions and personal contacts. This man performed good deeds and had his priorities straight when he asked about his everlasting goal. If that man couldn't “thread the needle,” who could? Jesus answered in a way that reset the disciples' priorities. It was not what the followers of the Lord did for God (the impossible), it was what God did for them (everything possible).

Peter didn't understand; he had to ask a follow-up question: what about us? Jesus assured his followers they would receive their reward, both in this life and in the next, but to achieve that inheritance would require sacrifice. To live in God's blessing demanded one give up all to God.

How have you given up your life to God? How has he blessed you for your sacrifice?