Matthew 19:28

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 19:28 (KJV)

Context

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples after a rich young man had asked about eternal life and been told to sell his possessions and follow Him. That encounter led Jesus to teach about the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Peter then asked what reward awaited those who had left everything to follow Him, and Matthew 19:28 is Jesus’ direct answer.

Meaning

The phrase “Verily I say unto you” is a solemn formula Jesus often used to stress the absolute truth and importance of what He was about to declare. It signals that the following promise is trustworthy and significant.

When Jesus says “That ye which have followed me,” He addresses His faithful disciples, emphasizing those who have committed themselves to Him and have given up worldly attachments in order to follow His teaching.

The term “in the regeneration” points to the future renewal or restoration of all things. It denotes the coming time when the earth and humanity will be restored to a perfect state, often understood as the advent of the Kingdom of God on earth.

“when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory” refers to the future exaltation of Christ. It describes the moment when Jesus, as the Son of Man, will be seated on His glorious throne, symbolizing His supreme reign and authority over all creation.

Jesus then promises, “ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones.” The promise indicates that the disciples will share in His authority and reign. The number twelve evokes the twelve tribes of Israel, representing completeness and the restoration of God’s people.

Finally, “judging the twelve tribes of Israel” conveys that the disciples will have a role in governing and administering justice over the restored Israel. They will be entrusted with positions of authority to rule over God’s people in the renewed age.

Biblical connections

This promise connects the disciples’ present sacrifice and faithful following with a future position of honor and authority in God’s kingdom. The Greek term translated “regeneration” (palingenesia) refers to the Messianic age when God will make all things new, a renewal that echoes the restoration promised throughout Scripture.

Application

Matthew 19:28 assures believers that sacrificial discipleship is not in vain but will be rewarded in the age to come. It encourages those who have left behind comforts or ambitions for Christ’s sake to trust that their commitment is seen and will be honored in His glorious reign.

Reflection

Jesus’ promise invites every follower to consider what they have left behind for Him and to rest in the certainty that He will one day share His authority with those who have faithfully served Him.