In Mark 10:29-31 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, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Some people think these verses teach that if you believe in Jesus you will get rich. But that’s a misunderstanding of this passage.

Jesus frequently talks about sacrifice. If you follow him there will be a cost. That’s why this passage can be puzzling.

But in context of the wider story we can see how it makes sense. If you get shunned by your family for following Jesus, your family will still grow. Why? Because you are now a part of the body of Christ—the church—and will gain many more parents and brothers and sisters. If you get kicked out of your house for following Jesus, you will still have a house. In fact, you’ll have more. Why? Because you are now a part of the body of Christ—the church—and will have many more places to find refuge and support.

Rosaria Butterfield has a book title which picks up on this same idea: “The Gospel comes with a house key.” In other words, belonging to Christ is about a way of life, not just a set of beliefs. This includes hospitality and being a part of a new family. 

I recognize that the church doesn’t always feel like this. It’s a work-in-progress. Sometimes the phrase “brothers and sisters” hits the mark, sometimes it doesn’t. But just because the church is imperfect, that doesn’t mean it’s not God-ordained or that we should give up. Do you give up on your biological family because they sometimes let you down? Of course not. 

There are people all around us who need family. They need an encouraging conversation, or even gentle correction. They need a hug or a meal. They need to belong.  They need to know someone is praying for them—someone who cares about what matters to them. They need someone to pick up the phone when they don’t know who else to call.

Sometimes you’re on the receiving end of this hospitality. Sometimes you’re on the giving end. Either way, be a part of the mix.

So, does having faith mean I’ll get rich? It just depends, of course, on how you define “rich.”

“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, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Notes:

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.