"Then Peter said, 'See, we have left all and followed You.' So He said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life'" (Luke 18:28-30).

People leave things in order to follow Jesus. Sin, of course. And the things the world defines and values, things like prestige, popularity and financial success. But following Jesus also means putting everything that is good secondary to the Lord and His will in your life. A house, parents, siblings, children and spouses - these are good, yet Jesus must come before them all. Christians get it - and do it. But, before anyone exalts himself for the great price he has paid to follow Jesus, remember that Jesus left the glory of heaven, putting the Father's will before His own. By doing so, Jesus put you and me before Himself (read Phil. 2:5-8). By putting Jesus first, His disciple has great blessings now (with "persecutions", Mk. 10:29-30), and finally, eternal life.

Jesus surrendered all for you. Have you surrendered anything for Him? Think on these things, beloved.