The words of Jesus
What Did Jesus Say About Rewards?
Jesus spoke often of reward, not to make us mercenary but to assure us that nothing done in love is ever wasted. God sees, God remembers, and God repays.
“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.”
Jesus, in Matthew 5:12, King James Version
There is a joy ahead that outweighs every present hardship.
“thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”
Jesus, in Matthew 6:4, King James Version
God notices the good done where no one else can see.
“whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple ... he shall in no wise lose his reward.”
Jesus, in Matthew 10:42, King James Version
Even the smallest kindness is remembered by God.
“love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great.”
Jesus, in Luke 6:35, King James Version
Love that expects nothing back is rewarded most of all.
“he shall reward every man according to his works.”
Jesus, in Matthew 16:27, King James Version
He comes to make every hidden faithfulness count.
What Jesus is really saying
Jesus never promises that following Him pays off in the world's currency. The reward He speaks of is God Himself and the joy of His approval. This frees us to love without keeping score, trusting that our Father sees what no one else does and will not forget a single act of love.
Who these words reveal Him to be
He speaks as the One who will one day reward every person according to their works, a role that belongs to God alone. Yet the greatest reward Jesus offers is not a thing but Himself, the treasure worth more than the world. He is the Lord who sees in secret and the Savior who became poor to make us rich. To have Him is to hold the reward that outshines every other.
Come to Him
You do not have to be noticed by people to matter. Your Father sees. Live for His smile, and one day you will hear Him say, Well done, from the One who is your greatest reward.
His words were always meant to lead you to Himself. You can begin with Jesus here, ask someone to pray with you, or read His words in the Bible.