In at least some reports of the pending Congressional investigation of six prominent televangelists (see our posting, "Many Will Say...," 11/9/07), mention is made of the "hundred fold return" teaching common to most, if not all, the ministries involved.
Emphasis at this point generally follows these lines: Those willing to relinquish material assets (here defined in terms of "houses and lands") "for my sake and the gospel's" are assured by Christ of "a hundred times as much now in the present time...and in the world to come, eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30).
Does Jesus here indeed offer a financial investment return of 10,000%? No, nor does he seek to promote the materialistic spirit often attendant such promotion. Since the large meetings conducted by those now coming under scrutiny often include many of a lower economic status (hence the need for financial betterment - along with others more than willing to accept an investment opportunity of such promise), and given the fact that occasion for participation logically lies within the immediate setting, the offerings overflow.
What was Jesus saying? Simply this: Those choosing to follow Christ and serve the interests of the Gospel at any cost will, in those instances where home, property, family acceptance, et al, are necessarily forfeited, not only gain the ineffable blessings of eternity, but within the present life, experience the benefits of a spiritual family wherein, as brothers and sisters in Christ, the needs and concerns of one another are met on an even greater scale. Within this setting, my home becomes your home, your needs become my needs, your want for love and fellowship brings you into acceptance as a member of my family, etc.
That the primary sense here is spiritual and analogical as opposed to literal may be seen, for example, in the fact that the believer so blessed will gain one hundred times as many fathers and mothers as before. (Again see comments concerning the role of biblical context in our Nov. 7 posting.)
It should further be noted that Jesus alludes to a hundred-fold multiplication of children as well. (Indeed, Luke's account of Jesus' statement shows him as also including wives, Luke 18:29-30). Somehow, at least to our observation, the former prospect (i.e., vastly multiplied children) seldom generates the same enthusiasm within "hundred fold" mindset and perception as that accompanying the proposal's alleged financial returns.
As to a literal hundredfold increase in wives, there have, predictably, been those of a considerably less than orthodox bent to whom the idea has held appeal. (Ever researched the origins of your Oneida silverware? While no longer associated with the long since defunct utopian Oneida Community (dissolved 1890), this particular company, created as means of support for the community, outlived its origins. And, of course, there have been others. But that is another story.)
The primary emphasis of Jesus' words involves the role of supportive relationship within the community of faith. As we progress into days ahead, such will prove increasingly requisite.
Burl Ratzsch
