What was the reward Jesus promised the twelve apostles for serving Him?
Jesus promised the Twelve that when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, they also would sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. This was their reward for serving Him diligently during the three years of His earthly ministry, and it had nothing to do with their salvation.
Les explains that in Matthew chapter 19 the twelve apostles had been with Jesus for almost the whole three years. They already had their salvation, and the discussion was not about salvation but about reward. Peter answered Jesus, and Jesus promised that when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, they also would sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Les says this was their reward for having served Him so diligently during those three years of His earthly ministry. It had nothing to do with their salvation, but everything to do with what they would have for it all. Les then connects the same concept to II Corinthians chapter 5, where Paul is not dealing with salvation but with reward, and says we must all appear before the bema seat.
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.