to gain the whole wide world

but what does it mean to gain the whole wide world?

when Jesus uses this phrase (matthew 16.26), he is talking about trying to figure out the plans of God. he challenges those who are following him around to truly follow- to let go of all that might get in the way of being part of God’s larger plan. he reminds us that, while up to our eyeballs in life on earth, our perspective is limited by it and so we are well advised to be eager listeners and learners, living and loving rather than presuming...

God alone knows all the facts, sets all the goals, and determines morality. Nowhere in Scripture are his principles to be replaced in favour of human calculation. He allows us to play the game; he does not allow us to make the rules. (Erwin W Lutzer)

(for some further thoughts on perspective, its limitations and the problem of objectivity, go here )