Jesus’ emphasis appears to be on a different reward that comes to those who aim to obey his teaching and those who do not. 1 It is not clear if this difference is between believer and unbeliever, or a difference amongst believers. Possibly Jesus is affirming that the degree to which the faithfulness of Christian believers differs in the present, will also correspond with a difference of glory in the new creation at the time of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:41–42). 2
19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.