Luke 18:28

KJV

Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Peter {G4074} said {G2036}, Lo {G2400}, we {G2249} have left {G863} all {G3956}, and {G2532} followed {G190} thee {G4671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kefa said, “Look, we have left our homes and followed you.”

Berean Standard Bible

“Look,” said Peter, “we have left all we had to follow You.”

American Standard Version

And Peter said, Lo, we have left our own, and followed thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:28 records Peter's poignant declaration on behalf of the disciples, "Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee." This statement immediately follows Jesus' challenging encounter with the rich young ruler and serves as a powerful affirmation of the disciples' radical commitment to Christ, contrasting sharply with the ruler's inability to forsake his worldly possessions. It highlights the profound sacrifice inherent in true discipleship and sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on the abundant rewards awaiting those who prioritize the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after Jesus' interaction with the rich young ruler in [Luke 18:18-27](/luke/18-18-27 "Luke 18:18-27 - The Rich Young Ruler"). The ruler, a man of great wealth, approached Jesus seeking to inherit eternal life but ultimately walked away sorrowful when challenged to sell all his possessions and follow Jesus. Jesus then lamented the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, famously stating that it is "easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" ([Luke 18:25](/luke/18-25 "Luke 18:25 - The Camel and the Needle's Eye")). Peter's statement, "Lo, we have left all, and followed thee," serves as a direct and intentional contrast, demonstrating that what the rich young ruler refused to do, the disciples had already done. It highlights their unique commitment and implicitly raises the question of their reward, which Jesus addresses in the subsequent verses ([Luke 18:29-30](/luke/18-29-30 "Luke 18:29-30 - Jesus Promises Rewards for Discipleship")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, following a rabbi was a common practice, but the level of commitment varied. Typically, students would seek out a rabbi, but Jesus actively called His disciples, often requiring them to abandon their livelihoods, families, and social structures. For fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John, "leaving all" meant forsaking their family businesses, which were their primary source of income and social identity. For Levi (Matthew), it meant leaving a lucrative, albeit socially stigmatized, tax-collecting profession ([Luke 5:27-28](/luke/5-27-28 "Luke 5:27-28 - The Calling of Levi")). This radical detachment from earthly security and familial ties was not merely an act of piety but a profound reorientation of their entire lives around Jesus' mission. Such a commitment would have been understood as an extraordinary act of faith and devotion, placing them in a precarious, dependent position, relying solely on Jesus and divine provision.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Radical Discipleship and the Cost of Following Jesus**. The disciples' "leaving all" exemplifies the absolute priority Jesus demands from those who would follow Him, a theme echoed in His call to deny oneself and take up one's cross ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Call to Deny Self")). Secondly, it reinforces the **Contrast Between Earthly Riches and Kingdom Values**. The rich young ruler's failure to enter the kingdom due to his wealth is juxtaposed with the disciples' willingness to abandon theirs, emphasizing that true spiritual wealth is found in Christ, not in material possessions ([Luke 12:33-34](/luke/12-33-34 "Luke 12:33-34 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Finally, Peter's statement implicitly introduces the theme of **Divine Reward for Sacrifice**. While the focus is on the cost, the disciples' question anticipates the promise of recompense for those who forsake earthly comforts for the sake of the Kingdom of God ([Luke 18:29-30](/luke/18-29-30 "Luke 18:29-30 - Jesus' Promise of Reward")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lo (Greek, _idoú'_):** A powerful interjection, often translated as "behold" or "see." It is the second person singular imperative middle voice of a verb meaning "to see." In this context, Peter uses it to draw immediate and emphatic attention to the significant declaration he is about to make. It signals a moment of realization or a crucial point being presented to Jesus.
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From the Greek word meaning "to send forth," "to let go," "to release," or "to forsake." This verb conveys the totality and decisiveness of the disciples' action. It's not merely a temporary pause or a partial relinquishment, but a complete abandonment of their former lives, livelihoods, and attachments. It implies a definitive break with their past for the sake of following Jesus.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be in the same way with," this word specifically denotes accompanying someone, especially as a disciple follows a teacher. It implies not just physical proximity but also adherence to the teacher's way of life, teachings, and mission. For the disciples, it meant a radical reorientation of their lives, aligning themselves fully with Jesus' itinerant ministry and His kingdom agenda.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Peter said,"**: This phrase indicates a direct response from Peter, often acting as the spokesperson for the disciples. It marks a shift in the narrative, moving from Jesus' general teaching about the rich to the disciples' specific situation.
* **"Lo,"**: This emphatic interjection draws Jesus' attention, signaling the importance and perhaps the challenging nature of Peter's forthcoming statement. It's a call to "behold" or "consider" what they have done.
* **"we have left all,"**: This is the core of Peter's declaration. It asserts that the disciples, unlike the rich young ruler, had indeed abandoned their former lives, possessions, and securities. The word "all" (Greek, _pâs_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their sacrifice, signifying a complete detachment from worldly attachments for the sake of Christ.
* **"and followed thee."**: This clause explains the purpose and direction of their abandonment. They did not leave "all" aimlessly, but specifically to commit themselves to Jesus as His disciples. It signifies their allegiance, their new identity, and their participation in His mission.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:28 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Peter's statement directly contrasts the disciples' actions with the rich young ruler's refusal in the preceding verses. This juxtaposition highlights the radical nature of true discipleship. There is also an element of **Assertion** or **Declaration**, as Peter confidently states a fact about their commitment, which implicitly carries a question about the implications of their sacrifice. The use of the interjection "Lo" (Greek, _idoú_) functions as an **Exclamation**, drawing attention to the weight and significance of Peter's words. Furthermore, the phrase "left all" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the complete and decisive nature of their abandonment, even if not every single possession was literally discarded, their *dependence* on them was.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's declaration in Luke 18:28 resonates deeply with the biblical theology of radical commitment and the nature of God's Kingdom. It underscores that following Jesus is not a casual endeavor but a transformative reordering of one's entire life, often requiring significant personal sacrifice. This act of "leaving all" is a tangible expression of prioritizing God's will and kingdom above all earthly security and comfort. It reflects a profound trust in God's provision and a recognition that true life and eternal reward are found only in Christ. This theological truth challenges believers across all generations to examine their own attachments and allegiances, ensuring that Christ holds the supreme place in their hearts and lives.

* [Matthew 19:27](/matthew/19-27 "Matthew 19:27 - Peter's Question about Reward")
* [Mark 10:28](/mark/10-28 "Mark 10:28 - Peter's Statement to Jesus")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of Earthly Gain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's bold declaration in Luke 18:28 serves as a timeless challenge and inspiration for every believer. While not everyone is called to literally abandon their homes or professions, the principle of "leaving all" remains foundational to authentic Christian discipleship. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our priorities, where Jesus Christ is not merely a part of our lives but the very center and sum of our existence. This means holding loosely to material possessions, career ambitions, personal comforts, and even relational ties, being willing to surrender them all if they hinder our walk with Christ or His call on our lives. It is an invitation to trust God's faithfulness and provision above all earthly securities, knowing that any sacrifice made for the Kingdom's sake will be abundantly rewarded, both in this life and the life to come. True discipleship is a continuous act of relinquishment and surrender, embracing the counter-cultural values of the Kingdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "all" might Jesus be asking me to "leave" or hold loosely in my life today?**
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to prioritize earthly security or comfort over radical obedience to Christ?**
* **How does my willingness to sacrifice for Christ reflect my trust in His provision and His eternal promises?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to deepen my commitment to "follow Thee" with greater abandon?**

### FAQ

**Did the disciples literally give up every single possession they owned, making themselves destitute?**

Answer: While the phrase "left all" (Greek, _aphíēmi pâs_) implies a comprehensive and decisive break from their former lives and livelihoods, it doesn't necessarily mean they became absolutely destitute in every sense. For instance, we know Peter still had a house in Capernaum where Jesus sometimes stayed ([Matthew 8:14](/matthew/8-14 "Matthew 8:14 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law")). The emphasis is on the *abandonment of their primary source of income and security*, their willingness to live an itinerant life dependent on Jesus and the hospitality of others, and a reordering of their ultimate allegiance. They relinquished their self-sufficiency and worldly attachments to commit fully to Jesus' mission, trusting in divine provision. This was a radical act of faith that put Jesus at the absolute center of their lives, above all else.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's declaration, "Lo, we have left all, and followed thee," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the disciples' sacrifice, but in Jesus Himself, who is the supreme example of "leaving all." Before His incarnation, Christ "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He left the unimaginable glory and perfect communion of heaven to enter a fallen world, embracing poverty and rejection, ultimately "becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The disciples' act of forsaking their earthly security to follow Jesus is a participation in Christ's own self-emptying love and sacrificial mission. Their "leaving all" is empowered by His ultimate "leaving all" for their salvation. Furthermore, Jesus' subsequent promise of "manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting" ([Luke 18:30](/luke/18-30 "Luke 18:30 - Jesus Promises Rewards")) is entirely fulfilled through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, which grants eternal life and true spiritual riches to all who follow Him. Thus, Peter's statement points to the radical nature of discipleship, which is both a response to and a participation in the radical self-giving love of Christ, who is the ultimate "all" worth gaining.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 10:28

Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Matthew 19:27

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

Luke 5:11

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Matthew 4:19

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 4:22

And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

Matthew 9:9

¶ And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.