Mark 10:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G2532} Peter {G4074} began {G756} to say {G3004} unto him {G846}, Lo {G2400}, we {G2249} have left {G863} all {G3956}, and {G2532} have followed {G190} thee {G4671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kefa began saying to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you."

Berean Standard Bible

Peter began to say to Him, “Look, we have left everything and followed You.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:28 captures Peter's bold declaration on behalf of the disciples, asserting their radical commitment to Jesus by having "left all" to follow Him. This statement immediately follows the challenging encounter with the rich young ruler, highlighting the stark contrast between those unwilling to surrender their earthly attachments and the disciples who had seemingly forsaken everything for Christ, implicitly raising a question about their reward.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Mark's Gospel, directly after the poignant narrative of the rich young ruler in [Mark 10:17-27](/mark/10-17-27 "Mark 10:17-27 - The Rich Young Ruler"). Jesus had challenged the wealthy man to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and then follow Him. The man's inability to do so, due to his great wealth, led Jesus to lament the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. The disciples, who had indeed left their livelihoods and families to follow Jesus, would have keenly felt the weight of this exchange. Peter's statement, therefore, acts as a direct response and a subtle inquiry into their own standing and future in light of their significant sacrifices. It sets the stage for Jesus' profound promise of recompense for those who truly follow Him, found in [Mark 10:29-31](/mark/10-29-31 "Mark 10:29-31 - Jesus' Promise to Those Who Sacrifice").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee and Judea, one's livelihood, family, and social standing were inextricably linked. Fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John relied on their boats and nets for their very existence, often inheriting these trades through generations. Levi (Matthew), a tax collector, held a lucrative but socially ostracized position. To "leave all" meant abandoning not just material possessions but also one's established profession, social network, and even familial expectations (though not necessarily severing all ties, but reordering allegiances). Discipleship often involved itinerant living, reliance on others for provision, and a radical break from societal norms. Peter's declaration reflects a genuine, culturally significant sacrifice, contrasting sharply with the rich young ruler's adherence to his wealth as his primary security and identity.

* **Key Themes:** Peter's statement in [Mark 10:28](/mark/10-28 "Mark 10:28 - Peter's Declaration of Discipleship") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **radical cost of discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus demands a complete reorientation of life, often involving the abandonment of worldly security and comfort, as seen in the initial call of the disciples in [Mark 1:16-20](/mark/1-16-20 "Mark 1:16-20 - The Call of the First Disciples"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **true wealth versus earthly possessions**, contrasting the spiritual riches of the Kingdom with the temporal allure of material wealth, a theme powerfully illustrated by the rich young ruler's failure. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine reward and eternal life**, as Peter's implicit question about their future sets up Jesus' subsequent teaching on the abundant blessings, both temporal and eternal, that await those who sacrifice for the Gospel's sake, as promised in [Mark 10:29-30](/mark/10-29-30 "Mark 10:29-30 - Jesus' Promise of Reward for Discipleship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lo (Greek, _idoú'_):** From G2400. This is a second person singular imperative, meaning "behold, lo, see." It is used here as an interjection to draw attention, signaling the importance or surprising nature of what is about to be said. Peter uses it to emphasize his declaration, presenting it as a significant, undeniable fact.
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From G863. This verb means "to send forth," but in various applications, including "to forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let go." In this context, it powerfully conveys the sense of complete abandonment or relinquishment of their former lives—their livelihoods, homes, and the security associated with them. It signifies a decisive break from their past for the sake of following Jesus.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** From G190. Properly, "to be in the same way with," meaning "to accompany, especially as a disciple." This term goes beyond mere physical proximity; it denotes allegiance, adherence, and a commitment to adopt the lifestyle and teachings of the one being followed. For the disciples, it meant adopting Jesus' itinerant ministry, His teachings, and His mission as their own.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Peter began to say unto him,"**: This clause establishes Peter as the speaker, a role he frequently assumed among the disciples. The phrase "began to say" (Greek: _ērcheto legein_) suggests an initiation of a thought or a statement that may have been brewing among the disciples, prompted by the recent encounter with the rich young ruler. It highlights Peter's characteristic directness and willingness to voice the group's sentiments or questions.
* **"Lo,"**: This exclamation serves to draw Jesus' immediate attention to the gravity and significance of Peter's ensuing statement. It is a rhetorical device to emphasize the contrast between the rich young ruler's inability to give up his possessions and the disciples' actual sacrifice.
* **"we have left all,"**: This is the core of Peter's declaration of sacrifice. "We" (Greek: _hēmeîs_) is an emphatic pronoun, underscoring the collective action and shared experience of the disciples. "Left all" (Greek: _aphēkamen panta_) signifies a comprehensive abandonment of their former lives—their fishing boats, tax booths, families (in terms of primary allegiance), and all earthly securities. It represents a total commitment to Jesus, contrasting sharply with the rich young ruler's attachment to his possessions.
* **"and have followed thee."**: This clause articulates the purpose and direction of their abandonment. Their "leaving all" was not an aimless act but a deliberate choice to "follow" Jesus. This "following" (Greek: _ēkolouthēsamén_) implies not just physical accompaniment but also discipleship, allegiance, and a commitment to His teachings and mission. It is the ultimate expression of their faith and obedience to His call.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:28 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning. **Direct Speech** is prominent, as Peter's exact words are quoted, giving immediacy and authenticity to the disciples' perspective. There is an implicit **Contrast** drawn between the rich young ruler, who could not "leave all," and the disciples, who assert that they have. This contrast highlights the radical nature of true discipleship. The interjection "Lo" serves as a device of **Emphasis**, drawing attention to the weight and significance of Peter's declaration. Furthermore, Peter's statement, particularly the "we have left all," functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on the rewards for such sacrifice, thereby building narrative anticipation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's declaration in Mark 10:28 encapsulates a foundational principle of Christian discipleship: the call to radical sacrifice and complete allegiance to Jesus. It underscores that true following of Christ often necessitates a willingness to relinquish earthly securities, ambitions, and even familial priorities when they conflict with God's call. This act of "leaving all" is not an end in itself, but a means to a deeper, more profound relationship with the Savior, trusting that what is surrendered for Christ's sake will be infinitely surpassed by His divine provision and eternal promises. It speaks to the reordering of one's entire life around the person and mission of Jesus, where His kingdom becomes the ultimate treasure.

* [Matthew 19:27](/matthew/19-27 "Matthew 19:27 - Peter's Question in Matthew's Account")
* [Luke 18:28](/luke/18-28 "Luke 18:28 - Peter's Statement in Luke's Account")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:28 serves as a potent mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to honestly assess the depth of our own commitment to Jesus. While few are called to literally abandon all material possessions in the same way as the first disciples, the underlying principle of prioritizing Christ above all else remains universally applicable. What are the "all" in our lives that we cling to—be it career, comfort, reputation, personal ambitions, or even relationships—that might hinder our full devotion to God? True discipleship demands a heart posture of willingness to surrender anything and everything that God asks, trusting implicitly in His sovereignty and His promise of greater, eternal rewards. This verse encourages us to examine our attachments, ensuring that nothing holds a higher place in our hearts than our allegiance to Jesus, reminding us that the cost of following Him, though significant, is always outweighed by the immeasurable joy and spiritual abundance found in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "all" might Jesus be asking me to "leave" or re-prioritize in my life today?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I have truly "followed" Jesus, not just physically but in allegiance and lifestyle?**
* **In what ways might I be holding onto earthly comforts or securities that prevent me from fully embracing God's call?**
* **What does "following Jesus" practically look like in my specific context and calling?**

### FAQ

**Did the disciples literally give up *everything* and become destitute?**

Answer: While Peter's statement "we have left all" (Greek: _aphēkamen panta_) implies a radical abandonment of their former livelihoods and security, it doesn't necessarily mean they became completely destitute or severed all familial ties permanently. For example, Peter's mother-in-law was still alive and healed by Jesus, indicating some ongoing familial connection ([Mark 1:29-31](/mark/1-29-31 "Mark 1:29-31 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law")). The "leaving all" refers primarily to their vocational and financial independence, their established homes, and their primary allegiance shifting from these earthly securities to following Jesus as itinerant disciples. They relied on provision from others and from Jesus' ministry, demonstrating a profound trust in God rather than self-sufficiency. This radical reorientation of their lives was a significant sacrifice, but not necessarily a complete and utter destitution in every sense.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's declaration, "Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Before calling His disciples to "leave all," Christ Himself perfectly exemplified this principle. He "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")), leaving the unimaginable glory and majesty of heaven to enter human existence. He "had nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), demonstrating a complete detachment from earthly comforts and possessions. More profoundly, Jesus "followed" the Father's will perfectly, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), having "left all" of His divine prerogative to accomplish our salvation. Therefore, the disciples' act of following is a participation in Christ's own self-emptying and obedient journey. Our call to "leave all" and "follow Him" is not merely a moral imperative but an invitation to union with the One who first and perfectly made the ultimate sacrifice, enabling us to live a life of true freedom and eternal purpose in Him ([1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ Our Example")).

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

Matthew 19:27

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

Matthew 19:30

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.

Luke 18:28

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

Luke 18:30

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Luke 14:33

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Mark 1:16

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Mark 1:20

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.