Mark 10:28

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Mark 10:28 (KJV) captures a pivotal moment in the disciples' journey with Jesus, immediately following the challenging encounter with the rich young ruler. Peter, ever the spokesman, voices a sentiment likely shared by the other disciples.

Context

This verse directly follows the narrative of a wealthy young man who approached Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17). Jesus challenged him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him (Mark 10:21). The young man went away sorrowful because he had great possessions. Witnessing this, the disciples, who had indeed given up much, were understandably pondering their own sacrifice. Peter's statement, "Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee," is a direct contrast to the rich young ruler's inability to do so, and perhaps an implicit question about their own reward.

Key Themes

  • Sacrifice and Discipleship: Peter's words highlight the radical commitment required to truly follow Jesus. Unlike the rich young ruler, the disciples had genuinely abandoned their livelihoods, families (in a sense of primary allegiance), and familiar comforts to embark on an uncertain path with Christ. This theme underscores the cost of authentic discipleship.
  • The Nature of Following Christ: "Followed thee" (Greek: ēkolouthēsamén soi) signifies more than just physical proximity; it implies allegiance, learning, and adopting Jesus' way of life. It was a complete reorientation of their existence.
  • Human Expectation vs. Divine Promise: While sincere, Peter's statement also hints at a human desire for affirmation or reward. It sets the stage for Jesus' profound promise of blessings both in this life and the life to come for those who make such sacrifices (Mark 10:29-30).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "left all" (Greek: aphēkamen panta) powerfully conveys a sense of complete abandonment. It emphasizes that they had literally "sent away" or "let go of" everything that defined their former lives—their fishing boats, their tax booths, their family expectations. This was not a partial commitment but a total surrender to the call of Jesus, as seen when Jesus first called Peter and Andrew.

Practical Application

Mark 10:28 challenges believers today to examine the depth of their own commitment to Christ. While not everyone is called to literally abandon all possessions, the principle remains: true discipleship involves prioritizing Jesus above all else—career, comfort, personal ambitions, and even family, if they hinder one's devotion to God. It encourages a heart posture of willingness to surrender whatever God asks, trusting in His greater promises and provision. This verse reminds us that following Jesus often requires significant personal sacrifice, but it is always met with an even greater spiritual and eternal reward.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 19:27 (13 votes)

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

  • Matthew 19:30 (13 votes)

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

  • Luke 18:28 (12 votes)

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

  • Luke 18:30 (12 votes)

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

  • Luke 14:33 (11 votes)

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

  • Mark 1:16 (11 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

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