And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Peter says "we have left all", many scholars believe the more original wording was "we have left our own." This subtle shift highlights that their sacrifice wasn't necessarily about abandoning every possession, but about relinquishing what belonged to them to fully embrace God's calling. It's a powerful reminder that following Jesus often means setting aside our own plans and possessions for a greater purpose.
And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Right before this, Jesus challenges a wealthy young ruler who couldn't bring himself to give up his possessions for eternal life. Peter, ever the spokesman, jumps in to point out that he and the other disciples did make that sacrifice, leaving their homes and livelihoods behind to follow Jesus. This sets up Jesus' explanation about the rewards for those who have given up earthly things for the kingdom of God.
Peter jumps in, speaking for the disciples: 'We left everything!' Ever wondered about the real price tag on following Jesus?
When Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything, Peter didn't miss a beat. He immediately pointed out what he and the other disciples had already done.
What 'Everything' Meant
Peter's question isn't just about what they lost, but what they expect to gain. Is following Jesus a cosmic deal?
Peter's statement, while highlighting their sacrifice, also carries an unspoken question: 'What about us?' This isn't necessarily greed, but a natural human desire to understand the consequences of commitment.
The Disciples' Perspective
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Peter's question highlights a very human concern: what is the reward for sacrifice? The disciples left behind their entire way of life, and in the context of the rich ruler's failure, Peter seeks assurance of their own reward in following Jesus.
c. AD 28
Jesus Calls Disciples
Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John from their fishing businesses to follow Him as His disciples. They immediately leave their nets and boats to join Him.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Peter and the other disciples travel with Jesus throughout Galilee, Judea, and surrounding regions, leaving their homes and former livelihoods behind.
c. AD 30— this verse
Encounter with the Rich Young Ruler
Jesus encounters a wealthy young ruler who asks how to inherit eternal life. After the ruler refuses to sell his possessions and follow Jesus, Jesus teaches about the difficulty of the rich entering the kingdom of God.
c. AD 30
Jesus Predicts His Suffering
Following the encounter with the rich ruler, Jesus predicts His coming suffering, death, and resurrection for the third time, which the disciples still struggle to fully grasp.
Peter asks a very similar question immediately after the encounter with the rich young ruler, showing this was a common thought among the disciples grappling with the cost of following Jesus.
Mark 10:28This passage provides another account of Peter voicing this concern, highlighting the disciples' understanding that they had indeed made significant sacrifices for Jesus' sake.
Luke 5:11This verse describes the moment the disciples left their fishing businesses and families to follow Jesus, directly alluding to the past event Peter is referencing.
1 Corinthians 9:5Paul uses the example of the apostles, including Peter, as those who have left behind secular work and family to serve God, underscoring the reality of their sacrifice.
clarkeLuke 18:28: "Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee."
We have left all - Our trades, our houses, and families. The reader is desired to consult the notes on Matthew 4:20 (note); Matthew 19:27 (note), etc.
pulpitLuke 18:28: "Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee."
Verse 28. - Then Peter said, Lo, we hays left all, and followed thee. Again the question of Peter, evidently acting as spokesman of the twelve, is repeated by the first three evangelists. Strangely faithful in their accounts of their own dealings with their adored Master, they never veil or hide any human weakness or error of their own which led to an important bit of teaching from their Lord. Now, in this place, they, in…
While Peter says "we have left all", many scholars believe the more original wording was "we have left our own." This subtle shift highlights that their sacrifice wasn't necessarily about abandoning every possession, but about relinquishing what belonged to them to fully embrace God's calling. It's a powerful reminder that following Jesus often means setting aside our own plans and possessions for a greater purpose.
Right before this, Jesus challenges a wealthy young ruler who couldn't bring himself to give up his possessions for eternal life. Peter, ever the spokesman, jumps in to point out that he and the other disciples did make that sacrifice, leaving their homes and livelihoods behind to follow Jesus. This sets up Jesus' explanation about the rewards for those who have given up earthly things for the kingdom of God.
Right before this, Jesus challenges a wealthy young ruler who couldn't bring himself to give up his possessions for eternal life. Peter, ever the spokesman, jumps in to point out that he and the other disciples did make that sacrifice, leaving their homes and livelihoods behind to follow Jesus. This sets up Jesus' explanation about the rewards for those who have given up earthly things for the kingdom of God.
"And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.”" — While Peter says "we have left all", many scholars believe the more original wording was "we have left our own." This subtle shift highlights that their sacrifice wasn't necessarily about abandon…
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Last reviewed October 2026