And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus here isn't just saying people will be rewarded for sacrifice, but that no one who truly gives up everything for God's kingdom will be without reward, even in this life. The emphasis is on the absolute certainty and completeness of God's provision for those who prioritize Him above all earthly ties.
And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Peter's question about what they've left behind, Jesus responds by acknowledging the immense sacrifices his followers have made. He then broadens his statement to include anyone who gives up their dearest earthly possessions and relationships for the sake of God's kingdom. This promise of receiving manifold more, even in this life, sets the stage for understanding the true cost and reward of discipleship.
Jesus asks for everything. What does it mean to leave 'house or wife or brothers or parents or children' for the Kingdom?
When Jesus speaks of leaving 'house or wife or brothers or parents or children,' He isn't just talking about a physical departure. This is a radical call to reorder our deepest loyalties.
A Shift in Allegiance
Why would anyone give up their whole world? Jesus clarifies the driving force behind such sacrifice.
The phrase 'for the sake of the kingdom of God' is crucial. It reveals that true sacrifice isn't about a transaction, but about a transformed heart motivated by a greater love.
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Pure Intentions
Understand the original words
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun
The supreme, sovereign authority and rule of God. It refers to both the present reality of His reign over the hearts of believers and the future consummation of His kingdom when He reigns openly over all creation.
Jesus' promise here isn't just about a future reward, but a radical present reality. He's speaking to people on the cusp of leaving everything they know—homes, families, familiar ways of life—to follow him into an uncertain future, facing persecution for the sake of God's reign.
c. AD 30
Jesus calls disciples
Jesus begins his public ministry, calling disciples from various walks of life to follow him, including fishermen like Peter and Andrew. This marks the initial formation of the core group who would eventually leave everything behind.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus teaches on cost of discipleship
Throughout his ministry, Jesus repeatedly emphasizes the radical demands of following him, including leaving behind family, possessions, and even one's own life. This teaching is a recurring theme in his sermons and interactions.
c. AD 32— this verse
The Rich Young Ruler asks about eternal life
A wealthy young man, described as a ruler, earnestly asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Jesus challenges him to sell all he has, give to the poor, and follow him, but the man goes away sorrowful because of his great wealth.
c. AD 32
Peter asks about rewards for leaving all
In response to the young ruler's departure and Jesus' subsequent teaching on the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom, Peter asks what reward he and the other disciples will receive for having left everything to follow Jesus.
c. AD 33
Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem begins
Jesus begins his final journey toward Jerusalem for the Passover. This period intensifies his teachings about sacrifice and the coming kingdom, as his crucifixion draws near.
This passage directly parallels Luke 18:29, explicitly stating the reward for those who have left 'house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of my kingdom.'
Mark 10:29-30Mark's account includes leaving 'house and brothers and sisters and mother and father and children and lands' for Jesus' sake and the gospel, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the sacrifice and the promised manifold return.
Deuteronomy 33:9This Old Testament passage describes the Levites who 'said of his father and mother, “I do not know them”' and 'did not regard his brothers or his own children, because they executed your word and kept your covenant,' illustrating an ancient precedent of prioritizing God's calling above family ties.
Matthew 6:33This verse, part of the Sermon on the Mount, echoes the principle of prioritizing God's kingdom by stating, 'But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,' emphasizing the ultimate provision that follows such devotion.
pulpitLuke 18:29: "And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,"
Verses 29, 30. - And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. Evidently, from the reports of the three ev…
clarkeLuke 18:29: "And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,"
That hath left house, or parents, etc. - See on Matthew 19:28 , Matthew 19:29 (note), and Mark 10:29 , Mark 10:30 (note). Or brethren - Η αδελφας, Or Sisters, is added by the Cod. Bezae, and some others.
Jesus here isn't just saying people will be rewarded for sacrifice, but that no one who truly gives up everything for God's kingdom will be without reward, even in this life. The emphasis is on the absolute certainty and completeness of God's provision for those who prioritize Him above all earthly ties.
Following Peter's question about what they've left behind, Jesus responds by acknowledging the immense sacrifices his followers have made. He then broadens his statement to include anyone who gives up their dearest earthly possessions and relationships for the sake of God's kingdom. This promise of receiving manifold more, even in this life, sets the stage for understanding the true cost and reward of discipleship.
Following Peter's question about what they've left behind, Jesus responds by acknowledging the immense sacrifices his followers have made. He then broadens his statement to include anyone who gives up their dearest earthly possessions and relationships for the sake of God's kingdom. This promise of receiving manifold more, even in this life, sets the stage for understanding the true cost and reward of discipleship.
"And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God," — Jesus here isn't just saying people will be rewarded for sacrifice, but that no one who truly gives up everything for God's kingdom will be without reward, even in this life. The emphasis is on t…
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Last reviewed October 2026