Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter’s bold declaration, "Lo, we have left all, and have followed you," isn't just a statement of fact; it’s a subtle boast veiled as a question. He's implicitly comparing their sacrifice to the rich young ruler's refusal and is eager to see what their loyalty will earn them, revealing a common human tendency to tally up our spiritual "good deeds."
Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler who couldn't part with his possessions, Peter speaks up on behalf of himself and the other disciples. He highlights their own radical commitment, emphasizing that they have indeed left everything to follow Jesus. This sets the stage for Jesus to respond to their unspoken question about what their sacrifice will yield.
Peter says, 'we have left everything.' Was he just talking about boats and fishing nets? Or was it something much deeper?
When Peter declares, 'we have left everything,' he's not just listing physical possessions. While they did leave behind their livelihoods—their fishing boats, their businesses, their homes—the sacrifice ran much deeper.
Jesus promises a 'hundredfold' return for what was left. What does this abundant compensation look like in the real, often difficult, lives of His followers?
When Jesus promises a 'hundredfold' return, it's crucial to understand that this isn't simply a material or financial transaction. The promise is multifaceted and includes significant spiritual and relational dimensions, even amidst hardship.
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Peter's bold statement, 'we have left everything and followed you,' comes right after Jesus' challenging encounter with the rich young ruler. It highlights the disciples' desire to affirm their commitment and seek assurance of their reward, especially as they grapple with Jesus' teachings on wealth and sacrifice.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' public ministry begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, gathering disciples and teaching about the Kingdom of God. This period is characterized by miracles, teachings, and the calling of followers.
Early 1st century AD
The calling of the Twelve Apostles
Jesus calls his core group of twelve disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who leave their occupations (fishing, etc.) to follow him fully.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
The Rich Young Ruler encounters Jesus
A wealthy young man asks Jesus how to gain eternal life but turns away sadly when told to sell all he has and follow Jesus.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' discourse on riches and sacrifice
In response to the rich young ruler's departure and the disciples' amazement, Jesus teaches about the difficulty of the wealthy entering God's kingdom and the rewards for those who sacrifice for Him.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus predicts His suffering and resurrection
Jesus foretells His impending suffering, death, and resurrection, a theme that would later be understood by the disciples.
Peter expresses a sentiment very similar to this verse, directly stating that he and the other disciples have left everything to follow Jesus, prompting Jesus's response about eternal rewards.
Matthew 19:27This passage is the parallel account in Matthew's Gospel, where Peter asks Jesus what their reward will be, directly following Jesus's teaching to the rich young ruler.
Acts 4:32This passage shows the early Christian community living in radical unity and generosity, sharing all possessions, which echoes the disciples' commitment to leaving things behind for Christ.
Philippians 3:7-8Paul's reflection on counting all things loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus directly parallels the disciples' sacrifice and demonstrates the ultimate value they found in following Him.
calvinMark 10:28-31: "Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee."
- Then Peter answering said to him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? 28. And Jesus said to them, Verily I say to you, That you who have followed me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his majesty, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29. And whosoever shall leave houses, or brothers, or…
meyerMark 10:28: "Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee."
Mark 10:28-31 . See on Matthew 19:27-30 ; Luke 18:28-30 . Matthew is in part more complete ( Mark 10:28 coming certainly under this description), in part abridging ( Mark 10:29 ), but, even with this abridgment, more original. See on Matthew 19:29 . ἤρξατο ] “spe ex verbis salvatoris concepta,” Bengel. The question in Matthew, τί ἄρα ἔσται ἡμ ., is obvious of itself, even although unexpressed (not omit…
Peter’s bold declaration, "Lo, we have left all, and have followed you," isn't just a statement of fact; it’s a subtle boast veiled as a question. He's implicitly comparing their sacrifice to the rich young ruler's refusal and is eager to see what their loyalty will earn them, revealing a common human tendency to tally up our spiritual "good deeds."
Following Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler who couldn't part with his possessions, Peter speaks up on behalf of himself and the other disciples. He highlights their own radical commitment, emphasizing that they have indeed left everything to follow Jesus. This sets the stage for Jesus to respond to their unspoken question about what their sacrifice will yield.
Following Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler who couldn't part with his possessions, Peter speaks up on behalf of himself and the other disciples. He highlights their own radical commitment, emphasizing that they have indeed left everything to follow Jesus. This sets the stage for Jesus to respond to their unspoken question about what their sacrifice will yield.
"Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.”" — Peter’s bold declaration, "Lo, we have left all, and have followed you," isn't just a statement of fact; it’s a subtle boast veiled as a question. He's implicitly comparing their sacrifice to the ric…
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Last reviewed October 2026