Mark 10:29

"Truly I tell you," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and for the gospel

Study Bible

Truly I tell you
The phrase "Truly I tell you" is a translation of the Greek word "ἀμὴν" (amen), which is often used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and importance of what He is about to say. In the Jewish tradition, "amen" is a strong affirmation, meaning "so be it" or "it is true." Jesus uses this phrase to underscore the certainty and authority of His statement, inviting His listeners to pay close attention to the profound truth He is about to reveal.

Jesus replied
This phrase indicates that Jesus is responding to a question or situation. In the context of Mark 10, Jesus is addressing His disciples after a rich young man has walked away saddened by the call to sell all he has and follow Jesus. The disciples are perplexed about who can be saved, and Jesus is providing assurance and clarity. The use of "replied" suggests a direct and personal engagement with His followers, emphasizing His role as a teacher and guide.

no one who has left
The phrase "no one who has left" speaks to the radical call of discipleship. The Greek word for "left" is "ἀφῆκεν" (aphēken), which means to leave behind or abandon. This implies a deliberate and conscious decision to forsake something valuable for the sake of a greater purpose. In the historical context, following Jesus often required leaving behind one's family, possessions, and social status, highlighting the cost of true discipleship.

home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields
This list of relationships and possessions represents the core of one's identity and security in the ancient world. "Home" signifies one's place of belonging and comfort. "Brothers, sisters, mother, father, children" denote familial bonds, which were central to Jewish life and culture. "Fields" symbolize economic stability and livelihood. Jesus acknowledges the significant sacrifices His followers may have to make, emphasizing that the call to follow Him transcends even the most fundamental human attachments.

for My sake and for the gospel
The phrase "for My sake and for the gospel" provides the motivation and purpose behind the sacrifices mentioned. "For My sake" indicates a personal devotion to Jesus Himself, recognizing Him as Lord and worthy of ultimate allegiance. "For the gospel" refers to the good news of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus came to proclaim. The Greek word for "gospel" is "εὐαγγέλιον" (euangelion), meaning "good news." This highlights the transformative message of salvation and hope that Jesus brings. The dual focus on Jesus and the gospel underscores the inseparable link between the person of Christ and His redemptive mission.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing His disciples, teaching them about the cost and rewards of discipleship.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are learning about the sacrifices required to follow Him.

3. Family Members
Mentioned as those whom one might leave for the sake of following Jesus, representing personal and relational sacrifices.

4. Fields
Symbolic of material possessions and livelihood, indicating the potential economic sacrifices involved in discipleship.

5. The Gospel
The good news of Jesus Christ, for which believers are called to make sacrifices.

Teaching Points

The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus may require significant personal and material sacrifices. Believers are called to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else.

Eternal Perspective
Sacrifices made for the sake of the gospel are not in vain. Jesus promises rewards that far surpass any earthly loss, encouraging believers to maintain an eternal perspective.

Faith and Trust
Trusting in Jesus involves faith that He will provide and care for those who sacrifice for His sake. This trust is foundational to a life of discipleship.

Community and Support
The church community can become a new family for those who have left their biological families for the gospel, providing support and fellowship.

Motivation for Sacrifice
The motivation for leaving behind family and possessions should be love for Jesus and commitment to the gospel, not personal gain or recognition.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day examples of sacrifices that believers might make for the sake of the gospel?

2. How can the promise of rewards in Mark 10:29 encourage believers facing difficult decisions about their faith?

3. In what ways can the church community support those who have made significant sacrifices for their faith?

4. How does understanding the eternal perspective help believers endure temporary losses or hardships?

5. How can we ensure that our sacrifices are motivated by love for Jesus and not by a desire for personal gain or recognition?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 19:29
This parallel passage reinforces the promise of rewards for those who sacrifice for Jesus' sake.

Luke 14:26
Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship, emphasizing the need to prioritize Him above family and possessions.

Philippians 3:8
Paul speaks of counting all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ, echoing the theme of sacrifice.

Hebrews 11:24-26
Moses' choice to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin parallels the call to sacrifice for the gospel.

2 Corinthians 4:17
Paul discusses the eternal weight of glory that outweighs present sacrifices, aligning with the promise of rewards in Mark 10:29.