Mark 10:28
Peter began to say to Him, "Look, we have left everything and followed You."
Peter began to say
Peter, often seen as the spokesperson for the disciples, initiates this conversation. The Greek word for "began" (ἤρξατο, ērxato) suggests a starting point, indicating that Peter is voicing a concern or observation that may have been on the minds of the other disciples as well. Historically, Peter's role among the disciples is significant; he is often the first to speak and act, reflecting his leadership and impulsive nature. This moment captures Peter's earnestness and his desire for reassurance from Jesus.

to Him
The "Him" refers to Jesus, the central figure of the Gospel. The disciples' relationship with Jesus is one of deep commitment and growing understanding. Addressing Jesus directly shows the personal and intimate nature of their relationship. In the context of first-century Judea, rabbis were highly respected, and disciples would often seek their guidance and affirmation. This phrase underscores the disciples' reliance on Jesus for spiritual direction and validation.

Look
The word "Look" (Ἰδοὺ, Idou) is an imperative, drawing attention to what Peter is about to say. It is a call for Jesus to consider their situation. This word is often used in Scripture to highlight something significant or to draw attention to a revelation or important truth. Here, it emphasizes the gravity of the disciples' sacrifice and their need for acknowledgment.

we have left everything
This phrase captures the totality of the disciples' commitment. The Greek word for "left" (ἀφήκαμεν, aphēkamen) implies a complete abandonment or forsaking. Historically, the disciples left their livelihoods, families, and social standings to follow Jesus. This act of leaving everything behind is a testament to their faith and dedication. It reflects the radical call of discipleship, where following Christ often requires significant personal sacrifice.

and followed You
The act of following (ἠκολουθήσαμεν, ēkolouthēsamen) is central to the life of a disciple. In the historical context, following a rabbi meant adopting his teachings and lifestyle. For the disciples, following Jesus was not just a physical act but a spiritual journey. This phrase highlights their commitment to Jesus' mission and their willingness to align their lives with His teachings. It serves as an inspiration for believers to consider the depth of their own commitment to Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
One of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his impulsive nature and deep devotion to Christ. He often acts as a spokesperson for the disciples.

2. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, and the Messiah. In this passage, He is teaching His disciples about the cost of discipleship.

3. The Disciples
The group of Jesus' closest followers who have left their previous lives to follow Him. They are learning about the sacrifices required to be true followers of Christ.

4. The Rich Young Ruler
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context involves Jesus' interaction with a wealthy young man who struggles with the idea of giving up his possessions to follow Jesus.

5. The Kingdom of God
The central theme of Jesus' teaching, representing God's reign and rule, both in the present and future.
Teaching Points
The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus requires significant sacrifices, including leaving behind personal ambitions, possessions, and sometimes relationships.

Eternal Perspective
The sacrifices made for Christ are not in vain; they are investments in eternal rewards and the Kingdom of God.

Faith and Trust
Trusting Jesus involves believing that He will provide for our needs when we prioritize His Kingdom over worldly possessions.

Community and Support
The disciples left everything but gained a new family in Christ, highlighting the importance of Christian community.

Self-Examination
Believers are encouraged to examine what they might be holding onto that prevents them from fully following Jesus.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Peter's statement reveal about the disciples' understanding of their commitment to Jesus?

2. How does the context of the rich young ruler's account enhance our understanding of Peter's declaration in Mark 10:28?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of leaving everything to follow Jesus in our modern lives?

4. How do the promises of rewards in the Kingdom of God motivate you to make sacrifices for your faith?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to give up something significant to follow Christ. How did that decision impact your spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 19:27-30
This parallel passage provides additional context to Peter's statement and Jesus' response about the rewards of following Him.

Luke 18:28-30
Another parallel account that emphasizes the sacrifices and rewards of discipleship.

Philippians 3:7-8
Paul speaks about considering all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ, echoing the theme of leaving everything to follow Jesus.

Hebrews 11:24-26
Moses' choice to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin parallels the disciples' decision to follow Jesus.
The Rich Young Ruler's RefusalJ.J. Given Mark 10:17-31
Riches and Their Relation to the KingdomJ.J. Given Mark 10:22-31
The Entry of the Rich into the Kingdom of HeavenR. Green Mark 10:23-31
CompensationE. Johnson Mark 10:28- 31
Following ChristAnon.Mark 10:28-31
God's Mode of Recompensing Self-SacrificeJohn Trapp.Mark 10:28-31
Love Consistent with RewardE. Bersier, D. D.Mark 10:28-31
My Father's WillMark 10:28-31
Reward of Self-SacrificeH. M. Luckock, D. D.Mark 10:28-31
Sacrifice and RewardS. A. Brooke, M. A.Mark 10:28-31
The HundredfoldA.F. Muir Mark 10:28-31
The Lord's Reply to Peter ShowsT. M. Lindsay, D. D.Mark 10:28-31
Things to Come are YoursJohn Trapp.Mark 10:28-31
People
Bartimaeus, David, James, Jesus, John, Peter, Timaeus, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Jericho, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Road to Jerusalem
Topics
Behold, Follow, Followed, Followers, Forsook, Peter, Remember
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 10:28

     5113   Peter, disciple
     8468   renunciation

Mark 10:13-31

     5554   status

Mark 10:17-30

     5381   law, letter and spirit

Mark 10:24-31

     8422   equipping, spiritual

Mark 10:28-30

     5731   parents
     8435   giving, of oneself
     8475   self-denial
     8481   self-sacrifice

Mark 10:28-31

     8120   following Christ

Library
June 21 Morning
Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps.--I Peter 2:21. Even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.--Whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. Jesus of Nazareth . . . went about doing good.--Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. The meekness and gentleness of Christ.--In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do.--Be
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 19 Evening
Gold tried in the fire.--REV. 3.18. There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.--Now for
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Christ on the Road to the Cross
'And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed they were afraid.' --Mark x. 32. We learn from John's Gospel that the resurrection of Lazarus precipitated the determination of the Jewish authorities to put Christ to death; and that immediately thereafter there was held the council at which, by the advice of Caiaphas, the formal decision was come to. Thereupon our Lord withdrew Himself into the wilderness which stretches south
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Bartimaeus
Blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.'--Mark x. 46. The narrative of this miracle is contained in all the Synoptical Gospels, but the accounts differ in two respects--as to the number of men restored to sight, and as to the scene of the miracle. Matthew tells us that there were two men healed, and agrees with Mark in placing the miracle as Jesus was leaving Jericho. Mark says that there was one, and that the place was outside the gate in departing. Luke, on the other
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

An Eager Coming
'And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.'--Mark x. 50. Mark's vivid picture--long wail of the man, crowd silencing him, but wheeling round when Christ calls him--and the quick energy of the beggar, flinging away his cloak, springing to his feet--and blind as he was, groping his way. I. What we mean by coming to Jesus:--faith, communion, occupation of mind, heart, and will. II. How eagerly we shall come when we are conscious of need. This man wanted his eyesight: do we not want
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Love's Question
'What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?'--Mark x. 51. 'What wilt Thou have me to do!'--Acts ix. 6. Christ asks the first question of a petitioner, and the answer is a prayer for sight. Saul asks the second question of Jesus, and the answer is a command. Different as they are, we may bring them together. The one is the voice of love, desiring to be besought in order that it may bestow; the other is the voice of love, desiring to be commanded in order that it may obey. Love delights in knowing,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Children and Childlike Men
'And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.' --Mark x. 13-15. It was natural that the parents should have wanted Christ's blessing, so
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Almost a Disciple
'And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him. Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life! 18. And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou Me good! there is none good but one, that is, God. 19. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20. And he answered and said unto Him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dignity and Service
'And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that Thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36. And He said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37. They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left hand, in Thy glory. 38. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of! and he baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with! 39. And they said
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

November the Second Leading to Christ
"Suffer little children to come unto Me." --MARK x. 13-22. "Unto Me!" We must not keep them at any half-way house. We are so prone to be satisfied if only we bring them a little way along the road. If we get them to pray! If we get them to attend the Lord's house! If we get them to be truthful and gentle! All of which is unspeakably good. It is a blessed thing to be in "the ways of Zion"; it is a far more blessed thing to be in the palace with Zion's King and Lord. When we are dealing with little
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Lord Our Righteousness
Jeremiah 23:6 -- "The Lord our Righteousness." Whoever is acquainted with the nature of mankind in general, or the propensity of his own heart in particular, must acknowledge, that self- righteousness is the last idol that is rooted out of the heart: being once born under a covenant of works, it is natural for us all to have recourse to a covenant of works, for our everlasting salvation. And we have contracted such devilish pride, by our fall from God, that we would, if not wholly, yet in part at
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Children Brought to Christ, and not to the Font
The Scripture before us is by several of the champions on the other side exhibited to the people as a rebuke to me. Their reasoning is rather ingenious than forcible: forsooth, because the disciples incurred the displeasure of Jesus Christ by keeping back the little children from coming to Him, therefore Jesus Christ is greatly displeased with me, and with all others like me, for keeping children from the font, and the performance there enacted; and specially displeased with me for exposing the Anglican
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

The Blind Beggar
This morning I shall address myself most particularly to the poor and blind souls here to-day. The poor blind man's faith described in this passage of Scripture, is a fit picture of the faith which I pray God you may be enabled to exert to the saving of your souls. We shall notice the origin of his faith, how his faith perceived its opportunity when Jesus passed by; we shall listen to his faith while it cries and begs; we shall look upon his faith while it leaps in joyous obedience to the divine
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

The Hardness of the Way.
"Children, how hard is it!"--St. Mark x. 24. I suspect there is scarcely a young man rich and thoughtful who is not ready to feel our Lord's treatment of this young man hard. He is apt to ask, "Why should it be difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven?" He is ready to look upon the natural fact as an arbitrary decree, arising, shall I say? from some prejudice in the divine mind, or at least from some objection to the joys of well-being, as regarded from the creatures' side.
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Domestic Relation.
When we speak of home life with its relations and duties we are not digressing from the subject of gospel light. Nowhere does the light of Christianity shine so peaceful and beautiful as in the home. Nowhere is the power of its influence so felt as in the home circle. The public worship of Christians is an inspiring scene, but nothing apparently is so heavenly as the sacred family altar. A father and mother whose hearts are filled with holy love together with happy, obedient children bowing together
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

The Careless Sinner Awakened.
1, 2. It is too supposable a case that this Treatise may come into such hands.--3, 4. Since many, not grossly vicious, fail under that character.--5, 6. A more particular illustration of this case, with an appeal to the reader, whether it be not his own.--7 to 9. Expostulation with such.--10 to 12. More particularly--From acknowledged principles relating to the Nature of Got, his universal presence, agency, and perfection.--13. From a view of personal obligations to him.--14. From the danger Of this
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Value of Life
Whatever our present conceptions of Jesus Christ may be, we ought to approach our study of his teachings with a sense of reverence. With the slenderest human means at his disposal, within a brief span of time, he raised our understanding of God and of human life to new levels forever, and set forces in motion which revolutionized history. Of his teachings we have only fragments, but they have an inexhaustible vitality. In this course we are to examine these as our source material in order to discover,
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

Tenth Lesson. What Wilt Thou?'
What wilt thou?' Or, Prayer must be Definite. And Jesus answered him, and said, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?'--Mark x. 51; Luke xviii. 41. THE blind man had been crying out aloud, and that a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.' The cry had reached the ear of the Lord; He knew what he wanted, and was ready to grant it him. But ere He does it, He asks him: What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?' He wants to hear from his own lips, not only the general petition
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who have Visited Canada--Stewardship.
Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who have visited Canada--Stewardship. The fallowing plain answers to practical questions, are written by those well acquainted with the work:-- I. "Are these children really street Arabs? If not, where do you find so many?" In the early days of the work, before the establishment of School Boards and kindred institutions, a large proportion of the children were actually taken from the streets. Now, the rescue work begins farther back,
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers

The Journey to Jerusalem
"And they went in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them; and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid."--Mark 10:32. "Jesu, was hat dich getrieben." [38]Laurentius Laurenti. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1855 Jesus! what was that which drew Thee To Jerusalem's ancient gate? Ah! the love that burned so truly, Would not suffer Thee to wait! On Thou journeyedst, thus securing Me a city more enduring! To my spirit now draw nearer, Lord, as to Jerusalem! Let each moment
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

The Footsteps
"Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of."--Mark x. 39. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Behold, My bride, how fair My mouth, Mine eyes; My heart is glowing fire, My hand is grace-- And see how swift My foot, and follow Me. For thou with Me shalt scorned and martyred be, Betrayed by envy, tempted in the wilds, And seized by hate, and bound by calumny; And they shall bind thine eyes lest thou should'st see, By hiding Mine eternal truth from thee. And they shall scourge
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

Links
Mark 10:28 NIV
Mark 10:28 NLT
Mark 10:28 ESV
Mark 10:28 NASB
Mark 10:28 KJV

Mark 10:28 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Mark 10:27
Top of Page
Top of Page