Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

LUKE 18:28KJV
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Luke 18:28 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:28 mean?

Luke 18:28 records Peter saying to Jesus, "Lo, we have left all, and followed thee," expressing that he and the other disciples have given up everything to become Jesus’ followers. Peter’s words highlight the cost and commitment involved in following Jesus, as he reminds Jesus of the sacrifices they have made.

In this moment, Peter is speaking directly to Jesus after hearing Jesus’ teaching about how difficult it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. The context is a conversation where Jesus has just challenged a wealthy ruler to give up his possessions, and Peter is pointing out that the disciples have already done what Jesus asked of the ruler. This verse shows the disciples' awareness of their own sacrifices and their desire for reassurance or recognition from Jesus.

The Greek behind Luke 18:28

  • ἀφέντες (afentes, "left"): This word means to leave behind or abandon. The Greek here emphasizes a decisive action—the disciples have truly let go of their previous lives and possessions, not just in part but entirely.
  • ἠκολουθήσαμέν (ēkolouthēsamen, "followed"): This word carries the sense of ongoing, committed following. It is not just a one-time act but a continual way of life, suggesting the disciples’ long-term dedication to Jesus.

Why Luke 18:28 matters

  • Luke 18:28 clarifies that the disciples’ commitment was not just verbal or partial; they actually left everything, which sets the stage for Jesus’ response about the rewards for such sacrifice.
  • This verse connects directly to the story of the rich ruler, showing a contrast between someone who could not give up his wealth and those who did, highlighting the real-life example of the disciples.
  • It helps readers see that questions about sacrifice and reward in following Jesus are not new; even his closest followers wrestled with these concerns and asked Jesus about them directly.

Where else these words appear

“followed” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

“we” Greek G2249 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  • Acts 13:32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

“left” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.