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    The Disciple's Honest Comparison

    Luke 18:28 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee."
    — Luke 18:28 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Right after Jesus' great word about impossibility and possibility (v. 27), Peter speaks for the disciples: 'Lo, we have left all.' Where the rich young ruler walked away (v. 23), they had stayed. The comparison is honest — and Jesus' answer in vv. 29-30 honors it.

    Historical Context

    The disciples had walked away from fishing boats, tax tables, and family expectations to follow Jesus. Peter's statement is fact, not boast.

    Original Language Insights

    'Lo' (idou) — behold, look. Peter draws Jesus' attention to a contrast that matters. Honest comparison with the man who would not pay the price is appropriate, even welcomed by Jesus.

    Theological Significance

    Christ takes notice of what His followers have left for His sake. Nothing is forgotten; everything is repaid 'manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting' (v. 30).

    Practical Application

    Don't be embarrassed to bring your obedience to Jesus. He records what was given up — and He never forgets to repay.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Luke 18:27

    "Possible with God."

    The previous verse — the divine possibility that pulled the disciples away from everything else.

    Hebrews 6:10

    "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love."

    The same divine remembrance of costly obedience.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, what I have left for You is small, but it is Yours. Honor my honest obedience as You see fit. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Was Peter being arrogant?

    No — he was being honest, and Jesus' immediate answer (vv. 29-30) treats the statement with full seriousness and promised reward.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Luke 18 verse by verse:

    Before · Luke 18:26Exact verse

    And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

    Theme: The Right Question at Last

    Before · Luke 18:27Exact verse

    And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

    Theme: Nothing Impossible with God

    Nearest commentary in Luke

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Luke 17:7Nearest chapter

    But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

    Theme: Servants Who Expect No Applause

    Later · 1 ch forward · Luke 19:9Nearest chapter

    And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

    Theme: Salvation Today

    Later · 1 ch forward · Luke 19:10Nearest chapter

    For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

    Theme: Christ's Mission

    Later · 1 ch forward · Luke 19:11Nearest chapter

    And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

    Theme: Kingdom Expectations

    Read Luke 17Commentary: Luke 17:7
    Read Luke 18 (full)Nearest commentary: Luke 18:27
    Read Luke 19Commentary: Luke 19:11
    Previous commentary: Luke 18:27Next commentary: Luke 19:9

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship?

    Jesus called followers to total commitment — denying self, taking up the cross, and making disciples of all nations.

    Read answer

    Who Was the Apostle Peter?

    Peter was a fisherman who became Jesus' most prominent disciple — bold, impulsive, failing at the crucifixion, but restored to become the leader of the early church.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Luke 1:37 – Meaning & Devotional

    "For with God nothing shall be impossible."

    Luke 6:31 – Meaning & Devotional

    "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

    Luke 6:31 – Meaning & Devotional

    "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Provision
    New Testament

    The Miraculous Catch of Fish

    After a fruitless night, Peter let down the nets at Jesus' word and caught so many fish the nets began to break.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Cleansing of the Ten Lepers

    Jesus cleansed ten lepers on the way to Jerusalem; only one — a Samaritan — returned to give thanks.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of Malchus' Ear

    Jesus restores the severed ear of the high priest's servant at His arrest in Gethsemane.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law

    Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law of a great fever, and she rises to serve them.

    Read the miracle

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