What does Luke 18:29 mean?
What is the meaning of Luke 18:29?

Truly I tell you

– Jesus begins with a solemn affirmation, signaling absolute reliability.

– Similar openings in John 3:3 and Matthew 5:18 underscore that what follows is not optional advice but divine truth.

– He invites the disciples—and us—to take His promise at face value, trusting God’s Word without reservation.


Jesus replied

– The statement answers Peter’s “We have left all we had” (Luke 18:28).

– Jesus’ reply comforts those who wonder whether radical obedience is worth the cost (cf. Mark 10:28-29).

– It shows He listens and responds personally, reinforcing relationship, not mere rule-keeping.


no one who has left home

– “Home” points to material stability and personal comfort.

– Abraham left Ur (Genesis 12:1-4), the disciples left nets and boats (Luke 5:11).

– God sometimes calls believers to relocate, downsize, or reallocate resources for ministry (Hebrews 11:8-10).


or wife

– Scripture never promotes reckless abandonment (Ephesians 5:25-28), yet kingdom allegiance may involve temporary separation for mission (1 Corinthians 9:5).

Luke 14:26 teaches priority, not hatred; Christ must outrank every earthly tie.

– In seasons of ministry deployment (military chaplaincy, frontier missions), marriage partners may agree to serve apart, trusting God to sustain the bond.


or brothers

– Family expectations can hinder obedience (John 7:3-5).

– Jesus redefines family around obedience to God (Luke 8:21).

– Believers find a larger spiritual family that compensates for what is sacrificed (Acts 2:42-47).


or parents

– Honoring father and mother remains (Exodus 20:12), yet obedience to God comes first (Matthew 10:37).

– When parental wishes conflict with God’s call—e.g., missionary service—loyalty to Christ is supreme.


or children

– Few attachments tug harder than this.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 reminds parents that time is short; stewardship of kids includes modeling costly faith.

– Trusting God’s care for children mirrors Abraham’s willingness to surrender Isaac (Genesis 22).


for the sake of the kingdom of God

– Motivation is everything. Sacrifice done “for the sake of” Christ’s reign receives eternal reward (Luke 18:30).

– Seeking first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33) realigns priorities and unlocks divine provision—“many times more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life” (Luke 18:30).

– The verse is not a call to asceticism but to purposeful, Christ-centered living, confident that God repays what is surrendered (Hebrews 6:10).


summary

Luke 18:29 guarantees that any believer who relinquishes relationships, security, or possessions in obedience to Christ’s call will never lose out. God notices every sacrifice, provides abundant family and resources now, and reserves eternal life ahead. The verse motivates wholehearted discipleship, assuring us that living for the kingdom of God is always worth whatever it costs.

In what ways does Luke 18:28 emphasize the cost of discipleship?
Top of Page
Top of Page