What does Mark 10:28 mean?

The disciples have been stunned by Jesus' revelation that a rich man, supposedly blessed by God, cannot earn a one-way ticket to heaven (Mark 10:21). The ever-impulsive Peter tries to find a balance in Jesus' words. Jesus told the rich young man that he could not be saved until he gave up everything he owned. The point of this was not to demand all Christians be poor, but to prove that the young man was not willing to follow God at any cost.

Peter latches on to the idea of giving away one's possessions in an attempt to secure the Twelve's footing in Jesus' coming kingdom. "We did that: we gave everything away!" he seems to argue. His claim is exaggerated, however. He and Andrew left their home and fishing business, but they still have the house and boat (Mark 3:9; 4:1, 36; 9:33).

Jesus has already affirmed the disciples' sacrifice, apparently on their way down from Galilee. First, a man promises to follow Jesus, but Jesus reminds the man He doesn't even have a home. Then, Jesus calls another man to follow, but the man wants to bury his father first, a process that could take a year. Another man wants to follow, but not until he says goodbye to his family. Jesus responds, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:57–62).

It's human nature to compare ourselves to others to figure out where we stand. We do this both for self-assurance in our position and to gain honor. The disciples did this to each other when they were back in Capernaum (Mark 9:33–34). But Jesus' call to the rich young man is specific to that unique person: that man valued his riches more than God. The disciples don't yet see their idol, which is not money—it's power and authority (Mark 9:33–37; 10:35–45). The disciples fully understand that salvation must be gifted, not earned, at Pentecost with the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2).