Being a disciple of Jesus means following Him wholeheartedly and living out His teachings. The Bible offers countless examples of discipleship and what it means to live as a follower of Christ. Today, we’ll look at what Scripture says about being a disciple and how we can grow in our faith.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being A Disciple
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans. Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
John 8:31
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in His teachings as a defining characteristic of His disciples. Being a disciple requires not only an initial belief but a continual commitment to live according to His words. True discipleship involves a sincere and ongoing dedication to learning, obeying, and growing in the truth revealed through Jesus.
John 13:35
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Love for one another is a distinguishing mark of discipleship. Jesus teaches that our love for each other should be so evident that it becomes a powerful testimony to the world of our relationship with Him. Genuine discipleship calls us to demonstrate Christ-like love, compassion, and unity in our relationships with other believers, ultimately drawing others to the love of Christ.
Luke 14:27
“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Carrying one’s cross symbolizes a willingness to endure hardships and persecution for the sake of Christ. This verse emphasizes that genuine discipleship requires a readiness to face challenges, opposition, and even suffering for the cause of following Jesus. It highlights the urgency of counting the cost and fully committing to discipleship.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Denying oneself and taking up the cross daily is a continuous call in discipleship. Jesus emphasizes that discipleship is not a one-time decision but a daily surrender of our desires, plans, and ambitions to follow Him. Living a life of discipleship requires a consistent dedication to prioritizing Christ above all else, even in the face of daily challenges and temptations.
John 15:8
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Bearing fruit is central to discipleship and brings glory to God. As disciples, we are called to produce the evidence of our faith through a life that reflects the character of Christ and impacts the world positively. Bearing fruit encompasses living out the virtues of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Matthew 10:38
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
Jesus emphasizes the high cost of discipleship and the importance of taking up the cross. Following Him necessitates a willingness to live a life of sacrifice, even to the point of letting go of personal comfort or security. This verse challenges us to examine our commitment to Christ and reminds us that true worthiness of being His disciple comes from wholeheartedly embracing the demands of the faith.
Mark 8:34
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
This verse emphasizes that discipleship is not limited to a select few but is open to all who are willing to deny themselves and follow Jesus. Jesus invites everyone to be part of His discipleship, offering the path of self-denial and taking up the cross as the way to true life and purpose. It underscores the inclusivity and universality of discipleship.
Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Jesus’ call to the first disciples reveals that being a disciple involves a mission. Following Jesus leads to being actively involved in sharing the good news and making disciples of others. As we follow Christ, we are called to be fishers of people, drawing others into a relationship with Him and guiding them to a life of discipleship.
John 15:14
“You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Jesus intertwines friendship with discipleship, highlighting that obedience to His commands is an essential aspect of being His disciple. As we follow Christ’s teachings and obey His commands, we enter into a deep and intimate friendship with Him. This verse encourages us to walk in obedience, submitting our will to His and experiencing the rich fellowship of being His friend and disciple.
John 13:13
“You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am.”
Recognizing Jesus as our Teacher and Lord is foundational to discipleship. This verse affirms the rightful acknowledgement of Jesus’ authority and lordship in our lives. Being a disciple involves a willingness to learn from Jesus, to submit to His teachings and leadership, and to allow Him to shape and guide our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
John 13:15-16
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”
Jesus calls His disciples to follow His example and to live in humility and service. As we imitate Christ’s selfless love and sacrificial service to others, we demonstrate the characteristics of true disciples. This verse also reminds us that, as disciples, we are not above our Master, but rather called to follow and emulate Him faithfully.
Luke 14:26
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.”
This verse emphasizes the priority of our commitment to Christ above all earthly relationships and attachments. Jesus uses strong language to highlight the level of dedication required in true discipleship. While not advocating hatred, this verse underscores the necessity of placing our love for Christ above all other affections and loyalties.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The Great Commission encapsulates the universal call to discipleship and the mission to make disciples of all nations. Discipleship involves not only our personal growth but also a responsibility to impart the teachings of Jesus to others. This verse reminds us to strive for obedience to Christ’s commandments and assures us of His constant presence as we engage in the work of making disciples.
Matthew 11:29
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jesus invites His disciples to take on His yoke, representing a posture of submission, learning, and humility. Being a disciple involves a process of being transformed into His likeness, growing in humility, and finding rest and peace in Him. This verse reminds us that true discipleship leads to a deep and abiding rest as we fully trust and follow our gentle and humble Savior.
John 6:66-69
“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’
In moments of doubt or difficulty, true disciples actively choose to remain faithful to Jesus. When some disciples turned away, Peter’s response acknowledges the unparalleled truth and life found in Jesus alone. Being a disciple involves unshakeable faith, recognizing that Jesus is the source of eternal life and the only one worthy of our unwavering commitment.
Luke 9:62
“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’
Being a disciple requires forward-focused commitment and determination. This verse warns against the dangers of being distracted by past or worldly attachments, and it emphasizes the importance of staying fixed on the course of discipleship. It reminds us that true disciples continually press forward, keeping their eyes on the eternal kingdom and their hands firmly on the plow.
John 12:26
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
Discipleship involves serving Christ by faithfully following Him. This verse highlights the inseparable connection between discipleship and service. As we align our lives with Jesus’ plans and purposes, we have the assurance that our service will be honored by the Father. True disciples serve Christ wholeheartedly, seeking to be wherever He is and to be vessels of His love and grace in the world.
1 Peter 2:21
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Christ’s suffering and example provide the foundation for discipleship. We are called to imitate His sacrificial love, endurance, and obedience. Being a disciple requires that we embrace the challenges and difficulties that may come our way, modeling our lives after Christ and following in His footsteps, even when it is costly and requires personal sacrifice.
Luke 14:27-28
“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”
Discipleship necessitates counting the cost and being fully committed to following Jesus. This verse challenges us to carefully consider the implications and sacrifices required in discipleship before embarking on the journey. It encourages thoughtful intentionality and a wholehearted readiness to endure the challenges and difficulties that come with faithfully following Christ.
Matthew 10:39
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
The paradox of discipleship is revealed in this verse. True life is found when we surrender our own desires, ambitions, and self-centeredness for the sake of following Jesus. The call to lose our lives for His sake challenges us to prioritize His kingdom and eternal purposes above personal gain or worldly pursuits. In letting go of our lives, we discover the abundant and eternal life found in Christ.
John 12:25
“Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”
Being a disciple involves a reorientation of our priorities and affections. This verse reminds us that attachment to the temporary and worldly things only leads to spiritual loss. Discipleship calls us to have a proper perspective on this world and to place our love and devotion towards heavenly treasures, ultimately leading to the preservation and abundance of eternal life.
Matthew 10:42
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
This verse highlights the significance of simple acts of kindness and service in the context of discipleship. Even the smallest acts done for the sake of fellow disciples are noticed and rewarded by God. Being a disciple involves a compassionate and generous heart towards others, recognizing the value of showing love and support to the fellow members of God’s family.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
As disciples of Christ, we are called to be a light in the world, reflecting God’s goodness and glorifying Him. This verse reminds us that our actions and deeds should align with our faith, displaying Christ’s love and character to those around us. Being a disciple involves living in a way that points others to the One who has transformed our lives and brings glory to our Heavenly Father.