What Does it Mean to be a Disciple?
Discipleship isn’t just about believing in something; it’s about doing something. It’s about sharing the gospel and equipping others to do the same. It’s an active process, not a passive acceptance of faith. Discipleship means following Jesus’ example and being ready to endure hardships as we do.
The most important call to discipleship comes directly from Jesus in what’s known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). This passage commands us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded. This isn’t a suggestion, but a core part of what it means to be a Christian.
This article explores key Bible verses on discipleship to help guide you on this path. It’s designed to provide a framework for understanding and applying these principles in your daily life, so you can grow in your faith and help others do the same.
Understanding the Foundation: Key Verses on Following Jesus
The Gospels and the Epistles are packed with verses that speak to the heart of discipleship. Here are some key passages that help define what it means to follow Jesus.
The Cost of Discipleship: Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross
Jesus makes it clear that following him isn’t a walk in the park. It requires a fundamental shift in priorities and a willingness to sacrifice.
Luke 9:23-24: A Daily Commitment
In Luke 9:23-24, Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Discipleship means denying your own desires and agenda, taking up your cross (symbolizing suffering and sacrifice), and following Jesus’ example. This isn’t a one-time decision, but a daily commitment to putting Christ first.
Matthew 10:37-39: Loving Jesus Above All Else
Matthew 10:37 (NIV) states, “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
This verse underscores the radical nature of discipleship. Our love for Christ must be so profound that it surpasses even our most cherished earthly relationships. It’s a call to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else.
Abiding in Jesus’ Word: The Path to Truth and Freedom
Discipleship also involves immersing ourselves in Jesus’ teachings and allowing them to shape our lives.
John 8:31-32: Knowing the Truth
John 8:31-32 says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Abiding in Jesus’ word—that is, consistently studying, meditating on, and obeying His teachings—is essential for true discipleship. This commitment to His word leads to a deeper understanding of God’s truth, which ultimately sets us free from the bondage of sin and ignorance.
Love and Unity: The Hallmarks of a Disciple
Jesus was pretty clear about how people would recognize his followers. It wouldn’t be because of their cool robes or fancy hats, but because of their love for one another. Here are some verses that highlight how important love is to the idea of discipleship:
John 13:34-35: Love as Identification
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
Love is the most obvious sign that someone is a true disciple. It’s how you show the world you belong to Jesus.
1 John 3:17-18: Practical Expression of Love
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:17-18
It’s not enough to say you love someone. Love means actually doing something to help them. Discipleship means meeting the real, practical needs of other believers.
Romans 12:10: Brotherly Affection
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Disciples are supposed to put each other first, treating each other with respect and honor. This kind of love strengthens the whole Christian community.
Empowered to witness: sharing the gospel
Discipleship isn’t just about learning; it’s also about doing. Here are some Bible verses about sharing the good news.
Acts 1:8: The power of the Holy Spirit
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This verse from Acts highlights a couple of important ideas about discipleship.
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness for Jesus.
- Discipleship isn’t just about your own personal transformation; it also means taking action to spread the word.
Jesus meant for his message to reach from local communities to the very ends of the earth. As a disciple, you are called to share your faith in your own sphere of influence. The gospel is meant to be shared far and wide.
Romans 10:14-17: The necessity of proclamation
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
These verses from Paul’s letter to the Romans show how faith, hearing, and preaching are linked. According to Paul, hearing and believing the gospel are essential for salvation, and those who already believe have a responsibility to pass the good news on to others. Disciples play a vital role in bringing others to Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission revisited
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
This command emphasizes the active role of disciples in spreading the gospel. It also shows how important it is to teach new believers how to live according to Jesus’ teachings.
Growth and Maturity: The Lifelong Journey of a Disciple
Discipleship isn’t a one-time event; it’s a process of continuous growth and development. These verses highlight the importance of passing on faith, striving for maturity, and persevering in our commitment to Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1-2: Passing on the Faith
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
This passage emphasizes that sharing the gospel is a vital responsibility. Discipleship isn’t just about our individual journey; it’s about equipping others to follow Christ, creating a multi-generational legacy of faith.
Colossians 1:28-29: Striving for Maturity in Christ
“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”
Spiritual maturity is a lifelong pursuit. Discipleship involves ongoing growth, learning, and applying God’s wisdom to all areas of our lives. It’s about becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
Hebrews 3:12-14: Perseverance and Endurance
“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.”
Perseverance in faith and obedience is a key sign of genuine salvation and discipleship. This verse reminds us to remain vigilant, encouraging one another daily to avoid being hardened by sin. Discipleship requires ongoing commitment and a willingness to endure challenges as we follow Christ.
Chosen and Appointed: God’s Initiative in Discipleship
Discipleship isn’t something we initiate; it begins with God’s call. These verses highlight how God chooses and equips us for a purpose.
John 15:16-17: Bearing Fruit That Will Last
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” (John 15:16-17)
Jesus is pretty clear here: He chooses his followers. He appoints them to do something, to produce lasting fruit. Discipleship is all about responding to God’s initial action.
Ephesians 2:10: God’s Purpose for Good Works
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
We are God’s “handiwork,” created for good works that He already planned for us. Discipleship means discovering and living out that pre-ordained purpose. It’s not about us figuring things out; it’s about aligning ourselves with God’s plan.
In Conclusion
Discipleship isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing journey. It’s about waking up each day and choosing to follow Jesus, to love the people around us, and to share the good news of the gospel with a world that desperately needs it.
When we truly embrace discipleship, it changes us. It changes our families, our churches, and our communities. It gives us the strength to live out our faith in ways that matter.
So, take some time to think about the verses we’ve explored. How can you put them into practice in your own life? How can you answer the call to make disciples and help spread the gospel? Look for chances to deepen your faith and to serve others, both within your faith community and beyond. The world needs more disciples, and the journey starts with you.