TLDR
Discipleship isn’t just believing in Jesus — it’s becoming like Him. These 5 Scriptures reveal the heart of discipleship: denying yourself, taking up your cross, abiding in His Word, obeying His commands, and loving others. Let the Word shape your walk and ignite your calling to make disciples.
Scriptures on discipleship
Discipleship is more than a moment — it’s a lifelong journey of following Jesus, obeying His Word, and helping others do the same. These Scriptures on discipleship will challenge, encourage, and equip you to walk out your faith with boldness, love, and humility.
What are the best Bible verses about discipleship?
Here are five of the best Bible verses about discipleship — powerful, life-changing passages on discipleship that every follower of Christ should meditate on:
- Matthew 16:24 (NKJV) — “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’”
This verse sets the tone for discipleship: self-denial and commitment. To follow Jesus means more than comfort! - Luke 9:23, 24 (NKJV) — “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.’”
- John 8:31, 32 (NKJV) — “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’”
- Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) — “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”
The Great Commission: making disciples, baptizing, and teaching all that Jesus commanded. Obedience is central! - Luke 14:27, 28 (NKJV) — “‘And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it …’”
Counting the cost. Becoming a disciple means considering what sacrifice it takes.
These Bible Scriptures on discipleship serve as pillars. They help us understand what true following looks like, not just in theory but in daily walk.
What did Jesus say about being a disciple?
Jesus’ own words reveal what He expects from those who call themselves His followers. The verses about discipleship above already include some of His direct teachings, but let’s unpack more:
- John 13:34, 35 (NKJV) — “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Love is the identity mark of discipleship.
- John 15:8 (NKJV) — “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
Obedience and fruitfulness — these testify to genuine followership.
- Matthew 10:24 (NKJV) — “A disciple is not above his teacher…”
If the world persecutes Jesus, expect similar opposition. Discipleship involves faith under fire.
These teachings are part of the broader body of Bible passages on discipleship where Jesus clarifies what it means to follow Him: sacrificially, lovingly, faithfully.
-Todd White