What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship?
What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship? Jesus called followers to total commitment — denying self, taking up the cross, and making disciples of all nations.
Key verse: Luke 9:23 (KJV)
Jesus called followers to total commitment — denying self, taking up the cross, and making disciples of all nations.
Jesus called followers to total commitment — denying self, taking up the cross, and making disciples of all nations.
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." — Luke 9:23 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jesus said, 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me' (Luke 9:23). Discipleship requires counting the cost (Luke 14:28-33). Jesus spent three years intensively training twelve men, modeling a relational approach to spiritual growth. The Great Commission commands, 'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them... Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you' (Matthew 28:19-20). Discipleship involves learning Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15), prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), fellowship (Hebrews 10:25), and obedience (John 14:15). Jesus defined true disciples: 'If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed' (John 8:31). Paul modeled this multiplication: 'The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also' (2 Timothy 2:2).
Key Scripture References
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is Jesus' command to His disciples to go into all the world, make disciples of every nation, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands.
What Does the Bible Say About Obedience to God?
Obedience is the primary evidence of genuine faith and love for God, demonstrated by keeping His commandments.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is Discipleship in the Bible?
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What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage?
Marriage & Family
What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship?
Theology & Doctrine
Luke 9:23 Commentary
In-depth study • Discipleship
1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentary
In-depth study • Living for God's Glory
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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