What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

Discipleship in the Bible is about following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in faith. It’s not just learning doctrine; it’s a transformative journey. This journey involves a deep commitment to live out Jesus’ teachings and share His love with others. Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian experience, challenging and enriching.

Curious about the biblical view of discipleship? It’s a path of growth, commitment, and transformation. Let’s explore this vital aspect of Christian life.

What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship?

Discipleship is a central theme in the Bible, especially in the New Testament. It’s about much more than simply being a follower; it’s about a transformational relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to live according to His teachings.

The concept of discipleship begins with Jesus’ call. He invited ordinary people to follow Him, promising to make them “fishers of men.” This call was not just to believe in Him but to engage in a life-changing journey of learning, growth, and active service.

Being a disciple, as portrayed in the Bible, involves learning from Jesus’ teachings and example. It’s not just an intellectual exercise; it’s about heart transformation. Disciples are called to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind and to love their neighbors as themselves, reflecting Jesus’ core teachings.

A key aspect of discipleship is the commitment to spread the Gospel. Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples, known as the Great Commission, involve going out into the world to make disciples of all nations. This is an integral part of discipleship – not just being a learner but also a teacher and sharer of the faith.

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Discipleship also involves sacrifice and sometimes hardship. Jesus was clear that following Him might involve challenges and even persecution. However, these challenges are seen as part of the growth process, deepening faith and reliance on God.

In addition, discipleship in the Bible is about community. The early church in Acts demonstrates this, as believers met regularly for teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Discipleship is not a solitary journey; it’s about growing together with others in faith.

Lastly, the Bible shows that discipleship is a lifelong journey. It’s not a one-time decision but a continuous process of learning, growing, and being transformed into the likeness of Christ. This journey impacts every aspect of life, influencing decisions, actions, and relationships.

In essence, discipleship according to the Bible is about a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus. It involves learning from Him, living out His teachings, sharing His message, enduring challenges, growing in community, and being continuously transformed by His presence in our lives.

Bible Verses About Discipleship

  1. 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.” This Great Commission highlights the core mission of discipleship: to spread the teachings of Jesus and expand the community of believers.
  2. Luke 14:27 – “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship here, indicating that it requires commitment and the willingness to face challenges.
  3. John 8:31-32 – “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This passage links discipleship with adherence to Jesus’ teachings and the transformative power of the truth.
  4. Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This verse describes the early church’s practices, reflecting the communal and relational aspects of discipleship.
  5. 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.’” Jesus speaks of the self-denial and sacrifice involved in true discipleship.
  6.  1 John 2:6 – “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” This verse encapsulates the essence of discipleship – emulating the life and teachings of Jesus in our own lives, striving to reflect His character and actions.
  7. 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Paul’s advice to Timothy underlines the multiplicative nature of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of teaching and entrusting the faith to others.
  8. Philippians 2:5 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” This instruction highlights the interpersonal aspect of discipleship, focusing on humility and selflessness, key traits of Jesus’ life.
  9. 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.’” Jesus speaks about the daily commitment and the attitude of self-sacrifice required in discipleship.
  10. John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Here, Jesus identifies love for one another as the defining mark of His disciples, emphasizing the relational and communal nature of discipleship.
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These verses collectively provide a comprehensive view of discipleship as presented in the Bible. They illustrate that being a disciple of Christ involves a commitment to follow His teachings, a willingness to face challenges, a heart for teaching others, and a life characterized by love, humility, and ongoing transformation. Discipleship is about a deep, enduring relationship with Jesus that shapes every aspect of a believer’s life.