Growing your faith: 10 Bible verses on the importance of discipleship
To be a disciple is to be a follower of Jesus; choosing to live by God's standards instead of the world's. The call to discipleship is a call to put Jesus and his will for our lives above anything else. It requires a cost, but also promises a reward greater than any other can give.
Matthew 28:16-21
"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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.'"
Luke 14:26-27
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple."
John 8:31-32
"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
2 Timothy 2:2
"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others."
Luke 6:40
"A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher."
2 Timothy 2:20-21
"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."
Matthew 4:19-20
"Jesus called out to them, 'Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!' And they left their nets at once and followed him."
1 Corinthians 4:1
"This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed."
Acts 9:36
"In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor."
Luke 9:24-25
"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?"