Being a disciple of Jesus means following Him, learning from Him, and seeking to live according to His teachings. It involves a personal commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior, and a desire to imitate His life and character. Jesus called His disciples to a radical and transformative way of life, and He made it clear that there is a cost to being His follower.

Here are some key aspects of being a disciple of Jesus and the associated costs, supported by Bible verses:

1. Total Surrender: Discipleship requires surrendering our own will and submitting to the will of Jesus. We are called to deny ourselves and put Jesus first in our lives. Luke 9:23: “Then he said to them all, ‘If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.'”

2. Counting the Cost: Following Jesus involves a sober evaluation of the commitment required. It may involve sacrifices and facing challenges, but the reward is eternal. Luke 14:27-28: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”

3. Sacrifice and Renunciation: Being a disciple may involve giving up certain things or relationships that hinder our walk with Jesus. It means prioritizing Him above all else. Matthew 10:37-39: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

4. Obedience and Fruitfulness: Disciples are called to obey Jesus’ commands and bear fruit in their lives. This requires an active and intentional pursuit of a godly lifestyle. John 15:8: “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” John 14:23: “Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'”

5. Endurance and Persecution: Discipleship may involve facing opposition, persecution, or hardships for the sake of the gospel. Jesus promised that those who follow Him would face trials but encourages them to persevere. Matthew 5:10-12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Being a disciple of Jesus is a lifelong journey that requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to follow Him wholeheartedly. The cost may involve sacrificing personal desires, facing challenges, and enduring persecution, but the reward is a deep relationship with Jesus, eternal life, and the joy of being part of His kingdom.

J. Arnette

CHCOC