“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.” – Matthew 28:19
Bible Verses About Making Disciples
The Call to Discipleship
We each receive a clear calling from Jesus to follow Him closely and to lead others on this same path. This invitation to discipleship is profound. As we take on the responsibilities of being His followers, we also need to bring others into this glorious promise of salvation. The call to make disciples is not just for a few; it is for all of us as members of the Body of Christ. Together, we can guide others and help them understand the love of Jesus while strengthening our own faith. This is where our journey starts—by embracing the call and setting an example for those around us.
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.'” – Matthew 16:24
Luke 14:27
“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:27
John 15:8
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:8
Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.'” – Matthew 4:19
John 8:31
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.'” – John 8:31
The Importance of Teaching
As we set out to make disciples, it’s our responsibility to teach them the teachings of Jesus. This means sharing not just the Good News but also how to live out our faith daily. We should embrace our role as educators in faith, providing guidance and nurturing those who are new followers. Through our sharing, we can equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to grow spiritually. Teaching involves patience and love, as we walk hand-in-hand with others in their own journeys of faith.
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.” – 2 Timothy 2:2
Matthew 28:20
“And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” – Ephesians 4:11-12
Titus 2:3-4
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children.” – Titus 2:3-4
Modeling Christ-like Behavior
One of the most profound ways we can make disciples is by modeling the behavior of Christ in our everyday lives. Our actions should reflect His teachings, a testimony of His love and grace. This is how we show others who Jesus is and influence them positively. When people see the love, joy, and peace reflected in us, they will be more inclined to follow. Through our kindness and compassion, we can inspire them to seek a deeper relationship with the Lord.
1 Corinthians 11:1
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” – Matthew 5:14-16
Philippians 2:15
“So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation, then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” – Philippians 2:15
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
Colossians 1:10
“So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” – Colossians 1:10
Building Community in Christ
Our faith journey is not meant to be walked alone. Making disciples involves creating a community of believers who are there to support one another. In fellowship, we grow together in our understanding of God and learn from each other’s experiences. A strong Christian community encourages us to persevere and helps us to remain accountable to our commitments in faith. Together, we can uplift one another in love and spread the message of Christ further.
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Philippians 1:5
“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:5
Prayer as a Foundation for Discipleship
One of the most important elements as we seek to make disciples is through prayer. It is essential for ourselves and the people we are leading. Prayer opens our hearts and minds to God’s will, allowing us to seek guidance as we carry out the Great Commission. By praying for others, we invite God into their lives, asking Him to touch their hearts and spirits. Let us commit to lifting one another up and seeking His wisdom in each step we take toward making disciples.
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray continually.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” – Ephesians 6:18
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Persevering Through Challenges
Making disciples is a rewarding endeavor, but it also comes with its challenges. It is essential for us to persevere through these tough times. We must not lose sight of the mission. By trusting in God, we find the strength to overcome obstacles and doubts. Our faith can remain unshaken, allowing us to push through any setbacks. Each challenge presents an opportunity to grow and deepen our commitment to making disciples.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” – Hebrews 12:1
Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
Final Thoughts
As we explore the topic of making disciples, we come to realize that it is rooted in our call to follow Christ and help others do the same. The teachings of Jesus guide us in this task, reminding us of the importance of spreading His love and wisdom. By teaching, modeling behavior, building community, praying, and persevering through challenges, we can effectively fulfill the Great Commission.
Making disciples is a journey filled with joy and fulfillment. It requires patience, love, and commitment. But as we lean on one another and trust in God, we begin to witness transformative change not only in ourselves but also in others. Let us continue to support one another in our mission to lead others to Christ.
As we seek to strengthen our discipleship efforts, we encourage you to read more about the important teachings of Jesus mentioned in the Bible in Matthew 28:9 and John 21:15-19. Each of these verses is a reminder of how we can share the love and message of Christ together.