What does the Bible say about following jesus?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that following Jesus means trusting him as Savior and Lord, walking in obedience to his Word, and daily denying ourselves for his sake. Jesus calls his disciples to take up their cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; Mark 8:34), not merely to profess faith with their lips. His sheep hear his voice and follow him (John 10:27), while those who truly know him seek to keep his commandments (1 John 2:3-4). Christ himself is our perfect pattern, and believers are called to walk as he walked (1 Peter 2:21). This costly discipleship rests on grace, not self-salvation, and bears fruit in a life increasingly shaped by Christ.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
- 1 Peter 2:21
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps,
- John 8:12
Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life."
- 1 Corinthians 11:1-2
[1] Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ. [2] Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
- Luke 9:23
He said to all, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
- John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
- Mark 8:34
He called the multitude to himself with his disciples, and said to them, "Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
- Matthew 7:21-23
[21] Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' [23] Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'
- 1 John 2:3-4
[3] This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. [4] One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him.
- 1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.
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