How to Become a Disciple of Jesus
(Matthew 28:18–20)

Introduction
Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18–20, commanding His followers to “make disciples of all nations.” That same command remains for us today. To become a true disciple of Jesus means more than belief—it means dedication, obedience, and transformation into His likeness.

What Is the Definition of a Disciple?
A disciple is a student, learner, or follower. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary, a disciple is one who follows another’s teaching and pattern of life. Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). To be a disciple of Christ, therefore, is to imitate Him—to learn from His words and reflect His life. Paul wrote that God’s purpose is for believers “to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). The goal of discipleship is transformation—becoming more like Jesus every day in thought, word, and action.

How Can a Disciple Be Identified?
Discipleship is a life of commitment. Paul described this dedication vividly in 2 Corinthians 4:8–11, showing that even in hardship, the disciple continues faithfully. Jesus’ disciples are recognized by certain marks that show their identity:

• They are diligent students of God’s Word. Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31). True disciples let “the word of Christ dwell in them richly” (Colossians 3:16). Their lives are guided by Scripture, not by human opinion.

• They are filled with love for one another. Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34–35). This love is visible and sacrificial, as John wrote: “Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17–19).

• They bear good fruit. Jesus taught that those who remain in Him will bear much fruit (John 15:1–2, 4–6, 8). This fruit includes the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. A disciple’s life shows evidence of growth and holiness.

Would others identify you as a disciple of Jesus? The marks of discipleship are visible to the world.

What Are the Costs of Being a Disciple?
Jesus was clear that discipleship involves sacrifice. He must come before family, desires, and even life itself. “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” (Luke 14:26). Jesus must be our first love. Matthew recorded this same truth: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37).

To follow Jesus, one must:

• Deny self and take up the cross daily (Luke 9:23–25).

• Be willing to bear suffering for His name (Luke 14:27).

• Count the cost carefully (Luke 14:28–33).

Discipleship requires complete surrender. There is no casual commitment—it is a lifelong devotion that values eternal life over earthly comfort.

Sermon Outline:

Introduction:

  Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.  He commanded His disciples to go throughout the world and make other disciples.  This commission is still valid today.  But what does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? 

  I. What Is the Definition of a Disciple? 

• A disciple is one who is a student or pupil, a learner.
• Vine’s states that a disciple is one who follows another’s teaching.
• Therefore, a person who patterns his life after another is an imitator.  (Luke 6:40)
• A disciple of Christ strives to be like HIm, conformed to His image.  (Romans 8:29)

 II. How Can a Disciple Be Identified? 

• Being a follower of Christ is about commitment.  (II Corinthians 4:8-11)  This dedication to Jesus and His teaching results in several identifying marks:
  1. Diligence in knowing the words of Christ, a student of the Word; and abiding in them  (John 8:31, Colossians 3:16)
  2. Diligence in loving Christ’s disciples (John 13:34-35)  A love that all can see!  (I John 3:17-19)
  3. Diligence in bearing good fruit (John 15:1-2,4-6,8) 

  One type of fruit is the fruit of the spirit.

• Would you be identified as a disciple of Jesus?

III. What Are the Costs of Being a Disciple? 

• Jesus must even come before our own family.  (Luke 14:25-26, Matthew 10:34-37)
• Jesus must come before my wants and desires.  (Luke 9:23-25)
• We must be willing to bear our own cross.  (Luke 14:27)  Do whatever you must to remain a faithful follower.
• We must be willing to count the cost.  (Luke 14:28-33)

Invitation:

  How does someone become a disciple of Christ?

• You must have faith in the risen Christ.
• This faith must cause one to repent (turn from self to Christ), confess (a public announcement of one’s faith), and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (an immersion in water).
• Read Matthew 28:18-20.  “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  NKJV

Call to Action
How does one become a disciple of Jesus? Faith in the risen Christ must lead to repentance, confession, and baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). To become a disciple is to believe in His authority, obey His commands, and follow His example. Will you take up your cross today and follow Him?

Key Takeaways

• A disciple is a learner and imitator of Christ (Luke 6:40; Romans 8:29).

• True disciples abide in Jesus’ word and love one another (John 8:31; 13:34–35).

• Disciples bear good fruit that shows their faith (John 15:8; Galatians 5:22–23).

• Discipleship involves sacrifice, putting Christ above all (Luke 14:26–33).

• To become a disciple, one must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38).

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 28:18–20 – Jesus commands His followers to make disciples.

• Luke 6:40 – A disciple becomes like his teacher.

• Romans 8:29 – God’s purpose is that we be conformed to Christ’s image.

• 2 Corinthians 4:8–11 – A disciple endures hardship for Christ.

• John 8:31; Colossians 3:16 – Disciples abide in the Word of Christ.

• John 13:34–35; 1 John 3:17–19 – Love is the mark of true discipleship.

• John 15:1–8 – Disciples bear much fruit through abiding in Christ.

• Luke 14:25–33; Matthew 10:34–37 – The cost of discipleship is full devotion.

• Luke 9:23–25 – Following Jesus requires self-denial and cross-bearing.

• Acts 2:38 – Repentance and baptism are essential to becoming a disciple.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

September 4, 2011