DISCIPLE

Part 1: From the Crowd to the Cross

August 3, 2025

 

Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV) 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

 

Luke 14:25–27 (NIV) Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.’

You Know You’re in the Crowd if…

 

• You’re moved by , not .

 

Luke 9:62 (NIV) No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.

 

Proverbs 24:10 (NIV) If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!

• You admire but ignore .

 

John 6:2 (NIV) A great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick.

 

John 6:66 (NIV) From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

• You want Jesus to , but not .

 

Luke 6:46 (NIV) Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

• You’re to Jesus , but from him .

 

Matthew 15:8 (NIV) These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

 

2 Timothy 3:5 (NIV) Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

• You love the , but not the .

 

Matthew 13:20–21 (NIV) The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

What Following Jesus Really Looks Like

 

Luke 14:16–24 (NIV) Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ The servant came back and reported this to his master… Then the owner said, ‘Go out quickly… bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame… so that my house will be full.’”

 

Luke 9:23 (NIV) Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

1. Leave what’s .

 

Matthew 4:20 (NIV) At once they left their nets and followed him.

2. Be formed by .

 

John 8:31 (NIV) If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

 

Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

 

Luke 6:40 (NIV) The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

3. Let Jesus define .

 

Luke 9:23 (NIV) Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves…

 

Colossians 3:3 (NIV) For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

4. Live and to Him.

 

John 20:21 (NIV) As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.

 

1 John 2:6 (NIV) Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

 

Matthew 5:16 (NIV) Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

5. Stay when it .

 

John 6:67–68 (NIV) ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’

 

Matthew 4:19 (AMP) And He said to them, “Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.”