In this blog post, we’ll explore a question that strikes at the core of what it means to follow Jesus: Will discipleship be easy? Many of us might wish for a simple, comfortable path when we first consider following Christ. But is that what Scripture promises? Let’s dive into what the Bible and other sources reveal about the reality of Christian discipleship—specifically, the serious cost it demands.
Defining Discipleship: The Foundation
Before we can assess the cost of discipleship, we need to define what it is. The word “disciple” and its variations appear over 250 times in the New Testament, underscoring its centrality to the Christian faith. The term “Christian” was originally used to describe disciples—those who followed Jesus.
So, what is a disciple? At its core, it’s a follower of Jesus in a teacher-disciple relationship. It involves “being on the way” with Him, as Scripture often describes it. But it’s more than a title; it’s a way of life.
Early Christians understood discipleship as their very existence—confessing Jesus as Lord, believing in His resurrection, and submitting to His sovereignty. Some would call this a “gracious summons” to enter His kingdom and glory, requiring not just words or debate, but a single act of surrender and ongoing obedience. There’s no menu of Christian lifestyles to pick from; there’s only one Jesus Christ, and we’re called to imitate Him in every circumstance.
Here’s the specific definition I use for a disciple, beyond the literal idea of one who follows:
- One who has faith to intentionally place believing trust and loyalty in Jesus Christ as the Messiah.
- One who is taking intentional and focused daily action to see the fruit of transformation to be more like Christ.
- One who is taking intentional and purposeful action to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And for discipleship, I define it as:
- One who is first a disciple of Jesus Christ, and second, is seeking replication of disciples. This is done through:
- Daily prayer of relationship building and petition
- Deep study of scripture
- Engaging in community by encouraging one another in the faith, challenging one another to grow in spiritual maturity, and holding one another accountable to the collective calling of the Great Commission and the individual assignments we each carry
- Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in such a way that it’s inviting and conveying good news
These are my current definitions. I say “current” because we can’t hold too tightly to how we define things. The Holy Spirit may bring revelation that forces us to adapt, and we shouldn’t fear change—it’s part of growing in spiritual maturity.
Counting the Cost: Jesus’ Clear Warning
Does Jesus promise an easy path? Let’s turn to His own words. In Luke 14:28-33, He challenges us with two parables:
“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? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:28-33).
Jesus ties these images directly to discipleship, stating, “any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). That’s a high bar—forsaking everything.
He reinforces this in Matthew 16:25-26 (paralleled in Mark 8:35 and Luke 9:24):
“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25-26).
What does this mean? It’s not primarily about eternal salvation—Jesus was speaking to believers like Peter, already saved. Here, “save” refers to preserving your physical life from harm or risk. Cling to safety and comfort, avoiding sacrifice for Christ, and you’ll lose the true life of reward and purpose He offers. Surrender your life for Him, and you’ll find it in the deepest sense.
Then comes the piercing question: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Nothing—no wealth, approval, or possession—matches the value of a life fully given to Christ. There’s nothing you can trade for it.
The Demands of Discipleship: What It Takes
Jesus doesn’t leave us guessing about this cost. In Mark 8:34, He says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Let’s break this down.
Deny Himself: Surrendering Your Will
First, “deny ourselves” isn’t about small sacrifices like skipping a latte. It’s far deeper—setting aside your agenda, plans, and desires to embrace God’s will. It’s shifting from living for yourself to living for Him.
Take Jesus as our example: In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Even in anguish, He surrendered to the Father’s plan. That’s denying oneself—saying “yes” to God, even when it’s hard.
Today, this might mean choosing a job that serves others over one offering wealth, because you sense God’s leading. It’s a daily wrestle, often fought in prayer, asking: What does God want for me in this moment?
Reflective Question: What personal desires or plans might you need to lay down to align more fully with God’s will?
Take Up His Cross: Embracing Suffering and Sacrifice
Next, “take up our cross” carries weight. In Jesus’ day, the cross was an execution tool—public, agonizing, final. For us, it means being willing to face suffering, rejection, or even death for Christ’s sake.
This isn’t about seeking hardship, but accepting it when faith demands it. In some places, believers face imprisonment or death. Here, it might mean losing friends or opportunities for standing on biblical truth.
Jim Elliot, a missionary killed sharing the gospel, wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” That’s the mindset—seeing beyond temporary cost to eternal gain. Luke 9:23 calls this a daily choice, not a one-time act.
Reflective Question: Where might God be asking you to take up your cross today—perhaps in a tough decision or bold stand?
Follow Me: A Lifelong Journey of Obedience
Finally, “Follow Me” brings discipleship to life. It’s not just agreeing with Jesus—it’s walking where He walks, living as He lived, obeying daily. It’s active, not passive.
This means loving the unlovable, forgiving the unforgivable, serving the overlooked. It’s a group journey too—the first disciples followed together, and we need friends and a church to spur us on.
Practically, it might look like praying despite a packed schedule or sharing your faith awkwardly. It’s a marathon that transforms us into His likeness over time.
Reflective Question: What’s one step you can take today to actively follow Jesus?
These demands—denying yourself, taking up your cross, following Jesus—ask for everything: your will, comfort, life. But Jesus walked this road first, and in His surrender, we find real, abundant, eternal life.
The Hard Road: Why Discipleship Isn’t Easy
With such demands, discipleship is tough. It’s a transformation from our old selves into who God created us to be.
Think of a sculptor chiseling a masterpiece. God chips away at our anger, pride, lies, and hidden sins—habits we cling to when hurting or tired. It’s painful, with no pause button. We’re either moving toward God or drifting away.
This unfolds in a hostile world that rejects its Creator. Living God’s values clashes with a culture prizing self-interest and comfort. Suffering marks discipleship—rejection, ridicule, even family division, just as Jesus experienced.
Following Him might cost relationships or bring shame. Mark 8:38 warns: if we’re ashamed of Him now, He’ll be ashamed of us later. It’s a lifetime marathon of surrender.
Grace and the Reasonableness of the Cost
Is this burden too heavy? Grace changes everything. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in The Cost of Discipleship, sought to recover true grace—not rules. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, not earned. Yet discipleship flows from that grace, and its cost is reasonable.
Why? Jesus paid the ultimate price, giving His life as a ransom (Mark 10:45). Forsaking all—possessions, safety, will—makes sense in light of that gift.
And there’s a promise: losing our lives now gains treasure—a new family in Christ, a hundredfold return (Mark 10:29-30), and eternal rewards. Suffering pales beside the honor awaiting us, as Jesus’ humility led to exaltation.
Conclusion
So, will discipleship be easy? No. Scripture confirms it’s a path of denial, cross-bearing, suffering, and surrender.
God’s chisel shapes us through trials in a resistant world. It’s tough—not the lie that faith simplifies everything.
Yet this is Jesus’ path, transformative and molding us anew. The cost is steep—potentially everything—but reasonable given the grace behind it and the reward ahead.
I challenge you: count the cost. Embrace the cross daily. Trust that what you gain in Christ far outweighs what you lose.
What are your thoughts on the cost of discipleship? Have you experienced its challenges and rewards? Share your experiences in the comments below, and subscribe to our blog for more insights on faith and discipleship.