Discipleship in the Gospel of Matthew: Definition, Meaning, and Mission
What is Discipleship?
Discipleship means following, learning from, and becoming like Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, discipleship is not merely intellectual assent or religious participation—it is a way of life.
Matthew presents Jesus as the teacher of a new kingdom reality, and those who follow him become participants in that kingdom.
What does discipleship mean in the Bible?
Biblical discipleship refers to a total reorientation of one’s life around Jesus. In Matthew, to be a disciple is to leave behind old ways, embrace new values, endure challenges, and join in the mission of making more disciples. This post explores what Matthew reveals about the cost, character, and calling of discipleship.
Leave behind old ways (Matthew 4:18-22). Regarding Peter, Andrew, James, and John, we read, “Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”
Embrace new values (Matthew 5-7). Jesus’ teaching from the mount introduces the values of the kingdom of heaven: non-retaliation, humility, love for enemies, secret generosity, and prayerfulness.
Endure challenges (Matthew 10:16-22) “You will be hated by all because of my name,” Jesus said. Discipleship will include enduring hardship, rejection, and even family division.
Join in the mission of making more disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The culmination of discipleship is replication - inviting others into the same path of following Jesus.
The Calling of Levi, painted by Caravaggio, is one of my favorite paintings. Jesus calls him forth from the shadows into the light.
What Is Discipleship According to Matthew?
Matthew’s Gospel shows that discipleship begins with a call and continues with obedience. Jesus does not just invite belief; he demands allegiance (Matthew 4:19). The word "disciple" (Greek: mathetes) appears more in Matthew than in any other Gospel—indicating its importance.
Discipleship in Matthew involves:
Following Jesus personally (Matt. 4:19)
Learning Jesus’ teachings (Matt. 5–7)
Embracing a kingdom ethic (Matt. 5:3–12)
Participating in Jesus’ mission (Matt. 10:1–8)
Persevering in hardship (Matt. 16:24–26)
Making other disciples (Matt. 28:19–20)
This is what biblical discipleship looks like: life under the reign of Christ.
Jesus Calls His First Disciples (Matthew 4:18–22)
Jesus begins his public ministry by calling ordinary people—fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John. His words are simple but life-altering: “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Their immediate response—leaving nets and boats—highlights the radical nature of discipleship.
Matthew shows us that discipleship starts not with achievement but with willingness. Jesus doesn't call the qualified; he qualifies the called. From the beginning, following Jesus means prioritizing him over vocation, family, and security.
The Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 8:18–22)
Matthew introduces the theme of the cost of discipleship early. When a scribe volunteers to follow Jesus, Jesus replies, “Foxes have holes… but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another wants to delay following until after burying his father, but Jesus tells him to come now.
These stories reveal that discipleship cannot be postponed or made convenient. Jesus demands first allegiance. Discipleship is costly because it requires reordering every priority in light of God’s kingdom. Luke would also pick up this idea in Luke 9, with the cost of discipleship that comes with urgency.
What Jesus Taught His Disciples: Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)
Jesus’ most famous block of teaching—the Sermon on the Mount—is the ethical blueprint for disciples. It begins with the Beatitudes, painting a picture of kingdom citizens: poor in spirit, merciful, pure in heart, peacemaking.
Jesus teaches about:
Integrity in speech and action
Love for enemies
Humility in prayer and fasting
Generosity and trust in God
Read: The Sermon on the Mount vs. The Sermon on the Plain: A Comparison
Making Disciples: The Mission and the Great Commission (Matthew 10 & 28)
In chapter 10, Jesus sends out the twelve with authority to heal, teach, and proclaim the kingdom. They are not just followers—they are ambassadors. This continues until the final verses of the Gospel:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
How do you make disciples? You proclaim Christ, baptize believers, and teach obedience. It is a lifelong process rooted in the presence of Jesus—"I am with you always."
Taking Up Your Cross: A Hard Call (Matthew 16:24–26)
Jesus makes clear that discipleship is not about personal comfort. “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” This is a call to radical surrender. Following Jesus may involve rejection, suffering, or even death.
But the paradox is this: “Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” In the economy of the kingdom, sacrifice leads to life.
Forgiveness, Humility, and Accountability (Matthew 18)
Matthew 18 contains some of the most relational teachings on discipleship. Jesus instructs his followers to become like children—humble, dependent, trusting. He tells parables about forgiving others repeatedly (even 77 times), and gives instructions on church discipline and reconciliation.
Discipleship is not a solo journey—it’s lived in community, where grace and truth must coexist.
FAQ: Discipleship in Matthew
What is discipleship?
Discipleship means following Jesus, learning his teachings, and living them out in everyday life.
What does discipleship mean in the Bible?
It is the process of becoming more like Christ through obedience, community, and mission.
What is the cost of discipleship?
According to Matthew, discipleship requires sacrifice—possibly of comfort, reputation, or even life—but promises eternal reward.
How do you make disciples?
Jesus says we make disciples by going, baptizing, and teaching others to obey everything he commanded (Matthew 28:19–20).
What is biblical discipleship?
Biblical discipleship is a holistic journey of following Jesus with our whole lives and helping others do the same.
