Following Jesus is not a part-time commitment. It’s a wholehearted decision that calls us to surrender everything—our plans, possessions, comfort, and even our identity.
The words give up everything and follow me echo the radical invitation Jesus extended to His disciples. It’s a message that still challenges us today.
When Jesus said those words, He wasn’t just calling people to a different lifestyle—He was inviting them into a deeper relationship with Him, one built on trust, love, and sacrifice. This kind of surrender isn’t easy, but the Bible reminds us that it leads to eternal reward, joy, and true freedom.
Whether you’re considering what it means to follow Christ or looking to renew your commitment, these 35 Bible verses will help you understand what it means to give up everything and follow Him.
1. Luke 14:33
In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Explanation:
Jesus clearly states that true discipleship requires full surrender. Nothing can come before Him.
2. Matthew 4:19-20
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Explanation:
The first disciples left their livelihood immediately. This shows the urgency and totality of their response to Jesus’ call.
3. Mark 10:21
“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Explanation:
Jesus speaks to the rich young ruler, pointing out that material possessions can hold us back from fully following Him.
4. Philippians 3:8
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…
Explanation:
Paul shows that knowing Jesus is worth more than anything else—everything else fades in comparison.
5. Luke 9:23
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Explanation:
Following Jesus is a daily decision to lay down our own desires and walk in His footsteps.
6. Matthew 10:38-39
Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me…
Explanation:
Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat discipleship—it requires death to self and total devotion.
7. John 12:25-26
Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Explanation:
Jesus calls us to prioritize eternal values over worldly ones. Letting go leads to everlasting life.
8. Matthew 16:24
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Explanation:
Jesus repeats this message, underlining the importance of self-denial in following Him.
9. Mark 1:18
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Explanation:
The disciples didn’t hesitate. Following Jesus meant immediate and complete obedience.
10. Luke 5:1
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Explanation:
This verse emphasizes the total nature of their decision—nothing was held back.
11. Matthew 19:29
Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters…for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
Explanation:
Jesus promises reward for those who make sacrifices to follow Him.
12. Luke 18:22
You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor…
Explanation:
Jesus knew the man’s heart. Surrendering what we value most is key to truly following Christ.
13. 2 Corinthians 5:15
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them.
Explanation:
We live not for our own desires, but for the One who gave His life for us.
14. Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…
Explanation:
This verse highlights the transformation that occurs when we fully follow Jesus.
15. Romans 12:1
Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God…
Explanation:
Our entire lives—body, mind, and heart—are to be surrendered to God in worship.
16. Hebrews 11:24-26
By faith Moses…chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
Explanation:
Moses gave up royal comfort to follow God’s call—a powerful example of sacrifice.
17. Acts 20:24
I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.
Explanation:
Paul lived with one goal: to follow Christ and fulfill his calling, no matter the cost.
18. Luke 5:28
And Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
Explanation:
Levi (Matthew) left his job and wealth to follow Jesus. His transformation began with surrender.
19. 1 Kings 19:21
Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
Explanation:
Elisha left his livelihood to follow God’s prophet, modeling what it means to answer God’s call.
20. Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Explanation:
When we put God first, everything else falls into place. It starts with surrender.
21. Colossians 3:2-3
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ…
Explanation:
Following Jesus shifts our focus from temporary goals to eternal truth.
22. Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
Explanation:
This verse expresses the heart of true discipleship—desiring God above all else.
23. Luke 12:15
Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.
Explanation:
We’re reminded not to be defined by what we own but by our relationship with God.
24. James 4:4
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
Explanation:
There’s a clear call to separation from worldly attachments if we want to follow God.
25. Revelation 3:20
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock…
Explanation:
Jesus invites us to open every part of our life to Him, requiring full surrender.
26. 1 Timothy 6:6-7
Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world…
Explanation:
True wealth isn’t found in stuff—it’s found in living for God.
27. Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts…
Explanation:
Following God means turning away from sin and embracing His mercy and ways.
28. Matthew 7:13-14
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life…
Explanation:
The path of true discipleship is challenging but leads to eternal reward.
29. 1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world…
Explanation:
Love for the world pulls us away from following Jesus fully.
30. Acts 2:44-45
They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Explanation:
The early church lived lives of radical generosity and sacrifice for each other.
31. Genesis 12:1
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household…”
Explanation:
Abraham left everything familiar to follow God’s promise—an early model of surrender.
32. Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field…
Explanation:
The value of God’s kingdom is worth giving up everything to gain it.
33. Matthew 13:46
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had…
Explanation:
Jesus shows that eternal things are worth any sacrifice we make here.
34. Hebrews 10:34
You joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
Explanation:
Early Christians willingly gave up earthly things because of their heavenly hope.
35. Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Explanation:
Whatever we give up here is nothing compared to the eternal joy ahead.
Conclusion
Giving up everything to follow Jesus isn’t just a spiritual idea—it’s a real, life-changing choice that calls us to let go of what we hold dear and trust God with everything. It may feel risky, but the Bible shows us over and over that the reward is greater than the cost.
When we give up everything, we gain Christ—and in Him, we gain everything that truly matters.
Which of these verses spoke to your heart?
We’d love to hear how you’ve experienced surrender and what it means to you to follow Jesus. Share your favorite verses or personal story in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another in the journey of wholehearted discipleship.