The call to give up everything and follow Me is one of the most radical—and beautiful—statements Jesus ever made. It challenges our priorities, reshapes our values, and calls us into a deeper relationship with Him. This isn’t about giving up joy, identity, or purpose—it’s about giving up what holds us back from the life God designed for us.
When Jesus calls us to follow Him, He doesn’t ask for part of us. He asks for everything—our heart, plans, dreams, and even our comforts. It can be a tough journey, but Scripture shows us again and again: the reward of knowing Christ far outweighs the cost.
In this post, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses that reflect the spirit of give up everything and follow Me. Each verse invites us to take a step closer to full devotion.
Why Total Surrender Matters
- It puts Jesus first—above possessions, relationships, and ambitions.
- It frees us from relying on worldly security.
- It leads to a deeper, more intimate walk with Christ.
- It transforms our purpose and fills our life with eternal meaning.
15 Bible Verses About Giving Up Everything to Follow Jesus
1. Luke 18:22
When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
Explanation:
Jesus told the rich young ruler that eternal life wasn’t about keeping rules—it was about surrender. His possessions had become his obstacle, and Jesus lovingly invited him to give it all up for something better.
2. Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Explanation:
Following Jesus means dying to self—our ego, our comfort, our way—and walking in obedience, even when it’s hard.
3. Matthew 19:29
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters… for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.
Explanation:
Jesus acknowledges the cost of discipleship. But He also promises that what we gain in return—spiritually and eternally—is far greater.
4. Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ… I count them as rubbish so that I may gain Christ.
Explanation:
Paul gave up status, success, and everything he once valued for the sake of knowing Jesus. To him, it was no loss—just gain.
5. Luke 9:23
If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Explanation:
Following Jesus is a daily decision. Every day is a new invitation to surrender and trust Him with our lives.
6. Mark 10:21
Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess… then come, follow Me.”
Explanation:
Jesus’ call is never harsh—it’s rooted in love. He sees what’s keeping us from Him and lovingly invites us to let it go.
7. Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you… to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God…
Explanation:
True worship isn’t just singing songs—it’s surrendering our lives to God in every area, every day.
8. Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…
Explanation:
Following Jesus means our old life dies, and a new life—centered on Him—begins. It’s transformation from the inside out.
9. Matthew 10:37-39
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me… and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.
Explanation:
Jesus isn’t asking us to hate our loved ones—but He must come first. Only when we surrender our lives can we truly find them.
10. Luke 14:26-27
If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife… even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.
Explanation:
This bold verse reminds us that Jesus requires complete allegiance. Nothing and no one should compete with Him for first place.
11. Luke 5:11
When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.
Explanation:
This describes the disciples’ first step of obedience. They left their livelihoods behind to walk with Jesus into the unknown.
12. Luke 14:33
So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.
Explanation:
This isn’t about legalism—it’s about heart posture. Is Jesus more valuable to us than what we own?
13. John 12:25
The one who loves his life loses it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life.
Explanation:
To follow Jesus is to value eternity over the temporary. It’s letting go of control and trusting Him with everything.
14. Hebrews 11:24-26
By faith Moses… chose to endure ill-treatment with the people of God rather than enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin…
Explanation:
Moses gave up palace life for a greater calling. His story reminds us that sacrifice leads to a legacy of faith.
15. Acts 20:24
But I do not consider my life of any account… so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus…
Explanation:
Paul’s only focus was finishing the work Jesus gave him. Everything else was secondary. That’s the heart of true surrender.
Final Thoughts: A Life Worth Following
Give up everything and follow Me isn’t just a verse—it’s a lifestyle. It’s not about losing—it’s about gaining something far more valuable: Jesus Himself. These Scriptures remind us that surrender is not about lack but about abundance in Christ.
When we follow Him with our whole hearts, we find true freedom, peace, and purpose.
Let’s Reflect and Respond
Have you ever been asked by God to let go of something dear to follow Him more closely?
What helped you take that step?
Share your story, favorite verse, or testimony in the comments. Let’s encourage one another to keep saying “yes” to Jesus.