³³ So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not [carefully consider the cost and then for My sake] ^[a]give up all his own possessions.

²⁷ Whoever does not carry his own cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow after Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] cannot be My disciple.

³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”

⁸ My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples.

²⁶ “If anyone comes to Me, and does not ^[a]hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God]—he cannot be My disciple.

²⁴ And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the ^[a]sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.

The Truth Will Make You Free

³¹ So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples.