What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? To be one of His disciples?

Jesus Himself gave us the answer to this question in Luke 14:33.

“. . . those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”

He affirmed this same truth in another way in Mark 8:34-35.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
for whoever wants to save their live will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

This last passage is particularly significant because it implies that loyalty to Jesus is irrevocably linked to loyalty to His cause. Jesus came so that lost people could find eternal life. As he ascended into heaven he entrusted that great cause to His followers. Loyalty to Jesus implies loyalty to the Great Commission and the cause of the gospel.