How to Follow Jesus
Today we will talk about how to follow Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Following Jesus is not just about attending church or saying a few prayers. It’s a profound commitment to a way of life modeled after His teachings and His example. To follow Him means to embrace His principles and strive to live as He did—serving others, seeking truth, showing kindness, and loving God above all. In this journey, we will explore the meanings and historical views related to following Jesus. We will examine the teachings of Jesus and what specific steps we can take to walk in His footsteps. Let’s get started on this enlightening path together.
Understanding Discipleship
To truly follow Jesus, we must first understand what it means to be a disciple. The term “disciple” comes from the Latin word “discipulus,” meaning “student” or “learner.” In the New Testament, the Greek word for disciple is “mathetes,” which signifies someone who not only learns from a teacher but also follows their lifestyle. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to imitate Him in our daily lives. This means not just adhering to His teachings but also embodying His love and grace. Jesus made it clear that being a disciple involves taking up our crosses daily (Luke 9:23) and choosing to follow Him wherever He leads.
The historical perspective shows that during the time of Jesus, a disciple would often closely walk beside their teacher, learning by example. This meant that they weren’t simply absorbing theoretical knowledge. They were living out their faith in practical and tangible ways. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus said, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” This invitation is not merely a call to join a movement but to actively engage in sharing the Good News with others.
Being a disciple also involves a personal relationship with Jesus. John 15:15 teaches that Jesus calls us friends, indicating a close bond that allows us to communicate openly and intimately with Him. This relationship invites us to rely on Him for guidance and support. The more we cultivate this connection—through prayer, reading scripture, and community—the better equipped we will be to walk in His ways.
Furthermore, as followers of Christ, we must assess our commitment level continually. In the Bible, Jesus emphasized the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:28). By counting the cost, we reflect on our priorities and ensure that our first allegiance lies with Him.
Ultimately, following Jesus as His disciple is a lifelong journey filled with growth, challenges, and opportunities for joy and service. As we learn to navigate our lives according to His teachings, we shine as lights in a world that needs His guidance and love.
Embracing the Teachings of Jesus
The teachings of Jesus provide us with a roadmap for following Him effectively. These teachings center around love, compassion, forgiveness, and service. One of the most famous sermons, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), gives us deep insights into how we ought to treat others and ourselves. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus calls us the light of the world, which means our actions should reflect His nature, bringing hope and guidance to those around us.
Central to Jesus’ teachings is the commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). This is not just a suggestion but a calling for us to actively practice love in our relationships—family, friends, and even strangers. Love becomes a primary lens through which we see every interaction. This act of loving others requires our willingness to forgive, just as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Each day we might face situations where showing love and grace can prove challenging, but we are reminded that we can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13).
In addition to love, Jesus taught the importance of serving others. Matthew 20:28 reminds us that “even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” This is a fundamental quality we should adopt in our lives. True followers of Jesus seek to help those in need, volunteer our time, and generously give to those less fortunate (Galatians 6:2). Service can take many forms from simple acts of kindness to more substantial commitments to social justice.
Jesus also encouraged us to embody humility. In Matthew 23:12, He says, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” This counters the world’s emphasis on self-promotion and pride, instead inviting us to find our value in Him. We must examine our attitudes and strive for a heart that views others as more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).
Additionally, following Jesus means embracing His teachings on prayer. Jesus modeled the importance of prayer consistently throughout His ministry—whether it was in solitude (Luke 5:16) or gathered with others (Matthew 18:20). He shows us that prayer is an opportunity for communion with the Father. It’s an avenue where we can express our needs, seek guidance, and pour out our hearts. In Matthew 6:6, He reminds us to pray in our secret place, indicating a personal connection over public display.
As we embrace the teachings of Jesus, we also commit to living them out daily. This commitment requires effort, accountability, and the grace that God provides. When we remember to embody love, service, humility, and prayer, we take significant steps toward faithfully following Jesus.
Living Out Faith through Action
Following Jesus goes beyond understanding His teachings; it requires us to live out our faith through action. James 2:17 states, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” This verse encapsulates what it means to put our beliefs into practice. It is easy to say we believe in Jesus, but how do our lives reflect that commitment? A genuine faith is one that is evident in the way we conduct ourselves and how we interact with others.
One vital way to live our faith is through acts of kindness. Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the fruits of the Spirit, including kindness and goodness, which should flow from our relationship with Jesus. These qualities should be seen in our conversations, in how we respond to difficulties, and in our engagement within our communities. A simple smile or a helping hand can make a substantial difference in someone’s day.
Furthermore, serving others is a tangible way to express our faith. Acts 20:35 states, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This principle encourages us to consider how we can contribute to the well-being of those around us. Whether through volunteering at local shelters, donating to those in need, or simply giving our time to listen to someone who is struggling, these actions reflect Christ’s love in us.
Another way to live out our faith is through sharing the Gospel. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 encourages us to go into all the world and make disciples. This doesn’t solely apply to pastors or missionaries; it’s a calling for all believers. We are to share the joy and hope we have in Christ with our friends, family, and anyone who crosses our path. It can feel daunting, but we can trust that the Holy Spirit empowers us to boldly declare His goodness.
Moreover, living out our faith involves standing for truth and justice. Micah 6:8 reminds us that we are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. As followers of Jesus, advocating for the marginalized and voicing the truth in love becomes a part of our testimony. Being the salt and light means offering a refreshing perspective to the difficult challenges some face.
Lastly, accountability within community plays a crucial role in living out our faith. Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Being in fellowship with other believers helps us grow and encourages us to stay faithful through the ups and downs. Surrounding ourselves with those who hold us accountable and uplift us helps us remain steadfast in our journey.
In summary, to truly follow Jesus is to live out our faith through various actions—kindness, service, the sharing of the Gospel, standing for truth, and engaging with a community. These actions embody our love for Him and reflect the heart of what it means to be His follower.
Final Thoughts
Following Jesus is more than an idea; it’s a way of life. We’ve covered the importance of being His disciples, embracing His teachings, and living out our faith through tangible actions. As we embark on this journey, it’s essential to recognize that this is not a one-time decision but a continuous commitment to grow closer to Him and reflect His light in the world around us.
Each day presents new opportunities to practice love, extend kindness, serve others, and share the good news of Jesus Christ. By nurturing our relationship with Him and learning from His example, we can navigate the complexities of life with faith and purpose. Remember, we’re not meant to walk this path alone. We have the support of our communities and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us along the way.
In essence, following Jesus anchors us in truth, hope, and love. Let’s continue to seek Him earnestly, reflect His character in our lives, and inspire others toward His light as we journey on this beautiful path together.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4