What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus
Today, we will talk about what it means to follow Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. Following Jesus is more than attending church on Sundays or reading the Bible occasionally; it is a lifestyle choice, an everyday decision to align our lives with His teachings. In this journey, we discover faith, hope, love, and the transformative power of Christ in our lives. Let’s take a moment to meditate on God’s Word as we uncover the depths of this call to discipleship. Following Jesus means we accept His invitation to be His learners, to seek understanding, and to embrace His love and wisdom. Through studying scripture, understanding its meanings, and applying it to our daily lives, we will learn how to genuinely follow Him and embody His teachings in all we do.
The Call of Discipleship
When we speak of following Jesus, we must first understand what it means to be a disciple. The word “disciple” in Greek is “mathetes,” which means “learner” or “follower.” This definition emphasizes that being a disciple is not simply about agreeing with Jesus’ teachings but actively seeking to conform our lives to His example. Jesus explicitly invites us to follow Him in Matthew 4:19 when He says, “Come, follow me,” to the fishermen Simon Peter and his brother Andrew. This invitation is not limited to those who walked with Him two thousand years ago but extends to us today.
In ancient Israel, following a rabbi or teacher meant more than learning from them; it involved imitating their lifestyle, values, and beliefs. Christ’s call is an invitation to learn from Him, not just in a physical sense but in every aspect of our lives. John 15:5 captures the essence of our relationship with Jesus when He states, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” This imagery shows that our life and growth come from staying connected to Him and His teachings.
Moreover, following Jesus involves making a conscious decision to put Him first in our lives. Luke 9:23 tells us, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This verse encourages us to prioritize Jesus, even when it means sacrificing our own desires and ambitions. When we embrace this challenge, we learn to trust God more fully and experience the peace that comes from living in accordance with His will.
Our hearts and minds must be in alignment with His when we choose to engage in a personal relationship with Him. Romans 12:2 supports this notion: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” To truly follow Jesus means that we shift our focus from worldly understandings and outcomes to the wisdom and guidance He provides through Scripture. This transformation often involves stepping outside our comfort zones and seeking to become more loving, patient, and forgiving, embodying Jesus’ character and teachings.
The Path of Obedience
Following Jesus is also about obedience. Jesus emphasized the importance of obedience in John 14:15 when He says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Obedience to Christ is an expression of our love for Him. When we choose to obey, we demonstrate our faith and trust in His sovereign plan for our lives. This can sometimes be challenging, especially when Jesus’ teachings go against societal norms or our personal desires.
To understand what obedience looks like, we need to look to the teachings of Jesus. He provided us with guidance in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Here, Jesus lays out the foundational principles of a life devoted to Him. His commands to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44) or to not worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34) show a radical shift from our natural inclinations and societal pressures. By living out these principles, we exhibit the character of Christ in our everyday interactions and relationships.
In 1 John 2:3-6, the apostle John provides an assurance for those who obey the words of Jesus: “And by this, we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says, ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.” This healthy challenge motivates us to reflect on our actions and decisions, ensuring we align them with Jesus’ teachings on love, humility, and service.
Obedience also requires the help of the Holy Spirit. In John 14:26, Jesus promises the Spirit to teach us all things and bring to our remembrance everything He has said. Through prayer and guidance from the Spirit, we can learn to distinguish between our desires and God’s will for our lives. This ongoing relationship develops as we lean into God’s presence and seek His wisdom through Scripture and prayer. Therefore, we can confidently progress in our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.
The Desire to Serve and Love Others
Following Jesus also means embracing a heart of service and love. In His life, Jesus led by example. He washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:1-17), demonstrating the humility and servant-heartedness that should characterize His followers. Serving others is not merely an act; it’s an attitude we must adopt in our daily lives. Jesus calls us to love and serve everyone, not just those who love us back (Matthew 5:46). We are challenged to extend our love even to those who may be difficult to love, finding ways to be the hands and feet of Christ in every interaction.
Galatians 5:13-14 encourages us to serve one another in love. “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” This command highlights that love must be the foundation for all our actions and interactions. We are invited to be active participants in the lives of those around us, speaking words of encouragement, providing support in times of need, and extending kindness to everyone we meet.
Furthermore, true service is accompanied by the act of compassion, reflecting the heart of our Savior. In Mark 10:45, Jesus asserts, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody this servant-leadership in our communities and beyond. Through our acts of service, whether big or small, we testify to the love and grace of God, showing that our lives are transformed because we follow Him.
As we engage in service, it’s essential to remember the importance of humility. Philippians 2:3-4 urges us, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” When we genuinely seek to meet the needs of those around us, we reflect the essence of following Jesus and build a compelling witness to the world of His love and grace.
Walking in Faith and Trust
Following Jesus also entails a life of faith. Faith is more than believing in Jesus’ existence; it’s a deep trust in His character, promises, and plans for our lives. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” As we embark on this journey of following Him, we may encounter uncertainties and challenges. At such times, our willingness to walk by faith instead of sight becomes critical.
In Mark 11:22-24, Jesus encourages His followers to have faith in God, assuring us that moving mountains is possible through genuine prayer and trust. When we place our faith in Him, we acknowledge that He is sovereign and capable of working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). This may not mean that our circumstances will always improve, but it does assure us of His presence and guidance, even in life’s storms.
To cultivate faith, it’s vital that we immerse ourselves in Scripture and engage in prayer. Romans 10:17 emphasizes, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” As we regularly open our hearts to God’s Word, we develop a deeper understanding of His promises and learn to trust Him more fully. Building a life of prayer enables us to express our concerns, fears, and gratitude, fostering a close relationship with Him.
The journey of faith also calls us to take action. James 2:17 reminds us, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Our faith should drive us to respond actively to God’s commands, serve others, and share the gospel. Each step we take in faith demonstrates our commitment to following Jesus, showcasing His love and power in our lives.
The Power of Community
No one is called to follow Jesus alone. God designed us for community, and as believers, we are encouraged to gather, learn, and grow together. In Acts 2:42-47, we see the early church devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer as they shared their lives and resources. Following Jesus involves participation in a body of believers where we can support one another spiritually, emotionally, and practically. This unity embodies Christ’s love and strengthens our faith.
Being part of a community helps us grow in understanding and applying biblical truths. Ephesians 4:11-13 explains that God gives us spiritual leaders for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the body of Christ. Engaging in Bible studies, small groups, or church functions allows us to build genuine relationships, learn from one another, and hold each other accountable in our walks of faith. We challenge and encourage one another to follow Jesus in more profound and authentic ways.
It’s also essential to remember that healthy communities prioritize love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Ephesians 4:32 calls us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” When we stumble or offend, it is crucial to uphold grace and love toward each other to maintain unity and demonstrate the heart of Christ. Following Jesus in community means we bear one another’s burdens and rejoice together, fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Finally, being part of a community means collectively witnessing the love of Christ to the world. Matthew 5:16 states, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Together, we can impact our neighborhoods, cities, and even the world by living out our faith and serving others in Christ’s name. Following Jesus is a journey best undertaken together, as we reflect His love and grace to all.
Final Thoughts
In summary, following Jesus is about accepting His invitation into a relationship with Him. It involves learning from Him, being obedient to His teachings, and embracing a heart of service and love. More than a single decision, it is a lifelong commitment characterized by faith and trust, which grows through fellowship with other believers. As we strive to emulate Christ’s character in our daily lives, we become vessels of His love and grace to the world around us.
While it may not always be easy, the journey of following Jesus offers peace, joy, and fulfillment that surpasses worldly understanding. We are continually reminded by Jesus that He is with us through the ups and downs of life. As we deepen our relationship with Him and nurture our faith, we can look forward to a future filled with hope, purpose, and the promise of eternal life.
Together, we can support one another in our efforts to follow Jesus, demonstrating the love of Christ in everything we do. We can learn from each other, walk in obedience, and serve those around us, all in the name of Jesus. As we continue to walk this path, we are transformed and become more like Him, living testimonies of His power and grace.
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