Many people call themselves Christians, but Jesus never asked for fans—He called disciples. To follow Jesus is more than attending church, agreeing with Christian beliefs, or trying to be a good person. It is a call to surrender, transformation, and a life that looks radically different from the world.
A Call to Leave Everything Behind
When Jesus called His disciples, He simply said, “Follow me.” And they did. They left behind their nets, their livelihood, their plans, and even their own understanding of life’s purpose (Matthew 4:19-20).
Jesus still calls us in the same way. To follow Him means letting go—of sin, self-sufficiency, comfort, and control. It is a daily decision to lay down our will and trust His.
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” — Luke 9:23
A Life of Obedience and Love
Jesus didn’t just call people to believe in Him; He called them to obey Him. “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). True discipleship is marked by obedience—not out of duty, but out of love.
A follower of Jesus prioritizes His words above all else. That means loving enemies (Matthew 5:44), forgiving when it’s hard (Colossians 3:13), and seeking first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). It means trusting Him in uncertainty and standing for truth in a world that rejects it.
A Call to Die—So That We Can Truly Live
To follow Jesus is to lay down your own life. It is to exchange personal ambition for God’s purpose, earthly comfort for eternal reward. The world says life is about self-fulfillment, but Jesus says, “Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).
It sounds extreme—because it is. But in losing ourselves, we gain something far greater: the life we were always meant to live, in step with the One who created us.
A Relationship, Not Religion
Being a follower of Jesus is not about performing religious duties—it is about knowing Him personally. Jesus didn’t just preach; He walked with His disciples, ate with them, wept with them, and taught them what it meant to live by faith. He calls us into that same intimate relationship today.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27
To be His follower is to know His voice, walk in His ways, and trust Him completely. It is a journey of faith, dependence, and transformation—one that leads to true life, joy, and eternity with Him.
Call to Action
Are you truly following Jesus, or are you just going through the motions? Take a moment to evaluate your heart. Ask Him to show you areas where you need to surrender, obey, or trust Him more deeply. Following Jesus is a daily decision—choose to walk with Him today.