As we journey through John's Gospel, we encounter Jesus's simple yet profound invitation: "Follow me." Today, we'll explore what it truly means to follow Jesus in a culture where the word "Christian" is often divorced from its biblical meaning of discipleship.
John 1:43 "The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, 'Follow me.'"
Two simple words: "Follow me." Yet within these words lies the entirety of what it means to be a Christian. Jesus never asked anyone to pray a prayer, sign on a dotted line, or simply add Him to their existing lifestyle. He called them to follow Him.
The term "Christian" only appears three times in the New Testament, but "disciple" appears 268 times. Why? Because it accurately conveys the expectations and assumptions of someone who belongs to Jesus. In Acts, believers weren't initially called Christians—they were "those belonging to the Way."
What does it mean to follow Jesus? First, it means to believe and receive Jesus and His word. Faith comes by hearing and responding to God's word (Rom 10:17). But it goes deeper—much deeper.
To follow Jesus means to abide in Him. The word "abide" ÎĽÎνω (menĹŤ) appears 42 times in John's Gospel. Following Jesus isn't a momentary decision; it's a continuous belief and sustained relationship. True disciples don't merely make a profession and then leave; they remain rooted in Christ.
Do you hear your Shepherd's voice? Jesus says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). This isn't a once-upon-a-time experience; it's a daily dependence on the voice of our Shepherd.
A true follower of Christ bears the fruit of righteousness. Jesus is clear: "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples" (John 15:8). You're not saved by your fruit, but wherever the root of salvation has taken place, it will manifest in the fruit of righteousness.
Perhaps most challenging: following Jesus means abandoning your life. "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal" (John 12:25). When Jesus called His first disciples, they immediately left their nets—their security, income, and identity—to follow Him.
Have you ever left anything to follow Jesus?
The gospel is indeed a free gift—amen!—but it will cost you everything. And in losing your life, Jesus says you gain everything in Christ.
1. What does Jesus's call to "follow me" mean in your daily life?
2. In what ways are you currently "abiding" in Christ? How could this relationship deepen?
3. Have you ever left anything to follow Jesus? What might He be asking you to leave behind now?
Stay dialed in,
Jonny Ardavanis
