What does it mean to follow Jesus?

Following Jesus Begins with understanding the culture of His day.

“Come, follow me and I will make you to become fisher of men.” - Matt. 4:19

Come, and “BE AS I AM”

“And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him” – Rev.17:14b

Matt. 28:19-20

Discipleship was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry.

“Go into the World and make disciples, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all things which I have commanded you; and l will be with you always.”

Key phrase: “Make disciples” …AS I DO!

Jesus’ Calling of the Disciples consisted of

3 Building Blocks

1. Community2. God’s Word3. Obedience

Jesus says….

“If any man would come after me, he must deny himself, pick up his cross daily

and follow me.”- Luke 9:23

What Jesus said about following:

“If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my followers. Then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” – John 8:31-32

• Knowing Scripture was essential and the early Christians had an intense desire to know it.

“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers, if you love each other.” – John 13: 34-35 ( Note 1 John 2:3-6)

• Belonging and living together in community and loving each other was the witness they shared.

“If anyone comes to me but loves his father, mother, wife, children, brother, or sister – or- even life – more than me, he cannot be my follower.” - Luke 14:26

• Jesus was their first priority in life…nothing was more important, including family.

What Jesus said about following:

“Whoever is not willing to carry the cross and follow me

cannot be my followers.” –Luke 14:27• The disciples had to be willing to sacrifice everything to be His follower.

“In the same way, you must give-up everything you have

to be my follower.” –Luke 14:33• The disciples had to be will to put their all on the line for Him.

“Anyone who would come and follow after me must do

what I am doing.” –John 12:26• The disciples were to follow only Jesus

Jesus says….57 As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you

wherever you go.”58 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but

the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”59 He said to another person, “Come, follow me.”

The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

60 But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead![a] Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”

61 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”

62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:57-62

Three Crucial Questions:

1.Do I have the desire and passion to follow Jesus?

2.Do I understand that Jesus believes in me?

3.Do I believe enough in myself to commit to follow Him?