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Follow the Leader

Recently, I read quote that said, “We have been taught a watered down version of following Jesus for so long that people think it is Christianity, but it is not Biblical”.

I do not know if you agree with that statement or not (depends on your experience and what you have been taught, I guess), but it probably would not hurt us to think about what it means to really follow Jesus. What might that look like and what might it entail?

In Matthew chapter four, we read that Peter, Andrew, James and John were mending their nets by the Sea of Galilee when they heard these words; “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (verse 19). Maybe those simple words can give us some insight into what following Jesus is all about.

First notice that they were called to, “Come, follow me”. To be a true disciple means that we are going to follow Jesus’ desires in every aspect of our lives. We are no longer living only for what we want, or what we think is best. We are taking our direction and values from him.

Secondly, notice that Jesus did not hand them an instruction manual, or a set of rules. Instead, he invited them into a relationship. He asked them to come and learn from him as they went along. The friendship that they shared was the soil in which their faith grew. Close relationships, with God, his Son, his Spirit and with others are key in any Spiritual growth that we will experience.

Thirdly, he said, “I will make you”. Jesus had a plan for these men. He was going to shape them to do great things in his kingdom. I believe God still shapes us as we pray, read his word and walk with him.

Lastly, he said, “I will make you fishers of men”. Jesus came to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10) and his people need to be about the same work. If we believe in eternity, in heaven and hell, then we need to make sure that we are ready for that time and to help others get ready as well.

After they heard this invitation, the Bible says, “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him” (verse 20). They did not know all that they had signed up for, but they knew it was important that they go and learn from Jesus.

These men became effective in the Kingdom because they chose to follow Jesus in action and not just in name alone.

Who knows how God would use us if we made the same choice?

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