Following Jesus
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We find the word “disciple” in the Gospels as concerning those who follow Jesus. Some went back and followed Him no more (John 6:66). Other than “The Disciples” —referring to the twelve who were ordained as Apostles, we find no further ref. to Christians thus. That is because the true believers are seen as more than followers, and are sealed as saints, believers, heirs, children and sons of God, etc. We have a “high calling” in Christ Jesus.
I would like to share some thoughts on our following of Jesus today. Jesus said: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matt.16:24). There are several things herein to consider, not the least of which is the word: If. “If” supposes that one may have a desire to come after Jesus, and that one must decide if where He is one would desire to be found. The matter of motivation, therefore, must first be settled in the mind and heart. This is true for eternal salvation and for a faithful life. Then, “Any man” is like the word, “whosoever”, found in John 3:16, and each one must decide who this is.
The next thing we see is a reference to the “will” of man. Our will is usually to go our own way and do our own things, but God tells us that will lead to severe loss for eternity. The only way for eternal hope and blessing is to exercise our will to be in conformity to God, and “come after” the Lord Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30 the Lord says: “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” ( “I will”, not the teachings will). If one is settled and happy with all things in the world, and has no thoughts and care about eternity, and doesn’t appreciate the sacrifice Christ made to remove the condemnation of sin, then they will not see a need to come to Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Now, let us consider the requirement for man to “deny himself”, and see Romans 3:10-12 and Ephesians 2:8-9. One needs to understand that man is corrupted and ruined by sin, and there is no good works in him. He cannot save himself by his religious efforts to do good works, nor please God. He must yield. This speaks of repentance–turning from self to God.
How could one then “take up his cross”? In I Corinthians 1:18 the apostle says: “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God”; and, “many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ” (Phil.3:18). There is truly rejection and persecution by the world to those who esteem the cross. Can one take up that cross of Christ as a worthy truth to own? Can one value that sacrifice and be proud to identify oneself with the rejected Man of Calvary? This is the essence of the gospel message: that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (I Cor.15:3-4). When we come to see it was for “our sins” that He died, one might then own that sacrifice as “his cross”.
The serious seekers must hear the calling of the Savior, come to know Him and “follow” after Him. Then He says what He will do: “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of My hand” (see John 10:27-29). “If a man love Me, he will keep My Words, and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23).
Does the reader know Christ or only know about Him?
I would like to share some thoughts on our following of Jesus today. Jesus said: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matt.16:24). There are several things herein to consider, not the least of which is the word: If. “If” supposes that one may have a desire to come after Jesus, and that one must decide if where He is one would desire to be found. The matter of motivation, therefore, must first be settled in the mind and heart. This is true for eternal salvation and for a faithful life. Then, “Any man” is like the word, “whosoever”, found in John 3:16, and each one must decide who this is.
The next thing we see is a reference to the “will” of man. Our will is usually to go our own way and do our own things, but God tells us that will lead to severe loss for eternity. The only way for eternal hope and blessing is to exercise our will to be in conformity to God, and “come after” the Lord Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30 the Lord says: “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” ( “I will”, not the teachings will). If one is settled and happy with all things in the world, and has no thoughts and care about eternity, and doesn’t appreciate the sacrifice Christ made to remove the condemnation of sin, then they will not see a need to come to Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Now, let us consider the requirement for man to “deny himself”, and see Romans 3:10-12 and Ephesians 2:8-9. One needs to understand that man is corrupted and ruined by sin, and there is no good works in him. He cannot save himself by his religious efforts to do good works, nor please God. He must yield. This speaks of repentance–turning from self to God.
How could one then “take up his cross”? In I Corinthians 1:18 the apostle says: “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God”; and, “many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ” (Phil.3:18). There is truly rejection and persecution by the world to those who esteem the cross. Can one take up that cross of Christ as a worthy truth to own? Can one value that sacrifice and be proud to identify oneself with the rejected Man of Calvary? This is the essence of the gospel message: that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (I Cor.15:3-4). When we come to see it was for “our sins” that He died, one might then own that sacrifice as “his cross”.
The serious seekers must hear the calling of the Savior, come to know Him and “follow” after Him. Then He says what He will do: “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of My hand” (see John 10:27-29). “If a man love Me, he will keep My Words, and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23).
Does the reader know Christ or only know about Him?
Discussion