Jesus was a Follower

by Jonathan Perz

Great emphasis is placed, and rightly so, that Christians must be followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself tells us, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matt. 10:38). Again He says, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). However, Jesus did not just issue an edict, He demonstrated what it means to be a follower, for He Himself was first and foremost a follower!

Seven of the most profound words in all of Scripture define exactly what it means to be a follower. These words were uttered by Jesus in the garden, just prior to the suffering He would endure to save us from our sins. He said, “...not My will, but Yours, be done…” (Luke 22:42). This is the heart of a follower and Jesus embodied this spirit under some of the most awful circumstances a man could imagine.

Jesus’ teaching demonstrated this essential spirit in every way. Explaining His purpose as a light sent into the world, Jesus says, “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak” (John 12:49-50). Should it be any different for those of us today who claim to follow Him?

Regarding His actions, Jesus says, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” (John 5:30). Along those same lines He later says, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38).

Clearly, Jesus not only tells us to “follow Him” … He shows us what it means to be a follower. Do you embody this spirit in your walk with Jesus Christ? Based on your words and deeds, who is it that you are really following?

 

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