Why Do You Follow Jesus?
The crowd that went ahead of Jesus into Jerusalem and shouted “Hosanna” as He passed by had just seen Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead.
Perhaps that crowd followed Jesus because they wanted to see what miracle might top the last one.
Matthew 4:18-19 details the calling of the first disciples. I believe these fisherman turned fishers of men followed Jesus because they wanted a new purpose for living. They wanted to have their ordinary lives transformed into something extraordinary. Is that why you took up following Jesus? Did you hear that your life could count for something extraordinary?
Some people may follow Jesus because of a healing work He performed in their lives. John 6:2 tells us and a great crowd of people followed Him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. When you know God has touched you, there is a sense of thankfulness, a profound gratitude that calls for allegiance to Him.
Perhaps some follow Jesus because they realize they don’t have the answers and they want an authority for their lives. They want someone to tell them how to live. Mark 1:22 tells us Jesus taught as one who had authority. Demons responded to His authority in Mark 1:27.
He took authority over the winds and waves in Matthew 8. Is that why you follow Jesus? Because He can calm the storms in your life?
In Matthew chapter 9 Jesus demonstrated that not only did He have the authority to heal a paralytic, but He also had the authority to forgive his sins because He is God. Our need for forgiveness is a wonderful reason to follow Jesus.
Mark 10:17-27 tells the story of the Rich Young Ruler who was interested in following Jesus, at least for a few moments until he realized he would no longer be able to be the one in charge of his earthly life.
Judas followed Jesus with a greedy heart. He followed Him because of what he thought He could gain.
I’m sure there are many more reasons why people follow Jesus, but none will faithfully follow until they come to the same conclusion Peter did when he declared of Jesus in Matthew 16:16, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Peter messed up more than once trying to follow Him, but the beautiful thing is this: He didn’t quit trying. He didn’t quit because He was convinced of this truth. Jesus was and is God, and I would love to add to this verse, “He is the Living Son of the Living God.” He is still alive, calling people to follow after Him.
Why do you follow Jesus? What is your level of followship? Or why don’t you follow Jesus? Can you say your life is truly happy without Him? What would it take for you to become one of His disciples? Jesus does want to bring healing into your life. He does want to provide for your needs. He does want to forgive your sins. But He doesn’t want to come to you to work for you, but to work in you. Will you follow Him in order to let Him change you completely?
Pastor Melissa
