Following Jesus involves action as the Holy Spirit leads us. As believers, we are to be our Savior’s arms, feet, and voice. Romans 10:15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news! [1] Bringing the good news of Jesus to others requires action, and we are blessed to be the Lord’s ambassadors in the world.
When John the Baptist told two of his disciples that Jesus was God’s lamb, they wanted to follow Jesus. John 1:38 Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them. They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. [2]
There is something about giving up our way for the Lord’s way that is life-changing. Instead of staying in their comfort zone, the two disciples with John followed Jesus. These disciples did not know what was ahead of them when they began to follow Jesus, nor do we when we take steps of faith.
One Must Surrender to Follow Jesus
Many who have followed Jesus throughout history have done so at the cost of persecution or their lives. I remember meeting a pastor when I was in Russia who had spent time in prison for handing out Christian tracks on how to be saved. By God’s grace, this experience refined him and made him a better person and pastor.
When we live in a nation with few repercussions to following Jesus, we tend to take the commitment of following Jesus more lightly. When we face possible persecution because of our faith, it takes our commitment and trust to a new level to follow Jesus and depend on Him.
Following Jesus Means Leaving Our Old Life Behind
Leaving our old life behind may not be leaving our profession behind, but it does mean leaving our selfish nature behind for something better. When Jesus called fishermen Peter, James, and John to follow Him, they may not have understood all that was ahead of them, but neither do we as we follow Jesus. As we pick up the cross and follow Jesus, we, too, need to turn away from our sins and follow a path the Lord has for us.
When the fisherman laid aside their nets, they gave up their profession to surrender to the call of Jesus. The new path the Lord laid out for them would be catching people for the Kingdom of God. We, too, are called to fishermen for the Lord as we share the Good News of Jesus. Jesus came as a servant to give His life as a ransom for many, and we are called His servants. When we follow Jesus, we give up our selfish, sinful nature to live for Him. Then He transforms us for the better for eternity.
To learn how following Jesus involves action, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-johns-disciples-to-jesus
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.