Let’s delve deeper into the essence of following Jesus. When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt 4:19), it wasn’t about physically trailing Him from place to place. Rather, it was a call to immediate detachment from their current pursuits and a connection with Him as their leader.
Their response was swift and decisive. They abandoned their livelihoods without hesitation, just as Matthew left his tax office upon the call without questioning. It wasn’t just these few; Peter, speaking for the twelve, highlighted their sacrifice, saying, “We have left everything to follow you” (Matt. 19:27).
However, this act of leaving everything wasn’t necessarily about selling possessions or giving away wealth. Peter had a home in Capernaum, and John owned property in Jerusalem, indicating they retained some material holdings. Their departure was more about an emotional detachment—priorities shifted.
Paul’s transformation echoes this sentiment. He discarded his once-valued status, wealth, and connections, “considering them worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ” (Phil. 3:7-8).
Following Jesus challenges our values and rearranges priorities. He becomes the cornerstone of our lives, guiding our decisions. It’s a commitment to let Him lead, acknowledging He alone knows the path to the Father (John 14:6).
To follow Jesus is to emulate His path—not just in suffering, and humility, but in the relentless pursuit of fulfilling the Father’s will (John 6:38). Paul urged others to imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). The disciples were called Christians in Antioch precisely because they were imitating Jesus’s teachings and life (Acts 11:26).
The critical question arises: When people observe you, do they see Christ reflected in your life? If you were tried for being a follower of Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
The essence of following Jesus isn’t just about lip service but about embodying His teachings, imitating His life, and allowing His values to shape ours. It’s a transformation that echoes in our actions, attitudes, and choices, revealing the depth of our commitment to walk in His footsteps.