Follow Me!

Mark Mayberry

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-30). Heaven’s invitation is extended to all mankind – “Whosoever will…” (Revelation 22:17). In the Four Gospels, Jesus said “Follow me” some eighteen times. Yet, many do not comprehend the demands of discipleship: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.” Jesus calls us, not to a life of sinful sloth, but to a life of sacrificial service (Matthew 16:24-26).
 

 Jesus calls those who are successful. Peter, Andrew, James and John were prosperous fishermen; yet, when Jesus called them, they left their nets and followed Him (Matthew 4:18-22). In like measure, Paul gave up position, prominence, and power (Philippians 3:4-8). Sadly, some value too highly the tokens of earthly success, and are thus unwilling to follow the Savior (Luke 18:18-27).

The rich are called to a higher purpose: good works and humble servitude (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Peter and his companions gave up everything for the cause of Christ: possessions, prosperity, peace, and ultimately, life itself. Yet, the return on their spiritual investment was beyond measure (Matthew 19:27-30; Mark 10:28-31).

Jesus calls those who are scoundrels. After having called Matthew/Levi, Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:9-13). To what end? For the purpose of endorsement or acceptance? No. Jesus called sinners to repentance, i.e., a change of heart followed by a change of life (Luke 5:27-32). 

Sinners are called to a higher purpose: sanctification and service (Isaiah 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Whatever time we have spent in the service of sin is enough – it is irredeemably wasted and lost. Disciples of Christ must cease from sin, and devote what remains of life to accomplishing the will of God (1 Peter 4:1-6).

Jesus calls those who are simplistic. Those who follow him must understand the nature of discipleship (Luke 9:57-62). They must count the cost, and be willing to pay the price (Luke 14:25-33). Spiritual service is not a life of ease, but involves deprivation (1 Corinthians 4:10-16), tribulation (Acts 14:21-22), affliction (1 Thessalonians 3:2-4), and persecution (2 Timothy 3:10-12).

Jesus calls those who are sin-sick. After having thrice denied the Lord, Peter was discouraged to the point of quitting, along with the other disciples (John 21:3). Yet, the resurrected Savior met them on the shore of Galilee, demonstrating once again his majestic power (John 21:4-14). Jesus restored Peter to his apostleship, by repeatedly saying, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17).

Afterwards, a most interesting discussion ensued. Jesus prophesied of Peter’s martyrdom, and then solemnly said, “Follow me!” Yet, Simon bar Jonah distractedly asked, “What about John?” Rebuking him, Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” In other words, Peter was told to mind his own business, to focus on his own service, to avoid foolish questions, and senseless speculation. Nothing must distract us from following Christ! (John 21:18-22; Titus 3:9)

Are you willing to accept the call of Jesus Christ? Just as it was necessary for Jesus to die, we also must die to sin (John 12:23-26). If you are not a Christian, resolve to follow him! Be buried with Christ in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-4).

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”  (Luke 9:23)