Who are you following? Part 2

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Who are you following? Do you know?

Last week, we began looking at who you are following. But today, we are going to look at why. The “why” behind anything we do is important. When we understand the “why,” everything else begins to make sense. 

As we read on in John 1:35-39, 

^” The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. ³⁶ When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

³⁷ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

³⁹ “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

Do you know who you are following? 

These four little verses reveal to us their “why.” In their acknowledgement of Jesus, as “Rabbi” which means “Teacher,” things begin to get a little clearer.  In those days, you really did follow people. But not just any people, you followed a teacher in hopes of learning. You spent time with your teacher, gleaning all there was to know, in hopes of becoming their disciple.

Sometimes, we call ourselves “disciples,” or “followers,” but most often “Christians.”

Let’s look at these words, as we determine why we proclaim the name of Jesus.

The word “disciple,” as defined by Merriam-Webster, means “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.” It also implies “a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.”

Interesting, “one chosen as a master?”

Let’s look at the definition of “follower;” one who gives full loyalty and support to another. “Follower” may also apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

You have to know your “WHY.” 

Sometimes, as Christians, we think of ourselves as disciples or followers of Jesus Christ. But have you chosen to make Jesus your master? Are you devoted to the teachings of Jesus? Do you profess belief in those teachings? This is active.

We are so fortunate to have the Word of God still teaching us today. Hebrews 4:12 says, “ For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

As we move forward, we are going to see these disciples, as people, just like you and me, making radical decisions to leave everything behind to follow a new teacher from an old story. They had a hunch that this Jesus was in fact the Son of God, but were not really sure. Going anyway, they left their day jobs to live life with this “Jesus.” I am sure their family and friends thought they were crazy. When is the last time someone thought you were crazy because of your faith?

What if we decided today to live our lives with Jesus every day. Let’s walk beside Him as he turns water into wine, heals the sick and feeds the multitudes. As we decide to make Jesus and his teachings the Master of our lives, what new things would we learn? I hope you will go with me, as Jesus whispers in your ear, “Follow me.”

Let us pray;

Jesus, Knower of all things, forgive me for not making you the master of my life. Forgive me for not being the disciple you have called me to be. Give me the courage to follow you wherever you go. In your sweet name I pray, Amen.

P.S. – Leave me a comment below because I always love hearing from you. Forward this message to a friend and ask them to subscribe. Post on Facebook, tag me in it and ask other to “follow me.” Until next time, think about who you are following. -M