Why Do You Follow Jesus?
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People followed Jesus Christ for a variety of reasons.
The shepherds came to see a baby born in a lowly barn because they had been visited by angels and were told one day that baby would become the Savior and a king.
Simeon and Anna came to worship the promised Messiah who would “comfort Israel” and redeem all mankind.
The multitudes followed Jesus because He fed them food miraculously and they were excited to see the healings He performed.
Judas Iscariot was a disciple of Jesus for political reasons, and he had access to the treasury so he could gain wealth.
Motive for following Jesus has not changed much over the millennia.
There are many who are following Jesus today because they believe He will make them rich. They are hoping for a miracle, a physical healing, or Jesus has set them free from an addiction or a stronghold of some kind.
Others are just being religious, or they fear death and going to hell.
What is your motive?
Do you follow Him because you know His character and nature, and love Him deeply?
Maybe you are like the Children of Israel in the Old Testament and many in the crowds of Jesus day?
They followed Him because of what He did for them. Moses, Peter, James, and John knew Him and His ways. That is, they knew His character and nature. They knew His heart and they knew His true stature – He is God! (Psalm 103:7)
The overwhelming majority of the crowds and all the Children of Israel, except Caleb and Joshua, were only following to see the next miracle.
When He did not perform as they wished, the Children of Israel were ready to go back to Egypt. Many in the crowds following Jesus became the voices shouting, “Crucify Him!”
How quickly accusation comes when prayers are not answered, disease is not healed, adversity is not taken out of the way, or financial needs are not met.
- Anger rises.
- Resentment and bitterness sets in.
- Bible reading stops.
- Worship and church attendance ceases.
All because He did not perform according to their hope, in the way they wanted.
Who are you following? A miracle worker?
Why are you going to church? To worship a doting father who will give you anything you ask. Or is it out of religious duty to a God who is angry, hates all sinners, and is ready to send them to hell?
I believe this to be a central issue in the Christian community.
Going all the way from the seminary professor to the pulpit, to the television broadcast, to the pew. Do you really know Jesus Christ and what is your motive for being a follower?
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Both the Old Testament and the New Testament says the first and the greatest commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12, 30:6; Matthew 22:36-37).
The only right motive for being a follower of Jesus Christ is, you love Him! Authentic disciples of Jesus Christ love Him with their whole being.
Yes, God has promised to bless you. That is not why we love Him and follow Him.
Yes, Jesus promised if we ask anything in His name, He will answer. That is not why we love Him and follow Him.
Yes, God has promised He would give us the power to get wealth. That is not why we love Him and follow Him.
Yes, healing is provided for us by the flogging of His back. That is not why we love Him and follow Him.
We love Jesus Christ because:
He is Almighty God, creator of Heaven and earth.
He is your creator.
He loves you and made you in His own image.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Genesis 1:26-28; Colossians 1:15-17 NKJV).
Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, 100% God and 100% man.
All authority in Heaven and the earth has been given unto Him. “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:9-10 NKJV).
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18 NKJV).
Jesus Christ has been given a name that is above every name and every title known to mankind and known in the spiritual realm.
A day is coming when every knee in heaven, in earth, and under the earth will bow and every tongue will declare Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:5-11).
Jesus Christ is love, mercy, and grace. We love Him only because He loved us first, even when we were sinners (John 13:34-35; Romans 5:8; 1John 4:7-11; Hebrew 2:17).
Jesus Christ is just. He forgives, cleanses, and justifies everyone who confess their sins (Zechariah 9:9; Romans 3:26, 5:1; 1John 1:9).
Jesus Christ is joy and peace which He bountifully bestows on His followers (Isaiah 9:6; John 14:27; 15:11; 16:33)
This is Jesus Christ. This is His character and nature. It is for these reasons and more we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
When prayers are not answered. When adversity is not taken away. When physical pain and suffering is not healed. We choose to love Him, worship Him, and serve Him because He is so wonderful beyond our wildest imagination.
Just as Job said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15) and as the Apostle Paul wrote, “To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:19-21 NKJV).
More Content on Discipleship
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Pastor Dean Sermon Archives Episode 23 – The Call and Cost to Being a Disciple of Jesus
Pastor Dean Sermon Archives Episode 24 – How to Make a Difference as a Disciple of Jesus Christ
Foundational U Podcast: Ep. 48 – Christian or Disciple
Why Do You Follow Jesus?
Pastor Dean Sermon Archives – Episode 45- Are You a Believer or a Disciple?
