Following Jesus 8

Following Jesus refers to being a disciple of Jesus. Being a disciple of Jesus entails following Jesus’ leading and learning from His teaching in order to take upon oneself, by God’s enablement, Jesus’ character.

In examining what it means to Follow Jesus as His disciples, let’s take a look at the most familiar disciples of Jesus: the Twelve. Matthew 10:1-4 is one text, along with Mark 3, Luke 6 and Acts 1, which gives us a list of who these men were. 

And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Matthew 10:1-4 ESV).

These were the men belonging to the Master. What were they like? How are we like them? Most were true disciples; one was not. How do we resemble them in our personalities, passions, and our perspectives? 

As we have already seen, Simon Peter was an inquisitive man. He asked Jesus a lot of questions. Do you ask questions of your church leaders, pastors and Sunday school teachers? If you do, you are like Simon Peter. Simon Peter was also one who took initiative. 

Do you display initiative? Peter took initiative. He was creative, resourceful, enterprising and possessed ingenuity. He was the first to take action. He did not require prompting from others. 

Are you involved? Peter was always in the middle of activities. He was always in the midst of whatever was occurring. Peter never wanted to miss anything. 

Are you growing in your faith? Are you growing, as did Peter? Peter frew in the following areas. So should we. 

He grew in insights (Matthew 16:15-17; John 6:66). Do you possess an increasing understanding of who God is and what you are in Christ? 

He grew in responsibilities (Matthew 16:18-19; Acts 2:1-40). Are your opportunities for ministry developing over time? Are those responsibilities increasing in depth as you increase in your depth of knowledge of Christ? 

He grew in repentance (Matthew 16:21-23). Are you increasing in setting your mind on God’s interests instead of man’s interests? 

He grew in his restoration (Matthew 26:31-35; 69-75; John 21). When you have sinned, is there an increasing sense and awareness of the grievous nature of your sin before God and His gracious forgiveness unto you? 

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