Following Jesus

The word “Christian” means “follower of Christ.” But saying, “Just do what He did,” is an oversimplification – and here’s why we have to think more deeply…

Following as Disciples
“And the disciples were called Christians…” (Acts 11:26). Christians are followers of Jesus in the sense that they are disciples. Disciples are learners, students of a teacher. So, we are Christians – followers of Christ – because we desire and try to do what Jesus taught us to do (not because we do every act He ever did).

“…if you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed”
John 8:31

Following What Jesus Said
“…make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20) Learning and doing what Jesus has commanded is central to becoming and remaining a true disciple. As students of the Master Teacher, we spend our lives trying to understand and apply His revealed will to our lives.

“…if you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed”
John 8:31

Following What Jesus Meant
Disciples care about what their Teacher says and means. This is why Christians study the Scriptures for their original intention and meaning – the original meaning of words, context, and figures of speech. The failure to perceive what Jesus meant is a failure to be His disciple.

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed”
John 8:31

Following “My” Jesus
Following Jesus means following Him as He is revealed in Scripture. Recreating Him as “My Jesus” by attributing to Him words He never spoke, actions He never approved, and doctrines He never taught or authorized is not following Jesus at all. Disciples don’t discount or ignore things Jesus revealed that they don’t like. The Teacher must not be separated from what He taught.

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed”
John 8:31

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