I have had a couple of weeks where the word; FOLLOW, has been on my mind and to be sure, it is far more important than one may think. There are 21 times, in 12 different conversations. Let's look at them: Where did Jesus say, "follow me?"
Here's the list of instances where Jesus commands "follow me," (all from the English Standard Version):
This list reflects instances where Jesus specifically uses the phrase "Follow me."
The context of each verse can involve calling his disciples, encouraging a deeper commitment from followers, or teaching about the costs and rewards of discipleship.
Several years ago, I was privileged to serve on the board of a ministry that later became an international influence. Early on God spoke to me that I was to resign being a part of it. I was friends with the founder and had a great appreciation for what was in his heart to accomplish. I wrestled with the decision to remove myself from what they were setting out to do. I believed in them, I honored them, and when I ask God why I should resign, His word to me was:
Here's the list of instances where Jesus commands "follow me," (all from the English Standard Version):
- Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17 "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."
- Matthew 8:22, Luke 9:59 - To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." ..."Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."
- Matthew 9:9, Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27 - After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, "Follow me."
- Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23 - "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
- Matthew 19:21, Mark 10:21, Luke 18:22 - Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
- Luke 14:27 - Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
- John 1:43 - The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me."
- John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (I realize this one is not a command, but a statement of fact. I decided to include it anyway.)
- John 12:26 - If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
- John 13:36 - Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward."
- John 21:19 - (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me."
- John 21:22 - Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!"
This list reflects instances where Jesus specifically uses the phrase "Follow me."
The context of each verse can involve calling his disciples, encouraging a deeper commitment from followers, or teaching about the costs and rewards of discipleship.
Several years ago, I was privileged to serve on the board of a ministry that later became an international influence. Early on God spoke to me that I was to resign being a part of it. I was friends with the founder and had a great appreciation for what was in his heart to accomplish. I wrestled with the decision to remove myself from what they were setting out to do. I believed in them, I honored them, and when I ask God why I should resign, His word to me was:
"WHAT IS THAT TO THEE, FOLLOW THOU ME".
What does it mean when Jesus says, "follow me?" When Jesus says, "Follow me," it's far more than a simple invitation to walk behind Him. And it's more than Bible study. It means transformation. Following Jesus means to align our lives with His teachings and example, to embrace His values as our own. It signifies a willingness to leave behind old ways and habits, to take up our cross daily, and to live out a commitment to Him above all other influences. Ultimately, this reshapes our priorities, our actions, and our very identity! Remember, when Jesus invited/commanded his disciples to follow him, they:
We sometimes fail to appreciate how much this would have turned the disciples' lives upside down! Do we have a right to expect any less when we respond to Jesus' invitation to follow him?
This past Sunday, my message was from a portion of Psalm 23. What would you say the Psalm is primarily about? The lord is my shepherd, certainly comes to mind, wouldn't you think?
I was overwhelmed by the word, Follow. Doing a deep dive into the words of the Psalm, the word follow took on a whole new meaning.
The concept of "follow" in the Bible is rich with spiritual significance, often denoting discipleship, obedience, and the pursuit of a godly life. The term is used both literally and metaphorically throughout Scripture, illustrating the relationship between God and His people, as well as between Jesus and His disciples.
OLD TESTAMENT USAGE
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "follow" is "halak," which means to walk or to go after. This term is frequently used in the context of following God's commandments and statutes. For example, in Deuteronomy 13:4, it is written, "You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold Him fast." Here, following God is synonymous with obedience and reverence.
The Israelites were repeatedly admonished to follow the ways of the LORD rather than the practices of surrounding nations. In 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah challenges the people of Israel saying, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This highlights the call to exclusive devotion to God.
NEW TESTAMENT MEANING
In the New Testament, the Greek word "akoloutheo" is commonly used, meaning to accompany or to follow. This term is central to the teachings of Jesus, who called His disciples to follow Him. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says to Peter and Andrew, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." This invitation to follow is not merely physical but involves a complete commitment to Jesus' mission and teachings.
Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship in passages like Luke 9:23, where He states, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Following Jesus requires self-denial and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel. When you think of the word follow, it is almost in a passive sense but there is a different meaning in the Shepherd Psalm. For instance:
We need to first remember what the shepherd is like and made out to be in this Psalm, a well-loved and comforting Psalm, is characterized by its depiction of God as a loving and caring shepherd, offering provision, protection, and peace to his people, even in times of difficulty. Here's a more detailed look at the Psalm's characteristics:
NOW PUT YOUR SEAT BELT ON. I AM GOING TO TAKE YOU FOR A RIDE.
How many times have you read, PSALMS 23? Let me look with you at verse 6 one more time… "Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me." The word follow, in Hebrew, is far more forceful and aggressive than we think. It means to pursue or chase like a predator pursuing a prey.
God's goodness doesn't just follow along after us at a casual pace, in no real hurry or urgency. We are being pursued and chased, with intention. Think about it. A shepherd (The Good Shepherd) has lost a sheep, and the dangers of the wilds demand his protection and provision.
I want you to see this for yourself. GOD'S GOODNESS IS PURSUING YOU. Take this as your verse today, since the Word of God includes the word surely. Does this sound like the God you know?
I love to watch the African Circle of Life videos, where the predatory instincts are spotlighted. This is a picture of how God is pursuing us… like a predator. When you feel as though you are being pursued by a roaring lion, just remember that in fact, Jesus was born with these instincts. For a fact, He is pursuing us with a vengeance. Like a vigilant shepherd.
Your pastor,
Pastor Cleddie Keith
- left their boats and nets (their identity & livelihood)
- began to obey his other commands (leaving their own priorities)
- began to learn from him (beginning to leave their own opinions)
- began to imitate him (beginning to leave their self-righteousness)
We sometimes fail to appreciate how much this would have turned the disciples' lives upside down! Do we have a right to expect any less when we respond to Jesus' invitation to follow him?
This past Sunday, my message was from a portion of Psalm 23. What would you say the Psalm is primarily about? The lord is my shepherd, certainly comes to mind, wouldn't you think?
I was overwhelmed by the word, Follow. Doing a deep dive into the words of the Psalm, the word follow took on a whole new meaning.
The concept of "follow" in the Bible is rich with spiritual significance, often denoting discipleship, obedience, and the pursuit of a godly life. The term is used both literally and metaphorically throughout Scripture, illustrating the relationship between God and His people, as well as between Jesus and His disciples.
OLD TESTAMENT USAGE
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "follow" is "halak," which means to walk or to go after. This term is frequently used in the context of following God's commandments and statutes. For example, in Deuteronomy 13:4, it is written, "You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold Him fast." Here, following God is synonymous with obedience and reverence.
The Israelites were repeatedly admonished to follow the ways of the LORD rather than the practices of surrounding nations. In 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah challenges the people of Israel saying, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This highlights the call to exclusive devotion to God.
NEW TESTAMENT MEANING
In the New Testament, the Greek word "akoloutheo" is commonly used, meaning to accompany or to follow. This term is central to the teachings of Jesus, who called His disciples to follow Him. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says to Peter and Andrew, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." This invitation to follow is not merely physical but involves a complete commitment to Jesus' mission and teachings.
Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship in passages like Luke 9:23, where He states, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Following Jesus requires self-denial and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel. When you think of the word follow, it is almost in a passive sense but there is a different meaning in the Shepherd Psalm. For instance:
We need to first remember what the shepherd is like and made out to be in this Psalm, a well-loved and comforting Psalm, is characterized by its depiction of God as a loving and caring shepherd, offering provision, protection, and peace to his people, even in times of difficulty. Here's a more detailed look at the Psalm's characteristics:
God as a Shepherd - The Psalm uses the powerful metaphor of a shepherd to portray God's relationship with his people.
Provision and Care - The Psalm emphasizes God's provision for his people, both in good times and bad, with phrases like "He makes me lie down in green pastures" and "He restores my soul".
Protection and Comfort - The psalm assures believers that God is always with them, even in the "valley of the shadow of death," and that his "rod and staff" comfort them.
Peace and Assurance - The psalm conveys a sense of peace and assurance, reminding believers that God's goodness and kindness pursue them throughout their lives.
Personal Relationship - The psalm speaks to a personal relationship with God, where the psalmist expresses trust and confidence in God's care and guidance.
Themes of Trust and Dependence - The Psalm highlights the importance of trusting in God, even in the face of adversity, and emphasizes dependence on his provision and protection.
Comfort in Times of Difficulty - The Psalm offers comfort and reassurance to those facing hardship, reminding them that God is with them and will lead them through.
Eternal Dwelling - The Psalm concludes with the promise of dwelling in the Lord's house forever, suggesting a sense of eternal security and peace.
NOW PUT YOUR SEAT BELT ON. I AM GOING TO TAKE YOU FOR A RIDE.
How many times have you read, PSALMS 23? Let me look with you at verse 6 one more time… "Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me." The word follow, in Hebrew, is far more forceful and aggressive than we think. It means to pursue or chase like a predator pursuing a prey.
God's goodness doesn't just follow along after us at a casual pace, in no real hurry or urgency. We are being pursued and chased, with intention. Think about it. A shepherd (The Good Shepherd) has lost a sheep, and the dangers of the wilds demand his protection and provision.
I want you to see this for yourself. GOD'S GOODNESS IS PURSUING YOU. Take this as your verse today, since the Word of God includes the word surely. Does this sound like the God you know?
I love to watch the African Circle of Life videos, where the predatory instincts are spotlighted. This is a picture of how God is pursuing us… like a predator. When you feel as though you are being pursued by a roaring lion, just remember that in fact, Jesus was born with these instincts. For a fact, He is pursuing us with a vengeance. Like a vigilant shepherd.
Your pastor,
Pastor Cleddie Keith