Why do you follow Jesus? (Four Levels of Followship)

Everyone follows someone. Who you follow will determine the most important aspects of your life. The decisions you make, the view of the world you hold, and even your eternal destination is shaped and influenced by the people you choose to follow. Therefore, as your parents likely advised you: “Pick your friends carefully.”

So, are you a follower of Jesus? There could be no question that is more important. To follow Jesus is to devote yourself to Him. Those who choose not to follow Him reject the plan of God , remain guilty of their sins, and face a certain judgment to eternal separation from God that created them and all that is good. Followers of Jesus have trusted the Lord and have been saved from eternal punishment for sin by the gift of God’s grace. Jesus death on the cross paid the price for sin and His resurrection overcame the power of death. Each person faces a clear choice: Reject Jesus or trust in Him for salvation by following Jesus.

For those who trust in Christ, why do you follow Him? (Pause for a minute to ponder this critical question.)

Last week, I thought for a moment that I had created a new word: followship. Since Microsoft Word did not recognize the term, I thought I was on to something. However, someone else beat me to the term and defines followship as “the practice of doing what other people suggest, rather than taking the lead.” (dictionary.com) As deflated as I was to discover my non-discovery, I was pleased to see a definition that was applicable.

When I examine a cornerstone teaching of our Lord, I see four levels of followship. In John 15, Jesus is meeting with the Apostles in the last moments before His arrest and crucifixion. Before He prays for them, He offers some final explanation. He explains again, in detail, His original call to His disciples to “Follow Me…”

Below is an overview of the levels for your consideration.

First Level of Followship
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” Verse 1
I follow Jesus because of His position- He is Lord. Better to follow Him rather than not.

Second Level of Followship
Jesus said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Verse 7
I follow Jesus because of what He can give me.

Third Level of Followship
Jesus said, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” Verse 8
I follow Jesus because of what He can do in and through me.

Fourth Level of Followship
Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” Verse 9
I follow Jesus because I love Him with all that I am.

Points to Ponder:
Where are you right now?
Why do you follow Jesus? For the benefits or for the relationship?

I would encourage you to read John 15:1-11 to see if you agree with my observations. Be sure to check back over the next few days as I explore each of the four levels in detail.