The Ultimate Relationship (Four Levels of Followship)

Jesus offers His disciples an intimacy that is deeper and more fulfilling than any other relationship can provide. Intimacy is a word we struggle to use in the church realm. We think too much in human terms, where the romantic honeymoon becomes the less than perfect adventure in mediocrity. The “knight in shining armor” becomes the couch potato who screams at his ball team via the television.

Jesus also offers His followers an abundant life (see John 10:10). When we think of abundance, we dream of safety, good health, great friendships, and an adequate supply of material things. So, what should we do with the fact that most, if not all, of the first disciples of Jesus experienced few of these things? Many people in the first church experienced poverty, illnesses, various hardships, and premature death. Were they unfaithful? Or did they have a greater understanding of the “abundance” Jesus promised?

From the evidence given in God’s Word, the first disciples experienced an intimacy and abundance in Christ that was phenomenal. This kind of relationship cannot be replicated by human means, religious fervor, or obtaining a host of theological degrees. Jesus made His offer for a “Level Four Followship” clear: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” (John 15:9, ESV)

When we consider the relationship that Jesus had with God the Father, we should be in awe of the intimacy. We should be amazed at the submissive, obedient attitude of our Lord toward His Father. We should take note of the power and miraculous work the Father accomplished through the Son. Then we have to stop and consider what Jesus is telling His disciples in John 15:9. We can have the same kind of relationship!

Consider further verse 10: “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” What did Jesus say was the greatest command? Love God with ALL that we are, completely surrendered to Him and seeking only to bring Him glory. This attitude was the consistent objective of our Lord. So, Jesus told His disciples, “Abide in my love.”

Since we have now reached the pinnacle of the Lord’s teaching on followship, let’s one more time examine this in light of three examples:

Temptation to Sin: At Level Four Followship, the disciple is most concerned about the relationship he or she has with the Lord. Sin is avoided because sin affects one’s intimacy and fellowship with God. The goal of the Level Four follower is to always remain (abide) as close to Jesus as possible. Disciples will fail and sin against the Lord. Yet the response of a disciple of Jesus is to immediately repent and turn back to the forgiving love of Jesus. Sin is avoided because the emotional and spiritual pain is too great in the mind of the disciple to act unfaithful toward the Lord. As Jesus explained moments earlier to His followers, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)  Notice the love of Christ is the motivator for obeying.

Devotional Time: In the sixth grade, I had a long distance “girlfriend.” She lived in another state and seldom visited. We did, however, have an extensive writing campaign. My letters would consist of events, reminders of the last time we were together, and some random compliments toward her character and preteen beauty. When a letter would come to our home addressed with a Virginia return, I could not restrain myself from ripping open the envelope and diving into the pages so delicately penned. I poured over and analyzed every word. I scoured the pages for any glimpse of a complement or future hope of a deeper relationship. This is the picture of the Level Four follower of Christ, longing for moments every day to connect with the Lord Jesus. The disciple cannot get enough of Jesus’ love letter, the Bible. Prayer at this level is more like the conversation a soldier has when deployed thousands of miles away from his beloved wife and kids.

Evangelism: The Level Four follower of Jesus cannot stop talking about the One he or she loves the most. The passion this disciple displays toward Jesus is curiously authentic. It is no more repulsive to non-Christians than an engaged friend talking about his fiancé as being the most wonderful person in the world. How much more should the disciples of Christ genuinely display a deep love for their Savior, Redeemer, and most faithful Friend? In fact, many non-Christians are surprised at just how little we talk about Jesus and how quickly we despise His Word by indulging in the sinfulness we proclaim to hate.

Last Note:
O Lord, my God and my Savior, my Creator and the One who loves my soul with an indescribable love, break my will and calloused heart that I can abide completely in Your love. By your wonderful Spirit, mold me into a “Level Four” follower so that I can know you in the most intimate and abundant way. All of You and none of me: make this my goal for every moment of the rest of my life. Help me submit to You in such a way that You work through me to accomplish Your mission and bring glory to Your name. I pray this in the name of my Lord, Jesus.”