To be a follower of Jesus is a calling that encompasses belief, obedience, transformation, and commitment. Jesus Himself articulated the essence of discipleship in the Gospels, and His life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation for understanding what it means to follow Him. Let us take a look at this through Scripture, combining exegesis and practical application.

1. Belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior

At the core of following Jesus is believing in Him as the Christ, the Son of God. In John 3:16, Jesus says,
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Belief is not mere intellectual assent, but trust in Jesus as the one who reconciles humanity with God. In Matthew 16:15–16, when Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This confession is the bedrock of Christian discipleship.

Application

Belief begins with acknowledging Jesus as Savior and Lord. Practically, this involves daily surrender to Him, trusting His promises, and relying on His grace in every circumstance. To follow Jesus, one must prioritize Him above all else, letting His truth shape our worldview and decisions.

2. Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross

In Matthew 16:24–25, Jesus declares,
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Denying oneself means relinquishing personal desires, ambitions, and sins that conflict with God’s will. The cross, a symbol of suffering and sacrifice, represents total commitment, even at the cost of personal comfort or safety.

Application

To follow Jesus, we must examine our lives and identify areas where self-centeredness or sin takes precedence. This may involve making sacrifices, such as giving up harmful habits, prioritizing others’ needs, or facing persecution for our faith. The practical outworking of this principle is seen in acts of humility, service, and obedience to God’s commands.

3. Obedience to His Teachings

Jesus emphasized the importance of obedience in John 14:15:
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

This obedience is not burdensome but a response to His love and grace. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20), Jesus commands His followers to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all He has commanded.

Application

Obedience means aligning our lives with God’s Word, even when it challenges cultural norms or personal preferences. This includes loving our enemies (Matthew 5:44), forgiving others (Matthew 6:14–15), and living in integrity (Matthew 5:37). It also involves sharing the Gospel and investing in others’ spiritual growth.

4. Abiding in Him

In John 15:5, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Abiding in Jesus signifies a continuous, intimate relationship with Him through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Application

To abide in Jesus, we must cultivate a consistent devotional life. This includes regular prayer, studying Scripture, and worshiping both corporately and individually. Abiding in Him transforms our character, enabling us to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and to live as a reflection of His love.

5. Loving Others as He Loved Us

Jesus highlighted love as the hallmark of His followers:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34–35).

This love is sacrificial and unconditional, mirroring Jesus’ love demonstrated on the cross.

Application

Loving others requires both action and attitude. It means forgiving those who hurt us, helping those in need, and showing kindness even to strangers. As followers of Jesus, our love should break down barriers of race, class, and culture, reflecting the inclusive love of Christ.

6. Living as a Witness

Jesus calls His disciples to be His witnesses in the world. In Acts 1:8, He declares,
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This mission involves proclaiming the Gospel and embodying its message through our lives.

Application

Being a witness means sharing our faith with others, both through our words and our actions. It includes evangelism, serving in our communities, and living in a way that points others to Christ. Our lives should testify to the transformative power of Jesus, drawing others to Him.

Conclusion

To follow Jesus is a lifelong journey of faith, obedience, and transformation. It requires believing in Him, denying oneself, obeying His commands, abiding in His presence, loving others, and living as His witness. As we strive to follow Him, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and shaped into His likeness.

Let us, therefore, take up our crosses daily, trusting that the path of discipleship leads to eternal life and the joy of knowing Christ. In the words of the Apostle Paul:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

May we live as true followers of Jesus, reflecting His glory and advancing His kingdom on earth.