Follow Me

Introduction

When John the Baptist was in prison, he sent his disciples to “verify” Jesus (). Jesus actually verifies John, as he declares himself God and Messiah. But, then he condemns those that come to Him seeking not God who can change their eternity, but miracles to change their circumstances.

Jesus Desires Intimacy

“Come to me” or “come unto me” in some translations, really implies come be with me. Jesus’ invitation was not merely a recruitment message. Though He drew many to himself, they did want Him, only what they thought he offered. He truly desires a relationship with all of us. The mark of strength in any relationship is influence, and the most powerful influencer is love. Unfortunately for most of us it is actually fear.

Jesus Invites Everyone to Discipleship

“If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.

“If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.

“If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.

The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

Surrender Religion

The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.Surrender Religion

Surrender Religion

When Jesus spoke of those who are heavy laden, he meant the religious. The religious have always been in trapped in constant anxiety and fear of not stacking up and being worthy before God. Jesus demands that we realize that coming to Him is all that is required for our Salvation. Our rest comes in that he will lead us into our purpose and free us from the burden of searching for peace by our own means.

In , James teaches us that the only religion God accepts is meeting the needs of those less fortunate, but also to be free from the burdens of the world that pollute our very soul.

Learn from the Master

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Learn from the Master

Jesus’ yoke is His teaching. He is calling us to learn what the Word means, and how to apply it your lives and those we serve. In doing so we will adopt His attitude of humility and grace, and discover that life actually does become less complex and far less difficult.

“If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.

Conclusion

The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

In Paul gives a bold directive, “imitate me as I imitate Christ”. This is essentially the purpose of discipleship, to learn who Jesus is, so as we become more like Him, others will follow.