Follow

We have all had the experience of being in a new neighborhood with friends who are driving separate cars. Your friend tells you, stay behind me, i won't lose you. And so when someone says follow me – you follow. Keeping the taillights in view – and when they stop and wait at an intersection so you can get through – its very comforting.

In that scenario you have an idea of where you are going, although the experience is new and you are not personally aware of the specifics. Also, and very importantly, you trust the person you are following.

Following Jesus is one of those vague spiritual concepts that people like to use, but in reality seldom know how to explain. Kind of like the word “Spiritual” from last time. What do people mean when they say it? It’s not as though Jesus is driving the Volvo in front of us and our job is to stay on his tail.

The earliest disciples had it much harder. For one thing, they were the first. For another, they had no Bible, no Christian radio, no amazingly knowledgeable, helpful, caring and humble pastor to advise them. Yet they were compelled, and according to the Scriptures they made no delay. They left everything to follow him – into the unknown.

What does following Jesus really entail?