Leaning into Jesus
When you read the New Testament, Jesus consistently used the expression “follower.” Jesus did not seek admirers or adherents to the Christian faith but followers of his life of love and truth.
In Matthew 16:24-26 we read:
“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. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
Christ’s life is a demand and as we open the Bible with others we realise that following Jesus requires deep reflection on his words and a willingness to trust him so that we become conformed to his image.
Learning of Jesus
Jesus said to his disciples that the way to eternal life was narrow. We can learn from Jesus in the way he loved his enemies, forgave those who rejected him and offered life and hope to all those he met.
We learn to follow Jesus by observing his life, including how he modelled loving God and loving others as recounted in the four Gospels and the Book of Acts.
Listen to His teaching
The teachings of Jesus are timeless. They continue to touch many lives around the world for those who are spiritually hungry. As we live in days of rapid change, many are rediscovering for the first time that the words of Jesus bring life and hope for those who are willing to listen and follow him.