What does it really mean to follow Jesus?

In this message from our FAQs series, we look at the question: What does it mean to follow Jesus? The first disciples did not come to Him with identical stories, needs, or expectations, yet every one of them discovered that Jesus was more than they first understood. The same is true for us.

This teaching walks through five major ways Scripture reveals Jesus: Savior, Rabbi, Lord, Friend, and God. Each of these shapes the way we follow Him. Many of us are drawn more naturally to one or two of those, but partial discipleship leads to an incomplete view of Christ. Real discipleship means following the whole Christ, not just the parts of Him we find most comfortable.

We look at biblical examples including the sinful woman, the first disciples, the centurion, Lazarus and his sisters, and Thomas, and consider both the beauty and the danger of overemphasizing one aspect of Jesus while neglecting the others. The call of this message is to examine where our own discipleship may be underdeveloped and to take a real step toward following Jesus more fully this week.

The message closes by reflecting on baptism as a fitting picture of whole-life allegiance to Jesus:
He is our Savior who washes us clean,
our Rabbi whom we follow,
our Lord whom we obey,
our Friend who is with us,
and our God who has conquered death.

Scripture referenced includes:
Matthew 4:18–22
Hebrews 1:2–4
Luke 7:36–50
Luke 10:39
Matthew 8:5–13
John 11
John 20:24–29

If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who is asking what it really means to follow Jesus, or subscribe to stay connected to Cedar Springs Community Church on YouTube.

Visit cedarspringsnw.com for more info, or stop in on Sundays at 10AM-
25713 70th Ave E, Graham, WA 98338