In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus calls His disciples with a simple yet life-altering invitation:
“Follow Me and be My disciple.” (Mark 1:17, NLT)
This call was not just for Peter, Andrew, James, and John—it is for every believer who desires to walk with Jesus. But what does it truly mean to follow Jesus and be His disciple? Let’s explore three key aspects.
1. Leaving Everything Behind
When Jesus called the first disciples, they left their nets and followed Him immediately. This represents a willingness to surrender everything—our plans, ambitions, and even our comfort—to pursue Christ.
“They left their nets at once and followed Him.” (Mark 1:18, NLT)
Being a disciple means that Jesus becomes our highest priority. It doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning our jobs or families, but it does mean holding everything loosely and making Him Lord over every area of our lives.
2. Learning from Jesus
A disciple is a learner, someone who sits at the feet of Jesus, soaking in His teaching and applying it to daily life. The disciples spent three years walking with Jesus, observing His actions, and absorbing His words.
Today, we learn from Jesus by studying the Bible, spending time in prayer, and seeking to live out His teachings. True discipleship is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about transformation.
“Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29, NLT)
3. Living Like Jesus
Following Jesus means living as He lived. That means loving others sacrificially, serving with humility, and obeying the will of the Father.
“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6, NLT)
Jesus didn’t call His disciples to a comfortable life—He called them to a life of self-denial and service. He said:
“If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34, NLT)
Being a disciple is not just about believing in Jesus; it’s about becoming like Him. It means forgiving when it’s hard, loving when it’s inconvenient, and trusting God even when we don’t understand.
The Call Is for You
The call to follow Jesus is as real today as it was 2,000 years ago. He still says, “Follow Me.” Will you respond?
To follow Jesus is to make Him your Lord, learn from Him daily, and live a life that reflects His love and truth. It’s the greatest adventure you will ever embark on.
Are you willing to say “yes” to His call?
