In the children’s game “Follow the Leader,” one person takes up the role of the leader. The rest of the group lines up behind that person, mimicking their actions.
It’s natural for us to follow someone, and we all have role models we admire. These are people we want to pattern our lives after. But we need to ask, “Whom are we following? Whose footsteps are we walking in?”
In the Jewish culture of Jesus’ day, a rabbi (religious teacher) would invite students to join and work with him for a period of time—often years. The invitation would be a call to walk in their way, mirror their actions, and become their disciples. Luke 6:40 describes this process: “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” This involved learning by experience and being shaped to a new way of life.
Jesus extended that kind of invitation to Andrew, Peter, and others, saying, “Come and follow me. Walk closely with me, learn from me, and become my apprentices.” Today Jesus extends that same call to each of us: “Walk in my way, learn from my teachings, and become my disciples. Do life with me so that, over time, you may resemble me.”
Lord Jesus, what an amazing privilege it is to be invited to follow you and learn from you. Guide us, as your disciples, to follow you faithfully each day and bring the good news of your kingdom to people everywhere. Amen.
About the author — Dan Jongsma
Daniel Jongsma serves as an interim pastor in Fulton, Illinois. He has pastored congregations in Elmhurst and Fulton, Illinois; in Dearborn, Michigan; and in Nashville, Tennessee. Dan also served as a church planter in the Chicago area. He and his wife, Gloria, have three daughters and four grandchildren.
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