How to follow Him

WWJD?

We have already established that a Christian, accoring to the Bible is a disciple, a follower, an apprentice of the Messiah (Christ) (Acts 11:26) in What is a disicple? The true Good News. But what does this actually mean? According to many people it is to look at the example of Jesus, and do the same. This is typical of the “what would Jesus do (WWJD)” understanding of being a Christian. Paul said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Cor.11:1) and Peter said, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Pet.2:21). There can be no denying that there is some truth in this understanding of being a Christian and following Jesus.

There is one important point that is missed by the WWJD viewpoint of following the Messiah, however – Jesus is not dead! He died on the cross yes, but He was raised from the dead and is alive today! “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Messiah (Christ) died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared also to me.” (1 Cor.15:3-8). What does this mean for our following of Jesus? It implies that we (should) hear and follow the voice of the living Messiah today (see On hearing the voice of the good Shepherd)! It is not only about following the example of Jesus from 2000 years ago, but also of hearing his voice and following Him here and now.

We already talked about hearing his voice and living all of our lives in his presence. Here I want to focus on how we obey Him. In his last command, Jesus told his disciples to make disciples of all nations and to teach them to obey all that He has commanded them (Matt.28:18-20). But He precedes and closes off the command with two great promises:

1. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – in this very important sense, the Kingdom of heaven has now come – and
2. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – we are not left alone to do what He command us on our own or in our own strength.

These promises are an inherent part of the command to make (and be) disciples of Messiah Jesus. But even more, even from the perspective of following the example of Jesus, He has taught us how we are to follow Him:

1. “So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.’” (John 5:19) – If even the Son of God can do nothing of his own accord, can we?
2. “I can do nothing on my own.” (John 5:30) – Isn’t this the promise of Jesus in Matt.28 that He would not leave us on our own?
3. “…I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.” (John 8:28)… “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the One who sent me has himself given me a commandment–what to say and what to speak.” (John 12:49) – Is this not what He promised elsewhere, “And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mar.13:11? And then Jesus extends the example He showed to us: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (Joh.15:4), “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ ” (Joh.20:21) – Just as He remained in and lived out of his Father, we are to remain and live out of Him. This is the secret of discipleship. To live and remain in Jesus. Nothing more, nothing less.

“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life..” 1 John 5:11-12).