What Does Jesus Mean When He Calls Us to Follow Him?

How can we know whether we’re following Jesus and growing in our faith? A couple of years ago, I discovered a method to measure spiritual growth. The “My One Word” movement continues to gain popularity because of its simplicity and ability to inspire transformation. The practice involves choosing a single word to focus on for an entire year. Our word becomes a lens through which we can examine our hearts and evaluate our actions to measure our faithfulness.

After seeking God’s direction, I chose “follow” as my One Word for 2025. Jesus’ invitation, as recorded in three of the four Gospels, inspired me. “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NIV). To expand my understanding of my commitment, I explored the historical and cultural context of the word.

First Century Meaning of Following Jesus

Unlike most famous, first-century rabbis, Jesus chose his disciples. Because the men he called recognized the unexpected honor of his invitation, they left everything to follow him. They anticipated living with him 24/7 and traveling from town to town, walking close enough to be covered in the dust stirred up by his sandals. By discussing and applying the Torah to their lives, they hoped to gain both knowledge and character. To learn from him how to interpret as well as live God’s law. The relationship disciples built with their rabbi affected all facets of their lives, as they sought to become like him in every way. When they matured, they assumed they would share his teachings with the world and recruit disciples for themselves. Discipleship required a whole-hearted, all-in commitment. Half-hearted devotion could lead to shame and dismissal.

Jesus’ disciples expected to set aside their desires to serve their master, but they never imagined the eventual cost.  They looked forward to sharing his glory, though shouldering a cross sounded ominous. Either Jesus was mistaken, or following him must involve more danger than they first believed. Though Jesus knew his future, he still asked his followers to adopt and advance his mission, and to accept and share his fate if necessary.

Twenty-First Century Meaning

What does it mean to follow Jesus today? Many in the Western world define “Christian” as someone who believes in God, yet Jesus never used the term. He assumed his disciples would follow and try to emulate him, applying his priorities and principles to their lives. Belief in Christ involves not just mental assent but also attitudes and actions. Faith is not only what we think, but also what we do. A disciple’s lifestyle shows self-denial and the sacrificial love and service exemplified by Jesus. Our desired result should be the same as the disciples’ goal in the first century—to become like our master in every way.

What Does Jesus Ask Us?

Jesus invites everyone to become disciples. However, his expectation that those who follow him will strive to become like him in every way hasn’t changed. God partners with those who accept Jesus’ invitation to conform us to the image of Christ—a process called spiritual formation. We cannot do it without him, and he will not do it without us. As we call on the power of his indwelling Spirit to make godly choices, he changes us from the inside out.

My word for the year challenges me, providing a goal to reach for and a guide to evaluate my progress toward becoming like Jesus. To follow him—to be a disciple—I must redefine success, reordering my priorities, retraining my will, and renewing my commitment to serve him by serving others. The temptation to divorce my decision to follow Jesus from discipleship appeals to my selfish, sinful nature. But Jesus calls us to be all-in. Daily, I need to ask, “Am I following Jesus or just walking alongside him when it’s convenient?”

Many years ago, I heard a pastor say, “We do what we really believe. The rest is just religious talk.” Discipleship means more than merely believing Jesus is who he says he is. To follow Jesus also means loving, serving, and forgiving as he did. Every. Single. Day.

What ideas do you have about walking out our faith? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to learn from you.

What Does Jesus Mean When He Calls Us to Follow Him? by @NancyLucenay on Beyond the Front Door Share on X