And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].’
Luke 9:23 (Amplified version)
Are you a fan? You cheer and clap. And when the game’s over, you go home (and maybe buy some merchandise.) You’re hyped when you win games and championships. Or feel bummed when you lose. Perhaps even move to another team when the wins are not raking in.
But Jesus? He’s not looking for fans. He’s after something deeper—real followers. It’s about believing in Him so deeply that it changes everything: how we live, treat others, and handle tough times.
Believing in Jesus. This is where it all begins. It’s that moment when you realize that following Christ is more than just a good idea; it’s a life changer. It’s about trusting Him wholeheartedly, even when the way forward isn’t clear. True discipleship demands an internal transformation that influences our actions and decisions.
Conforming to His example. This isn’t about losing who you are but finding your true self in Him. It’s about living life as He did—loving the unlovable, giving without holding back, and standing up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular.
And yeah, sometimes it means suffering for our faith. Standing up for what you believe in can be challenging. Not everyone will get it. But remember, Jesus went through the ultimate suffering because He loves us. So, when we face our trials, we’re never alone; He’s right there with us.
Moreover, this reminds us that following Jesus might lead to suffering or dying because of our faith. While this may seem remote or abstract, it’s a harsh reality for many believers worldwide. This ultimate form of sacrifice underlines the depth of commitment expected of a disciple—a readiness to give all, even life itself, for Christ.
God’s looking for committed followers, not fans. It’s easy to cheer from the sidelines. But He’s inviting us to live boldly, love radically, and sometimes stand firm even when the ground shakes beneath us.
Are you ready to move beyond being a fan to becoming a true follower? You need to make that choice today.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, guide us to follow You wholeheartedly, believing in You and conforming to Your example in every aspect of our lives. Strengthen us to face any trials with faith and encourage us to live out our commitment to You, no matter the cost. In Jesus name, Amen.
Reflect on This
- How are you following Jesus’ example in your life right now?
- How does the potential of facing hardship for your faith affect your dedication to follow Jesus?
Take a Step
Identify one area of your life where you’ve been more of a fan than a follower. Commit to one change this week that will move you closer to truly following Jesus.
