The cost of following Jesus is a personal and spiritual commitment that individuals are called to make when they choose to become followers of Jesus Christ.
Following Jesus involves embracing the teachings, values, and lifestyle of Jesus Christ. If you desire to follow Jesus See below some requirements you should consider:
What Does it Mean to Deny Yourself?
To deny ourselves means to give up something that we desire or want.
Denying oneself is not a one-time decision, but rather a continual process of surrendering one’s own will to God’s.
It requires humility and recognizing that God’s plans are greater than our own.
What Does it Mean to Take Up Your Cross Daily?
“Taking up your cross daily” is a way of saying that followers of Jesus must be willing to suffer and sacrifice for their faith, just as Jesus suffered and died on the cross.
Taking up our cross daily is not something that we can do perfectly. We will all make mistakes.
But if we are willing to keep trying, God will help us to grow in our faith and obedience.
And one day, we will see him face to face and be rewarded for our faithfulness for the sake of the Gospel.
What Did Jesus Mean by Follow Me?
When Jesus says “Follow me” he is inviting us to become his disciples and to walk with him in faith.
He is asking us to believe in him and to model our lives after his teachings.
Jesus wants us to develop a personal relationship with him, to trust him, and to obey his commands.
One of the last things that Jesus told his followers to do was go and make more followers.
Trial and Tribulations
You must be willing to endure trials and tribulations when you decide to follow Jesus for the rest of your life.
As a follower of Christ, you must be ready to receive:
insults and backlash from people
you must be prepared to face challenges
and you must also be ready to face persecution
However, you don’t need to back down or lose heart when you face these challenges.
Women Who Followed Jesus
Women played a significant role in the ministry of Jesus.
In a time when women were often marginalized and their contributions overlooked, Jesus treated them with respect and dignity, and many women became his followers
One of the most well-known female followers of Jesus was Mary Magdalene.
She is mentioned in the Gospels as being present at the crucifixion and discovering the empty tomb on the morning of the resurrection
Mary Magdalene is also believed to have been the first person to see the risen Jesus.
Other important female followers of Jesus include Joanna, Susanna, and Salome, who are mentioned in the Gospel of Luke as contributing financially to Jesus’ ministry.
Additionally, Martha and Mary of Bethany were close friends of Jesus, and Jesus performed the miracle of raising their brother Lazarus from the dead.
Despite the cultural norms of the time, Jesus welcomed women into his inner circle and valued their contributions.
Bible verses about following Jesus
Below are several Bible verses that emphasize the theme of following Jesus. These verses provide guidance, encouragement, and insight into what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
“And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19 (ESV):
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24 (ESV):
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24 (ESV):
“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Mark 8:34 (ESV):
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27 (ESV):
“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”
John 12:26 (ESV):
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 (ESV):
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23 (ESV):
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:27 (ESV):
“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
Luke 18:22 (ESV):
“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 Peter 2:21 (ESV):
“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”
1 John 2:6 (ESV):
Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (ESV):
These verses highlight the call to follow Jesus, the cost of discipleship, and the importance of modeling one’s life after Christ’s example.
Ultimately, following Jesus is a lifelong journey. It requires commitment, dedication, and a willingness to put others before ourselves.
It is not always easy, but it is a rewarding and fulfilling way to live our lives. It’s normal to have questions and challenges along the way.
Seek support from your church community and continue to grow in your understanding of Jesus and His teachings.
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