What did Jesus mean when he said, 'Follow me'?

When Jesus said, "Follow me," He was extending an invitation that was profound and multifaceted, reaching beyond the surface level of simply walking in His footsteps. This call to follow Him is recorded numerous times in the Gospels, and it encapsulates a rich tapestry of spiritual, relational, and ethical dimensions that are central to Christian discipleship.

In the simplest terms, "Follow me" is an invitation to become a disciple of Jesus. In the context of first-century Judaism, a disciple (or "talmid") was someone who attached themselves to a rabbi to learn from him, not just intellectually, but by living in close proximity and adopting his way of life. When Jesus called His first disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—He was inviting them into a life-transforming relationship. They were asked to leave their nets, their livelihood, and their familiar surroundings to embark on a journey of faith and discovery (Matthew 4:18-22).

However, Jesus’ call to "Follow me" goes much deeper than just a physical following. It is an invitation to a complete reorientation of one's life. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24, ESV). This entails a radical commitment to self-denial, a willingness to suffer, and the pursuit of a life that mirrors Jesus' own sacrificial love and obedience to the Father.

To deny oneself means to let go of personal ambitions, desires, and even one's own will, in favor of embracing God's will. This is vividly illustrated in Jesus' own life, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane where He prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42, ESV). Following Jesus means allowing His priorities to become our priorities, His mission to become our mission, and His love to be the defining characteristic of our lives.

Taking up one's cross is a metaphor that signifies a willingness to endure suffering and persecution for the sake of Christ. In the Roman world, the cross was an instrument of execution, a symbol of shame and suffering. Jesus’ call to take up our cross is a call to be willing to face hardship, rejection, and even death for the sake of following Him. This is not a call to seek out suffering, but rather to be prepared to endure it when it comes as a consequence of living out our faith.

Moreover, following Jesus involves a transformation of our ethical and moral lives. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) provides a blueprint for the kind of life He calls His followers to live. It is a life marked by humility, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and a deep, abiding love for God and neighbor. Jesus redefines righteousness, moving beyond mere external observance of the law to a heart that is fully aligned with God's desires.

One of the most striking aspects of Jesus’ call to follow Him is its inclusivity. Jesus extended His invitation to all sorts of people—fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, and sinners. He broke down social and cultural barriers, inviting everyone into a relationship with Him. This inclusivity is a testament to the boundless grace and love of God. No one is beyond the reach of Jesus’ call. As Paul later writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28, ESV). Following Jesus means embracing this radical inclusivity and extending His love and grace to all people.

Furthermore, following Jesus is not a solitary endeavor. It is a communal journey. Jesus called His disciples into a community, the nascent church, where they would support, encourage, and hold each other accountable. The early church, as described in Acts 2:42-47, was a community devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their possessions, cared for each other's needs, and lived out the teachings of Jesus together. Following Jesus means being part of a community of believers who are committed to living out the Gospel in tangible ways.

Additionally, Jesus’ call to follow Him is a call to mission. He said to His disciples, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19, ESV). This metaphor of fishing for people signifies the task of evangelism and disciple-making. Jesus’ followers are entrusted with the mission of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God, inviting others to become disciples, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). This mission is not just for a select few but for all who follow Jesus. It is a call to be ambassadors of Christ, representing Him in our words and actions, and participating in the redemptive work of God in the world.

The call to follow Jesus is also a call to experience abundant life. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10, ESV). This abundant life is not measured by material wealth or worldly success, but by the richness of a life lived in intimate relationship with God. It is characterized by peace, joy, love, and the assurance of eternal life. Following Jesus means entering into this abundant life and experiencing the fullness of God's presence and blessings.

In summary, when Jesus said, "Follow me," He was issuing a comprehensive and transformative call. It is an invitation to enter into a deep, personal relationship with Him, to reorient our lives around His teachings and example, to embrace self-denial and the willingness to suffer for His sake, to live out His ethical and moral teachings, to be part of a community of believers, to engage in His mission of making disciples, and to experience the abundant life He offers. It is a call that demands a wholehearted response and promises a life of purpose, meaning, and eternal significance.

The call to follow Jesus is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago. It is a call that transcends time and culture, reaching out to every person, inviting them into the transformative journey of discipleship. As we respond to this call, may we do so with a willing heart, ready to embrace the fullness of life that Jesus offers, and committed to living out His teachings in every aspect of our lives.