Which JESUS Do YOU Follow?

1 June 2023   |   Posted in:

Which Jesus Do You Follow?

As Christ-followers in America, we’d all like to believe we would willingly give up everything for Jesus, even our very lives, if it ever came to that here in the western part of the world.

At the end of Luke chapter 9, we find the account of 3 men who approached Jesus, eager to follow him. In surprising fashion, though, Jesus seems to have tried to talk them out of doing so!

The first man said, “Jesus, I will follow you wherever you go.”

Jesus responded, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” In other words, Jesus told this man that he could expect homelessness on the journey ahead.

Followers of Christ are not guaranteed that even their basic need of shelter will be met. As American Christians, what would we do if the Constitution was eventually scraped or re-defined and we could no longer hide behind freedom of speech? This was inconceivable 10 years ago. It’s not so far-fetched anymore though. Are you ready?

The second man told Jesus that his father had just died. The man wanted to go back, bury his father, and then follow Jesus. Jesus replied, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” If any of you have ever lost a loved one, it’s hard to imagine hearing these words from Jesus.

A third man approached Jesus and told him that he wanted to follow him, but before he did, he wanted to say good-bye to his family. Jesus said no. He told the man, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Jesus is not telling you to go abandon your family for Him. The point He is making here is plainly put— a real relationship with Jesus requires a TOTAL COMMITMENT.

At some point in America, there will be no more room to straddle the fence. So, as we apply this message today, ask yourself, which side of the fence are you on?

Is it with the Biblical Jesus or the American Jesus? Here’s a brief checklist for you to consider:

  • The Biblical Jesus promises us incorruptible eternal riches (Matthew 6:19-21). The American Jesus promises us earthly treasure and temporary prosperity.
  • The Biblical Jesus warns of sin, judgment, and hell (Matthew 5:29). The American Jesus winks at sin and says there’s no such thing as hell.
  • The Biblical Jesus loves us enough to speak the truth (John 4:1-38). The American Jesus compromises and waters down the truth to avoid offense.
  • The Biblical Jesus commands with Divine authority (Mark 5:1-20). The American Jesus gives suggestions not commandments.
  • The Biblical Jesus says to expect persecution in His name (Mat 10:22). The American Jesus promises the comfort of our best life now.

SO, WHICH JESUS DO YOU FOLLOW?

Keep Looking Up,

Rev. Jon Barrett | Executive Director of CVCCS