The Pathway to Authentic DiscipleshipSample

The Call to Follow

When Jesus called His first disciples, He didn't invite them to read a book, listen to a podcast, watch a video or attend an event. He didn’t even invite them to simply believe in Him. He called them to follow Him.

His closest disciples left their jobs to spend every moment with Jesus, but there were many more than just those 12, and scripture doesn’t suggest that they, too, left their jobs. Like you, they continued their daily vocations while following Jesus. Along the way, they learned and practiced His way of applying the truths of scripture, communicating with God through prayer, and serving others. They also sought to discern and obey God’s voice while investing in relationships that strengthened their faith and the faith of those around them. This is what it looks like to follow closely. Listening. Obeying. Surrendering.

This is the nature of authentic discipleship. It’s a very real relationship with the God who created you, the One who knows you best, and the One who has planned a fulfilling and abundant life for you!

The first step is choosing to follow. This shouldn’t scare you, but it comes at a cost. You’ll encounter thousands of choices—small daily ones and occasional big ones—that God wants to lead you in. Sometimes His way doesn’t seem very expedient or comfortable. It’s easy to rationalize your way out of doing what you know Jesus would have you do. This is why commitment and surrender are so essential to being a true follower of Christ. After all, you can’t walk in two directions at the same time. You must commit to your decision.

Today's passage emphasizes that following Jesus requires denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily. This isn't a one-time decision but a daily commitment to choose God's way over our own.

Reflection Questions:

1. What comfort zones, habits, or securities might Jesus be asking you to leave behind?
2. What does it mean to "take up your cross daily" in your current season of life?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the courage to leave behind whatever is keeping me from following You completely. Help me embrace the daily choice to deny myself and take up my cross, trusting that Your path leads to the abundant life You've promised. Amen.