Stronger Together: Pursuing Your True North With OthersSample

Mark 1 records Jesus' invitation to the fishermen by the sea to follow Him. The Greek word He used (akoloutheō) comes from a term meaning "to walk the same road."

Jesus wasn't looking for admirers or Instagram followers. He wanted companions for the journey. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, lonely, and long. And though He was divine, His humanity craved connection.

This challenges our individualistic tendencies. In Western culture, especially, we celebrate the lone hero, the self-made person who needs no one. Yet Jesus, God incarnate, modeled something entirely different. He showed us we weren't designed to do life on our own.

An African proverb says, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, take someone with you." Jesus wasn't interested in sprinting through ministry. He was building something that would last eternities.

What's fascinating is how Jesus flipped the script on first-century rabbinical practice. Typically, potential disciples asked a rabbi if they could follow him. But Jesus actively sought out people and invited them to follow Him.

Mark 1 tells us about Jesus calling James, John, Simon, and Andrew. Luke 3 reveals that these men worked together as fishing partners. Later, in Luke 6:12-13, we learn that while many people followed Jesus as disciples, He specifically identified twelve as apostles—the inner circle who would lead the church after His departure.

I've experienced firsthand the difference between walking with Jesus alone and in community. In 2014, when my wife had serious pregnancy complications, I realized I'd let my male friendships slide. I had acquaintances but few people who truly knew me, very few I could call at 2 AM with fears about losing my wife or child.

That crisis pushed me to rebuild a real community with other men. I reconnected with old friends, became more vulnerable in our small group, and intentionally built relationships with men who could ask me hard questions. The difference was life-changing.

Following Jesus isn't a solo competition; it's a team sport. When Jesus said, "Follow me," He wasn't just inviting individuals. He was forming a community.

Think about your own life for a moment. Do you have people walking the same road with you? Not just casual church acquaintances, but people who know your struggles, celebrate your victories, and help carry your burdens?

If not, you're missing a crucial element of discipleship. Jesus showed us that even though He was perfect in every way, He chose not to walk alone. How much more do we imperfect humans need others alongside us?

The challenge is to be honest with yourself about the state of your relationships and faith. Are you trying to follow Jesus alone? Are you keeping people at arm's length? Or are you walking the same road with others who help you stay faithful to Jesus?

Tomorrow, we'll explore the second reason Jesus built community: because discipleship is most effective in groups.