It Starts with a Yes

Following Jesus doesn’t start with knowing everything. It starts with a yes.

The first thing Jesus said to His disciples wasn’t “Believe the right things” or “Fix your life”—He simply said, “Follow Me.” And they did. No membership forms. No theology degrees. Just an unexpected invitation and an unpolished yes.

They didn’t understand it all. But they trusted Him enough to take the next step.

That’s where it always starts.

Robert Mulholland says spiritual formation is “the process of being formed into the image of Christ for the sake of others.” But that process begins with surrender, not striving. The Kingdom doesn’t run on hustle—it starts with handing over the illusion of control.

Tim Keller puts it like this:

“You are more sinful than you ever dared believe and more loved than you ever dared hope.”

Following Jesus isn’t a reward for the good. It’s an invitation for the willing. And the only real requirement is a heart that says, “Yes, I’m in—even if I don’t have it all figured out.”

“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice… This is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)

So think about this—or ask a friend:

• Where might Jesus be inviting you to say “yes” right now?
• What would it look like to follow before you fully understand?
• What if the yes is enough to begin?