Be With Jesus

Jesus doesn’t just call us to believe in Him—He invites us to be with Him.

This is where discipleship begins. Before doing what Jesus did, before becoming like Him, we first learn how to simply be with Him. John Mark Comer calls this “relational apprenticeship.” It’s about spending time with Jesus, not because we have to—but because we get to.

And yet, we often miss this.

We treat following Jesus like a checklist. Read the Bible. Pray. Behave. Repeat. But Jesus isn’t interested in a spiritual performance. He’s offering presence. Relationship. Rest.

“Remain in Me, as I also remain in you.” (John 15:4)

That word remain (or abide) isn’t passive. It’s the intentional choice to make space for God in the real moments of your real life. Early mornings. Coffee breaks. Long walks. Quiet car rides. Being with Jesus isn’t about grand spiritual feelings—it’s about learning to live in His company.

Tim Keller said,

“Prayer is continuing a conversation God has started through His Word and His grace, which eventually becomes a full encounter with Him.”

So think about this—or ask a friend:

• Where do I feel most connected to God right now?
• What would it look like to pause today and simply be with Jesus—without performing?
• What if the best part of discipleship is actually friendship?