“Following” Jesus, or truly following Jesus?

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

It’s not clear in the English, but the first “follow” and the second “follow” are two different words in the Greek. Both are often used in reference to discipleship.

The first “follow” literally has the idea of walking behind someone, going where they go.

The second “follow” has that idea, but includes the idea of responding to his voice and of learning from him as his disciple. (Matthew 4:20; John 10:4, 27)

Lots of people “followed” Jesus in that first sense. Some wanted healing. Some were interested in this new teaching he brought.

But few truly followed him in the second sense.

Even his disciples struggled with it at times. Jesus told them what was “necessary” for God’s plan to be accomplished.

At that point, Peter stopped following Jesus and instead tried to lead him in a different direction. In doing so, however, he actually became a hindrance to Jesus.

It made me think.

“Am I truly following Jesus? Or are there times when I’m trying to pull him in the direction I want to go?”

“Am I following Jesus’ agenda? Or am I trying to get him to follow mine?”

How about you? Are you “following” Jesus, going to church, maybe even reading your Bible and praying from time to time, but ultimately trying to get him to follow you and your plans?

Or are you truly following him, learning from him, and responding to his voice and leading, moment to moment, day to day?