The how is just as important as the what here. Jesus asks us to follow Him because belief, by itself, will not get us to where we want to go: a purpose driven and power-filled life of fulfillment. As in all relationships, followers get to hear, see, touch and taste things believers don’t.
The Path Revealed
Matthew tells us about a man who believed in God, but was self-admittedly still wanting. The God-fearing man approaches Jesus with a sense of desperation: I’ve been keeping the commandments, but I still feel empty. What do I lack?
In one statement, Jesus helped the man weigh and measure his intentions: Go and sell all that you have and follow me. You can almost hear the silence as the disciples wait for the man’s response. Matthew finishes the story: and he turned and walked away sad … for he had great possessions.
This was not about the man’s resources. It was about his identity. His life revolved around what he had versus Who he followed. Jesus didn’t ask him to get rid of his resources, he asked him to change the object of his affection.
Why Follow?
Jesus didn’t need another follower. He desired to lead the man into the promised provision of a purposeful life. Hence the invitation. Jesus knew the man would have to follow, and not just believe, if he would benefit from his beliefs.
Thus, we see following leads to believing, but believing doesn’t always lead to following. It’s why it’s not an accident that the people turned away in Matthew 7 were turned away because Jesus did not know them. Confirming that, just like Peyton Manning or President Obama, Jesus comes to know His followers—because they walk with Him. But believers can believe from a distance without ever following.
Not too long ago, I asked David Platt the following question after finishing his new book, Follow Me: Should there be an observable difference between a follower of Jesus and someone who believes in Jesus?
What say you? How are we, as church leaders, developing disciples versus building believers?
