John 1:43

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.”

I love the simplicity of this verse. Jesus called Philip to follow him, and he did! From this moment onwards, Philip’s life was defined by following Jesus, right up until he was crucified upside down in Hierapolis about 50 years later. Throughout those years, he must have looked back to that initial moment when he responded to the call of Jesus.

John’s Gospel is all about following Jesus, so it is no surprise that in the final chapter we hear Jesus inviting Peter to do so. Jesus had just heard Peter telling him how much he loved him, but still Jesus came back to him with the words: “Follow me.” Whoever you are, whether you have followed Jesus for years or haven’t yet made up your mind about it, Jesus says to you: “Follow me.” Christianity is all about a personal relationship with Jesus. Sadly, churches often get in the way, and we make it look as if our commitment is to a particular church. Jesus always needs to be the focus of our attention, and it is only as a result of that relationship that we should commit ourselves to any church.

Our experience of following Jesus is obviously not the same as it was for the disciples. They followed him day by day walking, working, relaxing and eating with him. We can’t do those things, but we can live close to the Gospels and continually learn from the Christians around us. We can look for the ways our Christian friends’ lives have been shaped by Jesus. As we see their love, generosity, kindness, peace, faithfulness and gentleness, we learn more about Jesus and are given an example to follow.

As we look through John’s Gospel, I hope that every day you will hear the voice of Jesus lovingly saying to you: “Follow me.”

Question

If you follow Jesus, how could you follow him more closely? If you don’t, what is stopping you from doing so?

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, I could never deserve your love and forgiveness. Thank you that you invite me to follow you today. Amen