As we begin a new series devoted to the study of following, we turn our attention to Jesus’ oft used phrase, “Follow Me.” On at least 9 different occasions in the Gospels, Jesus either called a person to “Follow Me” or taught that in order to receive salvation one must “Follow Me.” This instruction was and is an integral part of Jesus’ summons to discipleship. In other words, you can’t be a disciple apart from following Him.
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Matthew 10:34-39