Why Are You Following?
When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. (Matthew 8:1)
Why are you really following Jesus? After the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus amassed a huge crowd. This huge crowd was made up of individuals who were following Christ for different reasons:
1. Some followed out of interest and curiosity. They just showed up because everyone was headed that way, and they were interested in Jesus. They wanted to know more about Him. Maybe that is where you are right now in your pilgrimage toward God. You have interest and curiosity.
2. Some followed just because they were following the crowd. Not much was happening in Jesus’ day. People followed crowds because of the different leaders and teachers. Crowds like this still ebb and flow, but do not stick.
3. Some followed out of habit. It was common for a teacher to walk along and teach, and a rabbi to have a following. Jesus was the new teacher in town. It seemed like the thing to do. Churches are filled today with people who are looking for the next new preacher, but rarely do those people stick.
4. Some followed because they were longing to be part of something. They longed for their life to count, to get on the bandwagon, to support some cause for identification. Christianity is very important; knowing Christ will give more purpose and direction in your life than you could ever imagine.
5. Some followed because they wanted to receive something. There was a leper in that group and he needed something. Although he probably followed at a distance for a while, he rushed in and received something very special.
Maybe this is where you are today. You are in that crowd following Christ for some reason, which is different from another person in the crowd. God knows your need, your “why,” and your “why nots.” He is here, right now as you read these words, and He longs to whisper to you, “I see you and long to meet you at your need right now.” Wait on Him and allow His loving arms to hold your heavy heart. Whatever your reason for following Him, He knows…just keep following.
Why are you really following Jesus? After the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus amassed a huge crowd. This huge crowd was made up of individuals who were following Christ for different reasons:
1. Some followed out of interest and curiosity. They just showed up because everyone was headed that way, and they were interested in Jesus. They wanted to know more about Him. Maybe that is where you are right now in your pilgrimage toward God. You have interest and curiosity.
2. Some followed just because they were following the crowd. Not much was happening in Jesus’ day. People followed crowds because of the different leaders and teachers. Crowds like this still ebb and flow, but do not stick.
3. Some followed out of habit. It was common for a teacher to walk along and teach, and a rabbi to have a following. Jesus was the new teacher in town. It seemed like the thing to do. Churches are filled today with people who are looking for the next new preacher, but rarely do those people stick.
4. Some followed because they were longing to be part of something. They longed for their life to count, to get on the bandwagon, to support some cause for identification. Christianity is very important; knowing Christ will give more purpose and direction in your life than you could ever imagine.
5. Some followed because they wanted to receive something. There was a leper in that group and he needed something. Although he probably followed at a distance for a while, he rushed in and received something very special.
Maybe this is where you are today. You are in that crowd following Christ for some reason, which is different from another person in the crowd. God knows your need, your “why,” and your “why nots.” He is here, right now as you read these words, and He longs to whisper to you, “I see you and long to meet you at your need right now.” Wait on Him and allow His loving arms to hold your heavy heart. Whatever your reason for following Him, He knows…just keep following.
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