How Close Are You Following?

Following Jesus: More Than Just a Decision

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Have you ever seen a bumper sticker that asks, "Are you following Jesus this close?" I saw it again the other day (in a parking lot!) It's a humorous way to comment on tailgating, but it also raises a spiritual question: How closely are we really following Jesus in our daily lives?

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Many of us claim to be Christians, but our faith often resembles more of a casual acquaintance with Jesus rather than a deep, transformative relationship. We may attend church, say our prayers, and even read our Bibles, but are we truly following Jesus with the dedication and commitment He calls for?

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In Matthew 8, we encounter a fascinating interaction between Jesus and two potential followers. Their responses (or lack thereof?) to His call reveals much about what it truly means to follow Christ – and it's far more challenging than we might expect.

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As Jesus prepares to cross a lake, a teacher of the law approaches Him, declaring, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." It seems like an admirable statement of faith, doesn't it? But Jesus' response is surprising:

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"Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

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Jesus isn't giving a nature lesson here. He's making it clear that following Him means embracing a life of uncertainty, discomfort, and possibly even homelessness. He's challenging this man to count the cost of discipleship. Are we willing to give up our comforts, our status, our security to truly follow Jesus?

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The story doesn't tell us how the teacher responded, but his silence speaks volumes. How often do we, too, back away when following Jesus becomes too costly or inconvenient?

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Next, another would-be disciple approaches Jesus, saying, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Again, Jesus' response seems harsh:

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"Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

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This exchange highlights the urgency and primacy of following Jesus. While honoring one's parents was (and is) a crucial commandment, Jesus is emphasizing that nothing – not even important cultural and familial obligations – should take precedence over following Him. It's a stark reminder that our commitment to Christ should surpass all other commitments.

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These challenging interactions lead directly into the famous story of Jesus calming the storm. As Jesus and His disciples cross the lake, a furious storm arises, threatening to capsize their boat. The disciples panic, crying out, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"

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Meanwhile, Jesus is asleep in the boat. His calm in the midst of chaos is both perplexing and profound. When awakened, He rebukes the disciples for their lack of faith before calming the wind and waves with a simple command.

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This story beautifully illustrates a crucial truth about following Jesus: what matters most is not the strength of our faith, but our proximity to Christ. The disciples' faith was weak, but they were in the boat with Jesus. That made all the difference.

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Too often, we focus on trying to conjure up more faith, thinking that if we just believed harder, our problems would disappear. But the real key to weathering life's storms is staying close to Jesus – being "in the boat" with Him, so to speak.

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Following Jesus isn't about having perfect faith or never doubting. It's about choosing to stay close to Him, especially when the winds are howling and the waves are crashing over us. It's about trusting that even when He seems to be "sleeping," He is still in control and capable of calming any storm in our lives.

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Reading a story like this forces us to examine our own relationship with Jesus. Are we truly following Him, or just admiring Him from a distance? Are we willing to give up our comfort and security to be where He is? Are we prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else? Otherwise we’ll just be left standing on the shore with the rest of the crowd. 

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Following Jesus means more than just believing in Him or attending church occasionally. It means:

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1. Making a decision to pursue a genuine relationship with Him

2. Getting to know Him through prayer and studying His Word

3. Being willing to go where He leads, even when it's uncomfortable or uncertain

4. Prioritizing our commitment to Him above all other commitments

5. Staying close to Him in both good times and bad

6. Trusting Him to calm the storms in our lives

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The invitation to follow Jesus is both thrilling and daunting. It promises adventure, purpose, and transformation, but it also demands everything we have. Jesus doesn't sugar-coat the cost of discipleship – He makes it clear that following Him will be challenging.

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But here's the beautiful truth: when we choose to follow Jesus closely, we discover that He is infinitely worth any sacrifice we might make. In His presence, we find peace that surpasses understanding, joy that transcends circumstances, and love that heals our deepest wounds.

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So today, let's ask ourselves: How closely am I really following Jesus? Am I willing to get in the boat with Him, even if it means facing storms? Am I ready to leave behind my comfort and security to go where He leads?

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The call to follow Jesus is not a one-time decision, but a daily choice to draw near to Him, to listen to His voice, and to align our lives with His will. It's a journey that will challenge us, change us, and ultimately fulfill us in ways we never imagined.

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As we reflect on what it truly means to follow Jesus, may we be inspired to deepen our commitment to Him. May we have the courage to get in the boat, to weather the storms with Him, and to experience the awe-inspiring power of His presence in our lives. For in the end, there is no greater adventure, no higher calling, than to be a true follower of Jesus Christ.

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Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide for your week:

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Day 1: The Cost of Following Jesus

Reading: Matthew 8:18-22

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Devotional: Jesus' words to potential followers may seem harsh, but they reveal a profound truth: following Christ comes at a cost. When Jesus says He has "no place to lay his head," He's inviting us into a life of surrender and trust. Today, reflect on what it means to truly follow Jesus. What comforts or securities might He be asking you to let go of? Remember, the cost of discipleship is high, but the reward - intimacy with Christ - is infinitely greater. Ask God to help you embrace the challenges of following Him wholeheartedly.

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Day 2: Faith in the Storm

Reading: Matthew 8:23-27

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Devotional: The disciples' panic in the storm contrasts sharply with Jesus' peace. Often, we too find ourselves in life's storms, wondering if God has fallen asleep on us. But this passage reminds us that Jesus is always therel, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. Today, identify the "storms" in your life. Where do you need to trust Jesus more? Remember, it's not the size of your faith that matters, but the closeness of your relationship with the One who calms the seas. Pray for a deeper trust in God's presence and power in your life.

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Day 3: The Pursuit of Relationship

Reading: John 15:1-17

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Devotional: Jesus calls us friends, inviting us into an intimate relationship with Him. This isn't a casual acquaintance, but a deep, life-giving connection. Reflect on your own relationship with Jesus. Are you pursuing Him daily, or has He become just an acquaintance? Like any friendship, our relationship with Christ requires time, communication, and shared experiences. Today, commit to spending quality time with Jesus - in prayer, in His Word, and in quiet reflection. Ask Him to deepen your friendship and help you abide in His love.

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Day 4: Counting the Cost

Reading: Luke 14:25-33

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Devotional: Jesus doesn't sugar-coat the demands of discipleship. He wants us to understand that following Him requires our all. This passage challenges us to consider what we're willing to give up for Christ. It's not about literal hatred of family, but about prioritizing Jesus above all else. Today, examine your life. What might be competing with your devotion to Christ? Are there areas where you're holding back? Pray for the courage to fully commit to Jesus, trusting that what He offers is far greater than anything we could lose.

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Day 5: God's Presence in Suffering

Reading: Romans 8:18-39

Devotional: Life's storms can make us question God's love and presence. But Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love - not trouble, hardship, or even death. This passage affirms that God is with us in our suffering, working all things for good. Today, if you're facing difficulties, remember that you're not alone. God is in the boat with you, even if it feels like He's sleeping. Take comfort in His unfailing love and ask for the strength to persevere. If you're not currently in a storm, pray for those who are, that they might experience God's comforting presence.

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