Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "The Call to Follow" is a central theme in the Christian faith, encapsulating the invitation extended by Jesus Christ to His disciples and, by extension, to all believers. This call is not merely an invitation to observe or admire from a distance but a summons to a life of active discipleship, commitment, and transformation.Biblical Foundation The call to follow Jesus is vividly illustrated in the Gospels. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus approaches Simon Peter and Andrew, saying, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." . This call is immediate and compelling, prompting the brothers to leave their nets and follow Him without hesitation. Similarly, in Matthew 9:9, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, with the simple words, "Follow Me," leading Matthew to abandon his former life and join Jesus. The call is not limited to the original twelve disciples. In Luke 9:23, Jesus extends this invitation to all: "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." . This passage underscores the cost and commitment involved in following Christ, emphasizing self-denial and the willingness to endure hardship for His sake. Characteristics of the Call 1. Personal and Direct: The call to follow Jesus is personal. It is directed to individuals, requiring a personal response. Jesus' interactions with His disciples were direct and relational, inviting them into a close fellowship with Him. 2. Transformative: Following Jesus involves a transformation of life and purpose. As seen in the lives of the disciples, responding to the call often meant leaving behind former occupations, relationships, and lifestyles to embrace a new identity and mission. 3. Costly: The call to follow is not without cost. Jesus makes it clear that discipleship involves sacrifice. In Luke 14:26-27, He states, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple." . This hyperbolic language emphasizes the priority of allegiance to Christ above all else. 4. Purposeful: The call is not aimless but purposeful. Jesus calls His followers to be "fishers of men," indicating a mission to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This mission is central to the identity of a follower of Christ. Responses to the Call Throughout the New Testament, various responses to the call to follow are recorded. Some, like the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22, are unable to accept the cost, choosing instead to cling to their possessions. Others, like the Apostle Paul, embrace the call wholeheartedly, undergoing radical transformation and dedicating their lives to the service of Christ. The call to follow is also a call to community. Jesus' disciples formed a close-knit group, learning from Him and supporting one another. The early church continued this pattern, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Implications for Believers For contemporary believers, the call to follow Jesus remains as relevant and challenging as it was for the first disciples. It demands a reorientation of priorities, a willingness to forsake all for the sake of Christ, and a commitment to His mission. The call is both an invitation to a relationship with Jesus and a commission to participate in His redemptive work in the world. Subtopics Call: To Special Religious Duty of Abraham Call: To Special Religious Duty, Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God Call: To Special Religious Duty: Amos Call: To Special Religious Duty: Apostles Call: To Special Religious Duty: Cyrus Call: To Special Religious Duty: Gideon Call: To Special Religious Duty: Jehu Call: To Special Religious Duty: Joshua Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Paul Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel Call: To Special Religious Duty: Solomon Call: To Special Religious Duty: The Rich Young Man The Call of God by his Ministers The Call of God is from Darkness The Call of God: Addressed to All The Call of God: Blessedness of Receiving The Call of God: Effectual to Saints The Call of God: Partakers of, Justified The Call of God: Praise God For The Call of God: Rejection by God The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Delusion The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Judicial Blindness The Call of God: Temporal Judgments The Call of God: To Man Is of Grace The Call of God: To Man Is: According to the Purpose of God The Call of God: To Man Is: Heavenly The Call of God: To Man Is: High The Call of God: To Man Is: Holy The Call of God: To Man Is: To Eternal Life The Call of God: To Man Is: To Fellowship With Christ The Call of God: To Man Is: To Glory and Virtue The Call of God: To Man Is: To Holiness The Call of God: To Man Is: To Liberty The Call of God: To Man Is: To Peace The Call of God: To Man Is: To the Eternal Glory of Christ The Call of God: Walk Worthy of The Call of God: Withdrawal of the Means of Grace Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |