The Call to Follow
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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

Call: Personal by Christ

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 Christ

The Call of God by his Gospel

The Call of God by his Ministers

The Call of God by his Spirit

The Call of God by his Works

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: Condemnation

The Call of God: Destruction

The Call of God: Effectual to Saints

The Call of God: Illustrated

The Call of God: Most Reject

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

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The Call to Flee from Babylon
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