What does it really mean to follow Jesus?

The early Christian disciples knew what it meant to follow Jesus. When Jesus said to fisherman, James and John, “Follow Me,” they left their boats and nets—their business, their livelihood—and followed Him. As Matthew sat in his tax collecting station, Jesus came by and said, “Follow Me.” Matthew left his position and job, and followed Jesus.

Jesus expects us to sell out completely to His lordship because He gave up everything to seek and save us. Does that mean we need to all quit our jobs when we come to Jesus? No, of course not, but we need to totally submit everything to Him and ask Him about everything in our lives. Let me explain.

Jesus told an amazing story in Matthew 13:45-46 called the Parable of the Pearl. “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

The merchant (Christ) came seeking men and women (pearls) who would submit their lives to Him. Jesus gave His life (gave all that He had) to purchase one pearl of great value. Each Christian is that “one pearl” bought at a great price (1 Corinthians 6:20). Individuals who seek for God and find Him (the Pearl of great value) should be willing to sacrifice all other things for Him.

Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus as He passed by. Jesus stopped, looked up at him and told him He was coming to his house that day. Zacchaeus didn’t hesitate. He climbed down, took Jesus to his home and declared he would pay back those he had cheated.

Jesus told him, “Today salvation is come to this house” (Luke 19:9). Jesus is calling us today. He desires to live His life through us. Let’s respond to Him today like Zacchaeus and give it all to Jesus.