We followed someone, if we are not the leader nor the front-runner, because we have our expectations that we might gain something.
Here, in continuation of the preceding posts by the same title, I wanted to list out several case studies before I wanted you to be certain of what you expect, as we follow Jesus Christ for our life and beyond:
9. To let you Bear the Cross with him
Not many of us would want to bear the cross Jesus had carried for us to Mount Calvary. The wooden cross, I believe, would be shaded with blood spilling from the body of Christ. He was beaten so hard that he was so weak to carry the cross for a grown man.
Now, a certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. Mark 15:21
He must have been made to carry the cross and walk behind Jesus if you continue to read Luke 23:26. He might have been one who is following Jesus secretly or just passing through as stated. Further, he was a person known by the name of his sons and his place resident as was mentioned in the passage. Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26
This is the point of return for many in today’s world. Although we’re happy when we found life in him and appreciated his way of teaching at first, certain people are not ready to carry his cross forward. Yet I know there would be people who gladly bear the cross till today.
Talking about the cross, Jesus Christ had bore our sins to the cross with him. The cross for mankind is done with him. We have to carry our own cross. We have our own cross. Think about it…
“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Luke 9:23-24 NLT
10.To let you Dine with him:
Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. Luke 19:6 NLT
He is someone who’d be unable to even see the Teacher Jesus passing by. He had the desire to see him. He long for him. He knew that he can give him what he lacked. Also, his profession or way of accumulating wealth might not be prudent yet he wanted the son of God in him. Luke 19;1-10
Jesus went and dine with him. I don’t know why Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus Christ always triggered my heart to Christ. It is his Desperate Wants that I also had inside me, which only the Son himself can fulfill.
The result of his dining with him is aplenty in the life of Zacchaeus. He becomes a changed man. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10 Take your time today here. If you haven’t done so, you can invite him now! He knows your desperation that you keep to yourself. Don’t lose more time!
11. To let you Become a Witness to Him:
It is a privilege if you’re part of the work spreading the gospel. Not everyone can’t be a part of it. It is a work worth living for under the heaven.
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
12. To give you Earthly Glory:
You must be wrong if you only expect earthly glory or reward in Jesus Christ. Be careful you are not rewarded already on earth! Look out!
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-24
Those of them who work for earthly glory shall receive earthly riches and glory. But not beyond that.
13. To let you be the Greatest in Heaven:
The fight for the greatest is in every sector of our life. It is in our instinct to rise above others. Further, it also counts for the survival of the fittest. We even fight for a higher position in the ministry. It causes a rift. The church stops growing as there is an unhealthy spirit among the members.
“Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”
Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.’ Matthew 18:1-5
14.To meet you when you’re Lonely:
Their teacher and their hope after a long time was hung onto the cross. There he died! What a huge hope they have put in him. But he died. He told them he would, yet they still believe it wouldn’t happen somehow. He was buried.
They were lonely at heart.
We were lonely at heart.
He seems dead – he is silent…
They didn’t recognize him. Yet he was with them as they walked the lonely road. Now, they realized something is different while they were talking.
He’s dead he’s still living – walking with us in the days of our life!
We’re not alone.
With my inputs from the road to Emmaus, which is mentioned in Mark 16:12-14, Luke 24:13-35.
15. Only to see Miracles: No Intimate Relationship
When Jesus washed their feet he was there. John 13:1-17 He did saw him miraculously feeding the thousands. In their journey, he saw the miracles. Trusted as he must have been, finances are in his hand. He was the one who kept their money through the ministry.
Still, he doubted the privilege he was given. Yes, we’re talking about Judas Iscariot – one among the Chosen Twelve.
There is no intimation with his master. Today, there were people in the ministry who were very much involved yet they have no intimation with the one they serve. They went astray- they teach for their own prosperity, not for the master.
Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples. Luke 22:3 He remained open for Satan!
We claimed to be the disciples but never having intimation with him. We did not truly walk with him in the light – Namesake is the word!
Conclusion:
After briefly going through a few points, which many of us expect to see or gain by following Jesus Christ. I want to conclude the series here for the moment. You may add your thoughts whenever and wherever you’d like to.
If you do that at least in your mind then it serves the purpose. You may also see where you are at, in your relationship with him, after reviewing the points laid out.
God bless you!
