Two thousand years ago, an itinerant Rabbi named Jesus of Nazareth walked the lands of present-day Israel. Today, Christians are asked to follow this very same figure. How is this possible, and what exactly does it mean to follow Jesus; how does one proceed?
“Follow Me”
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus often utters the phrase “follow me.” Not surprisingly, the phrase is almost always used as an invitation to discipleship.
A prime example is taken from Matthew’s Gospel. “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.” (See Matthew 9:9).
The term “Follow me” appears relatively innocuous, certainly not something containing any deep theological significance. However, a close reading of the biblical text leads one into the depths. The reason for this lies in the translation of “follow me” from Greek into English.
The Greek word “akoloutheo” can mean to follow someone physically or to follow their example in behavior and mindset. It can also mean joining someone as a disciple. This last connotation of the word akoloutheo is significant to understanding Jesus’ words.
Discipleship
For the purpose of this article, a disciple is defined as one who is learning and accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. In the New Testament, the word describes any follower of Jesus’ teaching. (See Matthew 10:1).
Within the context of Catholicism, discipleship means actively following Jesus Christ as a committed follower. Therefore, being a disciple means learning Jesus’ teachings and living one’s life according to his example by embodying His values and sharing His message. In a real sense, to be a disciple is to be a student of Jesus.
So, when we read the words of Jesus to “follow me” as they appear in the Bible, it becomes clear that He intended those words as an invitation to become a disciple of His. Those words, “follow me,” echo through two thousand years of Catholicism.
Following A Person, Not A Teaching
Catholicism is unique concerning this fundamental concept; we follow a person, not a teaching or dogma. This is not to minimize the importance of learning the teachings and dogmas of the Catholic Church but rather to emphasize the importance of entering into a relationship with Christ.
An example of this can be seen by examining a chapter in Matthew’s Gospel. “When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man [Jesus] is?” Interestingly, Jesus does not inquire about what people think of His teachings. Rather, He is asking who people think He is. This exchange is important because it elucidates an important theological principle: Jesus is not another prophet or religious teacher. He is God incarnate.
Of course, this leads to the question at hand. How does one follow Jesus? How does one become a disciple? There are four components to these questions.
First, we need to encounter Jesus. This can occur in several ways. One can encounter Jesus by reading the Bible and interacting with other Catholics. We can also encounter Christ in the poor, the imprisoned, the sick, and the dying (Matthew 25:35). Finally, Christ is present to us through His priests and the sacraments of the Church.
After encountering Jesus, we are called to conversion. Conversion entails baptism, confession, and penance. The goal is metanoia – a fundamental change in the person at the spiritual level.
This is followed by communion with Christ. The most apparent manner is through the Eucharist. To be in communion with God is to be a friend of God. It is how one becomes a saint.
The final component of discipleship is mission. It is worth observing that no one in the Bible encounters God without being sent on a mission. We, too, are called to work for the Kingdom of God.
Unfortunately, like all things in life, following Jesus frequently comes with a price.
The Cost
As suggested, the term “follow me” in the Greek translation of the Bible connotes something binding on the individual.
To follow Christ means to submit to his personal lordship. This, in turn, means that one is to identify his life with the life of Christ. For the early followers of Christ, such a commitment frequently entailed great hardship.
The Bible records how the followers of Christ were to share in Christ’s life and ministry (see Luke 10:1-16). Such commitment meant the apostles forsook their families, homes, and work. (See Luke 5:11; 18:28-30). Ultimately, following Christ means carrying the cross with Him (see Mark 8:34-38).
All this is to say nothing of the some three hundred million Christians who are experiencing some form of persecution today. (See Open Doors).
Lastly, we must speak of the relational component of following Jesus. The apostles came to know Jesus as the good shepherd (John 10) and experienced the radical nature of divine love (John 13:1-17). To be a follower of Jesus meant friendship with God (John 15:13-15). It also meant (and means today) that a follower is to continue the work begun by Jesus.
Conclusion
To follow Jesus requires that we become His disciples. However, as with everything else in the spiritual life, it is God who initiates discipleship.
“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.” – John 15:16-17.
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