What Jesus Meant When He Said, “Follow Me”

When Jesus looked at ordinary people and said two simple words—“Follow Me”—He was not inviting them into religion, status, or performance. He was inviting them into relationship, transformation, and purpose.

Those words still carry the same meaning today.

But what does it truly mean to follow Jesus in modern times? What is a disciple? What does discipleship actually look like in everyday life?

Let’s explore the heart behind Jesus’ call.

What Is a Disciple?

A disciple is a learner, a student, and a follower of Jesus.

To be a disciple does not mean you have everything figured out. It means you are willing to learn from Jesus, walk with Him, and allow His teachings to shape your life.

A disciple:

• Chooses to follow Jesus

• Learns from His Word

• Grows through obedience

• Is shaped over time, not overnight

Jesus said:

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”— John 8:31

A disciple is not defined by perfection, but by direction.

What Is Discipleship?

Discipleship is the lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus.

It is not a one-time decision—it is a daily process of growth, surrender, learning, and transformation.

Discipleship includes:

• Learning God’s Word

• Developing a relationship with Jesus

• Allowing God to shape your character

• Living out your faith in real life

  
  

In today’s world, discipleship happens in:

• Homes

• Workplaces

• Relationships

• Daily choices

• Quiet moments with God

Jesus didn’t say, “Believe once and move on. ”He said, “Follow Me.”

What Did Jesus Mean by “Follow Me”?

When Jesus said “Follow Me,” He was inviting people to:

• Leave old ways behind

• Learn a new way of living

• Trust Him with their lives

Following Jesus means aligning your life with His teachings, values, and example.

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”— Luke 9:23

This invitation wasn’t just for the disciples in Scripture—it is for us today.

Following Jesus in Modern Times

Following Jesus today doesn’t mean leaving your job or life behind—it means inviting Jesus into every part of it.

In modern times, following Jesus looks like:

• Choosing integrity in a culture that compromises

• Loving others when it’s inconvenient

• Trusting God in uncertainty

• Living with humility, grace, and obedience

• Making room for prayer and God’s Word

Following Jesus is not about living perfectly—it’s about living submitted and surrendered.

The Sacrifice of Following Jesus

Jesus never hid the cost of discipleship.

Following Him may require:

• Letting go of habits that pull you away from God

• Releasing control

• Saying no to things that don’t align with His will

• Choosing obedience over comfort

“Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”— Luke 14:27

Sacrifice is part of following Jesus—but sacrifice is never without purpose.

The Joy of Following Jesus

While discipleship involves sacrifice, it also brings deep joy, peace, and fulfillment.

The joy of following Jesus includes:

• A growing relationship with God

• Peace that isn’t dependent on circumstances

• Purpose beyond yourself

• Transformation from the inside out

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”— John 15:11

What we give up in following Jesus is nothing compared to what we gain.

Why Follow Jesus?

We follow Jesus because:

• He leads us to life

• He offers forgiveness and grace

• He brings truth and clarity

• He transforms hearts and minds

• He is the way to eternal life

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”— John 14:6

Following Jesus is not about rules—it’s about relationship.

The Blessing of Following Jesus

The blessings of following Jesus are not always material—but they are lasting.

Blessings include:

• Spiritual growth

• Strong foundations

• Wisdom for daily life

• God’s presence and guidance

• A life rooted in hope

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.”— Jeremiah 17:7

A life rooted in Christ is a life that can stand firm in every season.

Encouragement for New Believers

If you are new to faith, know this:

You don’t have to understand everything to follow Jesus. You don’t have to grow overnight. You don’t have to be perfect.

Jesus simply says, “Come. Follow Me.”

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”— Philippians 1:6

One step at a time is enough.

Reflection:

Ask yourself:

• What does following Jesus look like in my life right now?

• What might God be asking me to surrender?

• How can I create space to walk with Him daily?

Following Jesus is a journey—one marked by grace, growth, sacrifice, and joy.

And the invitation still stands.

Related Resource

Free Download: Foundations of a Disciple: A beginner-friendly teaching on discipleship, prayer, and Bible study—available now in the file share library.

A Note from me:

Whether you’re new to faith or returning to strengthen your foundation, my prayer is that you feel encouraged to keep going, keep learning, and keep following. Jesus is patient, faithful, and present in every stage of the journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and grow with me. May your walk with Christ be rooted in grace as you grow in the word.

With Grace and Love,

Yvonne Perry

Creator and Founder of The Bible Bloom