Follow for the Right Reasons

“As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘You do not want to go away also, do you?’ Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.’”
John 6:66-69

In the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, many people surrounded the Messiah as He preached and ministered. As His date with the cross neared, however, only a few remained by His side. Those who had initially thronged to His presence eventually returned to their everyday routines because they had sought Him for selfish motives - for healed bodies and full stomachs - hoping Jesus would become “a shining knight” to deliver them from Rome.

Jesus did heal bodies, but the real healing was effected as He was torn on the cross. Jesus did feed the hungry, but His ultimate purpose was to satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst. Jesus did come to deliver - but from Satan’s grip, not Caesar’s.

If we are following Christ today for His blessings only or for His power or His provisions, we will eventually be disillusioned. There will come a time when there will be no visible sign of blessing - when every single comfort will be removed. If you have followed Christ for any other reason than loving, loyal obedience, you will be sorely disappointed.

We follow Christ for one foundational reason - He is Lord and King of all, and our allegiance is due Him. That is all that will sustain you when the fish and loaves have ceased.

“‘Do you love Me?’...‘Follow Me!’” John 21:17, 19