How Far Can We Follow Jesus

(#76, Dagget, 1942; Yermo, 1943; Yermo/Kelso/Hinkley, 1952; Imperial, 1958)

Read Matthew 16:24-28; 1 Peter 2:21.

Three said they would follow Christ, but...

w   the first didn't count the cost;

w   the second wanted to bury his father;

w   the third wanted to bid farewell to those at home.

The rich ruler wanted to follow but the demands were too great. "One thing thou lackest."  On one occasion in the life of Christ we are told "many walked no more with Him".  Is it possible to follow Christ all the way?

How far does Christ ask us to follow Him?

    1.  Christ made himself of no reputation, Phil. 2:5-7.

    2.  Christ was rejected and hated, Jn 15:18.

    3.  Christ was forgiving, Mt. 18:21-22.

    4.  Christ loves all men, Jn. 15:9.

    5.  We must come to the cross, Matt. 16:24.

Is it possible to follow Christ?

The question is, "Can we follow Christ all the way."

God's commands are God's enablings.

The Christian is not a copyist.  There is only one way in which we can follow or be like Christ.  We must be joined to Christ (1 Cor. 6:17).  Only then can there be a forsaking of all and the denying of self (Matt. 16:24-25).

The blessings to those who follow Him.

ƒ    Eternal life.  The rich young ruler asked "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"  The answer was, "follow me".

ƒ    Walking in the light, John 8:12.

ƒ    The promise of his coming again, Mt. 16:27.

 

If He should come today to you and me,

As once He came of old by Galilee,

Speaking to each in terms of His own task,

How many times twelve followers must He ask

Ere He found twelve responsive to His call,

Glad to give up their will, and yield their all?