Following Jesus

John 6 contains one of the hardest passages for me in all of Scripture because it speaks of followers who end up rejecting Christ and turning away. It is a scene in which people literally left Jesus in droves (see John 6:66).

Jesus had just miraculously fed a crowd of thousands. The people were amazed and thrilled by what he had done, ready to follow this wonder-working Messiah. But when he challenged them about what they were really after, they scoffed and left by the masses.

Caleb, whose name means “forcible, fortitude,” is a type of Christian who goes all the way! He was inseparable from Joshua, a type of Christ, and represented one who continually walks with the Lord.

Jesus came to earth as a man, God in flesh, so he could feel our pain, be tempted and tried as we are, and show us the Father. Scripture calls Jesus the express image (meaning, the exact likeness) of God. He is the same essence and substance of God the Father (“being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person” [Hebrews 1:3]). In short, he is “the same as” the Father in all ways.

“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

We know Jesus was utterly dependent on the Father, and he is our example of yielding and trusting. Indeed, he makes clear that such a life is possible for us. If we actually lived this, God should be the captain of our souls by now. But is he? Too often, as soon as our next crisis arises, we question God’s faithfulness and give in to doubt and fear, relying on our wits to find an escape.

Our Shepherd is a faithful guide to us in all things, no matter how faulty our decisions. Indeed, he says, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10).

Everyone knows the importance of having a quality guide. Think about the important life decisions you’ve made. Were the ones guiding you experienced, skilled and knowledgeable in getting you where you wanted to go? God uses his children to help others along the way, but Jesus gives the most succinct and direct guidance of all when he says very simply, “Follow me” (Matthew 9:9).