Why Do You Follow Jesus?
This is not a casual question.
It’s not a churchy phrase or a theological exercise.
It’s a heart question.
At some point in every believer’s journey, whether new to faith or seasoned in it, we must answer this honestly:
Why do I follow Jesus?
When Following Jesus Gets Uncomfortable
In John chapter 6, Jesus says something that shocks the crowd:
“Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.”
(John 6:53, KJV)
Many struggled with His words—not because they were unclear, but because they were demanding.
Jesus was calling people beyond surface belief into complete dependence, total surrender, and true spiritual union with Him.
He then explains:
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
(John 6:63)
Still, many couldn’t accept it.
“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”
(John 6:66)
When following Jesus stopped being convenient, they walked away.
A Question That Still Echoes Today
Jesus then turns to His closest followers and asks a question that still confronts us today:
“Will ye also go away?”
(John 6:67)
Simon Peter answers with a declaration of unwavering faith:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”
(John 6:68)
That response reveals the difference between following Jesus for benefits and following Jesus because He is Lord.
What Jesus Actually Offers
Jesus never promised ease, but He promised life.
Eternal Life
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
(John 3:16)
Peace That the World Cannot Give
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you… Let not your heart be troubled.”
(John 14:27)
A Love That Never Fails
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
(1 Corinthians 13:13)
This is not temporary comfort.
This is eternal transformation.
Called and Chosen on Purpose
Scripture tells us:
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
(Matthew 22:14)
And Jesus reminds His followers:
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you… that your fruit should remain.”
(John 15:16)
Following Jesus is not an accident.
It is a calling with purpose and fruit.
The Cost of True Discipleship
Jesus never hid the cost:
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
(Matthew 16:24)
Christian faith is not about self-improvement.
It is about self-surrender.
And yet, what we gain in Christ is far greater than what we lay down.
AS WE ENTER THE NEW YEAR OF 2026, RECOGNIZE The Power of Twenty-Six:
A New YEAR Beginning WITH GOD HIMSELF
In Hebrew, the name of God, YHWH, has a numerical value of 26.
It represents oneness, authority, dominion, fullness, and the Holy Spirit.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
— Zechariah 4:6
Twenty-six signifies the power of salvation.
The Hebrew word for salvation is Yeshua: the very name of Jesus.
And salvation is not behavior modification; it is new birth:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
— John 3:3
Salvation: A New Beginning
Salvation is not about turning over a new leaf.
It’s about receiving new life.
Through Jesus, Yeshua, the Savior we receive forgiveness, restoration, and spiritual rebirth.
What the Gospel Truly Is
The Gospel is not motivational language or positive thinking.
The Gospel is:
- Jesus Christ
- His life
- His death for our sins
- His resurrection
- His victory over death
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
(John 14:6)
“Neither is there salvation in any other.”
(Acts 4:12)
The Finished Work of Christ
“Christ died for our sins… and rose again the third day.”
(1 Corinthians 15:3–4)
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
(Luke 19:10)
This is the foundation of our faith, and the reason we follow Him.
So… Why Do You Follow Jesus?
Is it tradition?
Convenience?
Familiarity?
Or is it because like Peter, you’ve realized:
There is none other, He is the ONLY WAY!
Jesus alone has the words of eternal life.
Jesus alone offers true salvation.
Jesus alone makes all things new.
And that is why we follow Him.