The Forgotten Teachings of JesusSample

Following Jesus Wholeheartedly

Jesus was an itinerant rabbi. He would travel from town to town around Galilee, preaching in synagogues and healing the people of those communities. While this lifestyle was certainly filled with exciting experiences and fulfilling work, it also required incredible sacrifice.

There is a moment in episode 7 when John, one of Jesus’ disciples, is concerned for their safety after Jesus had upset some religious leaders. He asks Jesus if this is what he wants, to have to roam about from place to place, never able to settle down. We sense the danger Jesus faced as opposition rose against him.

Jesus’ ministry, however, would have been mobile even if it had not been for these dangers. An itinerant rabbi and his disciples would travel for several months out of the year. They would leave their families behind, entrusting their care and protection to others. They relied on this charity, never charging for their work. It was a life of simplicity and instability.

Perhaps what ought to strike us as most amazing is that Jesus chose this lifestyle. God put on flesh, but rather than claiming an earthly throne or surrounding himself with possessions and wealth, Jesus chose a life of wandering and sleeping on the ground. He chose to be a common man among common people.

In other words, Jesus was willing to leave behind the splendor of heaven, the power of his throne, and the worship and praise of the heavenly host to walk the earth as a poor, itinerant preacher who would be reviled as often as he was revered.

This is the depth of God’s love for us. There is no limit to what God would do to reach us. God proved that he is willing to humiliate himself to be with us and draw us back into relationship with him.

Though they don’t always realize it, this is the reason the disciples have sacrificed so much to be with Jesus. They have left everything behind to follow the One who left everything behind for them. They are modeling the behavior of their rabbi from the very moment they join him.

Perhaps this is why, decades later, the same John who was questioning Jesus earlier in this episode would himself write about how God so loved the world that he sent Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins so that we might live through him.

Jesus invites you to be his disciple. The question that lingers is how much you are willing to surrender to accept that invitation. Jesus came that you may have life, and life to the full! Will you leave the life you have to accept the life that Jesus is offering?

Reflect: What sacrifices have I made to follow Jesus?

Prayer Starter: Jesus, I want to follow you wholeheartedly. Any sacrifice I make is well worth the cost of knowing you and living with you forever…

This plan is presented to you by The Forgotten Teachings of Jesus by Brandon Robbins.To learn more about this book, please click here.