It’s easy to study Jesus from a distance.
It’s harder to respond to Him.
If Jesus is who He claimed to be…
If He came to reconcile humanity to God…
If He gave His life as a ransom…
Then neutrality is not really an option.
So what does He expect from those who say they follow Him?
First: “Follow Me.”
Jesus’ most repeated invitation was not:
- “Admire Me.”
- “Agree with Me.”
- “Post about Me.”
- “Defend Me online.”
It was:
“Follow Me.”
To follow meant more than intellectual belief.
It meant reordering life around Him.
In the first century, following a rabbi meant:
- Learning his teachings
- Adopting his way of life
- Imitating his character
Jesus still calls people the same way.
Repentance — A Change of Direction
Jesus began His ministry with:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Repentance is often misunderstood.
It is not shame-driven self-hatred.
It is not public performance.
It is a turning.
A turning from:
- Self-rule
- Sin
- Pride
- Independence from God
And a turning toward Him.
Following Jesus requires surrender.
Love God. Love People.
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus answered:
- Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
- Love your neighbor as yourself.
Everything else flows from this.
Not:
- Political allegiance
- Cultural dominance
- Winning arguments
But love.
Real love.
Costly love.
Patient love.
Truthful love.
Deny Yourself
This is where things get uncomfortable.
Jesus said:
“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.”
This is not motivational language.
It is cruciform language.
Following Jesus means:
- Surrendering ego
- Letting go of self-exaltation
- Refusing revenge
- Choosing humility
He does not call us to comfort first.
He calls us to transformation.
Bear Fruit
Jesus said a tree is known by its fruit.
He expects:
- Growth
- Maturity
- Evidence of transformation
Not perfection overnight.
But direction.
A heart increasingly shaped by:
- Patience
- Kindness
- Self-control
- Faithfulness
- Mercy
Not religious performance.
Not image management.
Fruit.
Not External Religion — Internal Renewal
Jesus consistently warned against outward religiosity without inward change.
He confronted:
- Public prayer done for applause
- Giving done for recognition
- Fasting done for attention
What He expects is sincerity.
A heart aligned before behavior is displayed.
So What Does This Mean Today?
If we claim to follow Jesus but:
- Harbor hatred
- Protect pride
- Use His name to elevate ourselves
- Seek influence more than obedience
Then we may be wearing the label without carrying the life.
Jesus expects alignment.
Not perfection.
But submission.
The Invitation Remains
Jesus’ expectations are not burdens meant to crush.
They are invitations into freedom.
He calls us to:
- Follow
- Repent
- Love
- Surrender
- Grow
Not to earn salvation.
But because He has already acted on our behalf.
The Question Ahead
If this is what He expects…
Then how do we actually become like Him?
Not just in behavior—but in heart?
That’s where we’re headed next.
Next in the #WWJD Series:
Becoming Like Jesus — Knowing His Heart and Character
Because imitation without transformation produces religion.
But knowing His heart produces Christlikeness.
Click here to read post 6.
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