None Go With Me
FOLLOW ME! SUBSCRIBE HERE! Lots of commands but what are they wanting? Money and the fame. There are many people, things, and ideas out there that say, “FOLLOW ME” but what are they offering in return? Some show little return on investment. You follow a celebrity, only to watch their demise from temptation or lack of popularity. You follow a preacher and see their flaws and faults in a glaring light. You follow a religion and see it full of hypocrites and people wanting money, power, and fame. But you see, there is one guy, an influencer before the term “influencer” became the new buzz word, he not only changed lives but changed the world and the whole course of history. His name is Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Word and so many other names but mostly He wants to go by one name, “Savior”. He started out from a rag to riches (not wealth) story if you will in a barn in Bethlehem to influencing major political stars of His time (Pontius Pilate, Herod, and many more). But how does a humble carpenter from Nazareth become known literally the world over and have a following that lasts over 2000 years? One thing; love. We’ll go through that and more as we see about Jesus, the great Influencer and what type of influence does He leave on our life.
When Jesus came into the world there was fanfare, but it wasn’t the paparazzi rather it was angels singing his praises to the shepherds in the hills. It was a star to the wise men in the East that signaled the Messiah had indeed come to save the world. It was more than flash bulbs and red carpets, it was God’s glory, gold, frankincense and myrrh and a little dash of jealousy. Just like other famous people get jealous of each other, the same was true here but Jesus was an infant how could someone be jealous of an infant? King Herod was! The Bible recounts this, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. Matthew 2:1-4,12,13.” Herod was not a happy king. He didn’t like Jesus of Nazareth and thought Jesus was going to take his throne. Herod was influenced by power not God and he became paranoid and persecuted and killed to get his way. Herod was not a good influence on the people. There are times where Israel had good leaders and bad leaders, those who followed God and those who didn’t so what was a God-fearing person to do?
Though none go with me, I still will follow (disciples) no turning back. I’ll follow him
10 men healed, one turned back
All disciples left Jesus except the few
All disciples left Jesus at the cross
Following Christ (sheep/shepherd)
“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20.”
“And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead .And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. Matthew 8:19-23.”