What If Following Jesus Was Simpler Than You Thought?
Modern Christianity has turned following Jesus into marking items off of a checklist. What if we’ve made this harder than Jesus intended?
When it comes to following Jesus, we have believed these three misconceptions:
I have to be good enough.
I have to have it all figured out.
I have to follow all the rules.
But maybe Jesus meant something simpler, deeper, more personal.
What Jesus Meant by “Follow Me”
What did Jesus mean when he said “follow me?” Jesus calls to Peter and Andrew "Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people (Mt. 4:19).” This wasn’t to the elite, but to fishermen, tax collectors, outcasts.
These men were not obligated to follow him. They barely knew Jesus. Rather, they were invited to come and explore life with Him. “The term "obligate" refers to the moral or spiritual duty that individuals have to fulfill certain responsibilities or commandments as prescribed by Scripture (1).” On the contrary, “the term "invite" in the biblical context generally refers to the act of calling or summoning someone to participate in an event, gathering, or relationship (2).”
Jesus invites us to participate in a mission with Him. Jesus didn’t hand them a rulebook, He invited them into a journey.
Discipleship as a Relationship, Not a Resume
Misconception: You have to prove you’re worthy to follow.
Truth: Jesus didn't ask for résumés, He asked for relationships.
Think about Peter—bold, brash, deeply flawed.
He denied Jesus at His worst moment.
And still, Jesus cooked him breakfast by the sea and restored him gently (John 21).
Discipleship isn’t about how much you achieve spiritually.
It’s about who you’re walking with.
You don’t need to bring perfection—just presence.
Doubt on the Road? You’re Not Alone.
Doubt is completely normal. Even Jesus’ closest friends doubted. There’s a story in Luke 24 where two of Jesus’ followers are walking to Emmaus after the crucifixion.
They’re confused. Grieving. Unsure what to believe anymore.
Jesus shows up right there, in the middle of their doubt.
He walks with them. Listens. Explains.
He doesn’t rebuke their questions—He enters into them.
Following Jesus doesn’t require certainty–just openness.
Why This Invitation Is Still for You
Maybe you’ve been sitting on the outskirts of faith for a while.
Maybe the church feels too noisy. Religion too rigid.
But still… something in you wonders about Jesus.
That’s enough.
The same Jesus who said “Come” to the outcast and the overworked still whispers it now.
Not “Come when you’ve figured it out.”
Not “Come when you’ve stopped doubting.”
Just… Come.
And maybe that’s the whole point.
Following Jesus was never supposed to be complicated.
It was always supposed to start with love.
Reflection
What if you didn’t need to have it all figured out to take one step toward Him today?
What would it look like to follow Jesus from right where you are—messy, unsure, and honest?
1. https://biblehub.com/topical/o/obligate.htm#:~:text=In%20summary%2C%20the%20concept%20of%20obligation%20in,obedience%2C%20and%20faithfulness%20to%20His%20commandments.%201.2. https://biblehub.com/topical/i/invite.htm#:~:text=Definition%20and%20Usage:%20It%20is%20an%20expression,to%20enter%20into%20a%20relationship%20with%20Him.
