Follow the Leader

So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

– Luke 5:11

It’s one of those nights that even experienced drivers fear. And that’s not to mention their passengers.

It’s nighttime, and it’s raining so hard that you can barely see over your car’s hood. The fog and mist have rolled in. And you don’t dare to slow down or pull over to the roadside. It’s a multi-vehicle accident just waiting to happen.

So what do you do to make it safely to your destination? When it’s raining cats and dogs, sometimes the best move is a serious game of Follow the Leader. That means following the dim red tail lights of the vehicle ahead of you and matching the driver’s every turn. When he taps his brakes, you do, too. And if he bears right, you don’t ask questions. That’s because you know he can already see what’s up ahead.

But things can get dangerous if you try to make it on your own. So ultimately, it’s a matter of trust.

Isn’t this an accurate description of what it means to be a Christ-follower? The Bible tells us that Jesus asked his disciples to follow him into storms, hostile crowds, and towns full of unbelievers. These were dangerous, scary situations. But like the lead driver on the highway, Jesus saw what was ahead. And he led those who believed in him to experience life in its fullest.

That was fine 2,000 years ago. But what does it mean to follow Jesus in the 21st century?

If you’re familiar with imitation leather or imitation flavoring, you know they’re generally not as good as the real thing. But this is one time when imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery. That’s because throughout our time on Earth, we’re directed to imitate Christ. And how do we do that?

It’s all about following his examples of growing closer to God through regular prayer, Bible reading, worship, and gathering with other believers. We can also imitate our Savior by being a friend to the weak and helpless, sharing our material blessings, and being an advocate for justice. And there’s much, much more.

If you’re of a certain age, perhaps you’ve seen those What Would Jesus Do (WWJD) bracelets or bumper stickers. While we rarely see them these days, it’s still the big question — more so now than ever considering these stormy days of social, economic, and political turmoil. 

So, what would Jesus do? There’s only one way to find out. Let's follow the Leader!