Matthew 4:19, “And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
The Greek word for ‘follow’ is “akoloutheo”.
It means to be on the same road, or to be in the same way with, that is, to accompany (specifically as a disciple).
Jesus used this phrase a number of times while He was here to invite others to join and travel with, and be taught by Him.
I have used this phrase many times while preaching as an encouragement to others to turn from a life of sin and begin following Him. But I realized something today: Jesus is at the right hand of the Father. So, how do we follow someone who isn’t here?
John 13:36, “Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.”
So, what are we, as Christians to do now? What road are we to travel on now?
Deuteronomy 31:8, “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
(Also Hebrews 13:5)
In truth, Jesus left us the perfect guide to follow.
John 14:15-18 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”