Jesus asks, not demands, for his disciples to follow him. All four gospels use the exact language of “follow me,” which is rare for Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to agree in this way. This uniformity signifies the importance of Jesus’ word choi — akoloutheō. Jesus asks for the disciples to let go of their current lifestyle and refocus their life’s work for a greater purpose.

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than I. John 14:12a

As believers, we are asked to live with intention. Jesus’ summons is to free our minds and spirits making it possible to refocus for purposeful living. “Doing even greater things than Jesus” requires us to become keenly aware of God’s beckoning.

Will you come and follow me
If I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know
And never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown,
Will you let my name be known,
Will you let my life be grown
In you and you in me?
Will you leave yourself behind
If I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind
And never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare
Should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer
In you and you in me?
Will you let the blinded see
If I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free
And never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean,
And do such as this unseen,
And admit to what I mean
In you and you in me
Will you love the ‘you’ you hide
If I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside
And never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found
To reshape the world around,
Through my sight and touch and sound
In you and you in me?

The Summons Copyright:

Words: 1987 WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow, Scotland, G2 3DH (Admin. by Wild Goose Resource Group), Music: David Peacock – The Jubilate Group (Admin. by Hope Publishing Company)

Blessings,
Pastor Carol

See you Sunday. When you are not here, you are missed!