Introduction: “Follow Me When It’s Convenient” (Spoiler: He Never Said That)
Wouldn’t it be nice if Jesus had said, “Follow Me—when you’re ready, and it fits your schedule”? That would be comforting. But He didn’t. And He sure didn’t say, “Take the easy road,” or, “Only follow when it feels good.” In fact, He calls us into something far more powerful: a life beyond comfort.
That’s where this whole theme of “Things Jesus Never Said” really packs a punch. We all love a faith that fits neatly into our lives, makes us feel good, and doesn’t demand too much change. But then Jesus goes and turns everything upside down, doesn’t He? So, what does it look like to truly “follow the call”—beyond our comfort zones, beyond the life of easy living? Let’s take a look through the lens of the five essentials for following Jesus.
The Five Essentials: Challenging What Jesus Didn’t Say
Before we dig deeper, let’s break down those five essentials—each one standing against some of those “things Jesus never said.” They’re the heartbeat of what it looks like to live out our faith:
- Believe in Jesus as Savior:
Jesus never said, “You’re on your own—figure out a way to earn God’s love.” Instead, He invites us to trust in His finished work on the cross. Jesus is God come to earth. He lived the perfect life we never could, died the death we deserved, and rose again to give us new life. Grace is a gift, not a paycheck.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8) That’s the kind of love that doesn’t wait for us to get our act together. Think of it like a lifeboat in a storm—our job isn’t to swim better; it’s to grab on for dear life and let Him pull us in.
- Follow Him – In Practice and Action:
Here’s one thing you’ll never hear Jesus say: “Just admire Me from a distance.” Following Him isn’t a spectator sport; it’s a call to live differently. Every day, not just when we feel like it or when it’s easy. And let’s be real—following Him will take you out of the comfort zone. But trust me, that’s where life gets good.
When Jesus says, “Take up your cross and follow me” (Luke 9:23), He’s calling us to lay down our lives and live for something greater. So yeah, it’s kind of like getting off the sidelines and actually playing the game. You don’t just sit and watch; you get in there and experience the journey for yourself.
- Love God Fully:
Jesus never said, “Just love God when it’s convenient.” Loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37) is more than a quick prayer before meals or a Sunday morning routine. It’s a full-life, all-in, kind of love. And here’s the thing: when we love God fully, it changes everything. It reshapes how we see ourselves, how we treat others, and how we spend our days.
Think of it like a deep relationship, not a casual acquaintance. You don’t just check in once in a while; you let that relationship impact every part of your life. And that’s the beauty of loving God—each act of worship, each prayer, each moment of obedience is a chance to show love to the One who loved us first.
- Love Your Neighbor as Yourself:
Jesus never said, “Only love those who make life easy for you.” Loving others means more than sticking to our comfort zones. It’s easy to love people who think, act, and look like us. But Jesus calls us to love those who stretch us, who challenge us, who are hard to love. Because real love isn’t about convenience; it’s about reflecting the way God loves us.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”(Philippians 2:4) This is where it gets real. Loving others isn’t just a feel-good act; it’s stepping out of ourselves and being willing to love—even when it costs us something.
- Make Disciples:
Last thing you’ll never hear Jesus say: “Keep your faith to yourself.” Faith isn’t a private matter. Jesus’ last command wasn’t to hunker down and play it safe; it was to go, make disciples, and share the Good News (Matthew 28:19-20). He calls us to a life that’s outward-facing, not self-centered.
Think of it like finding the best restaurant ever—you wouldn’t keep that to yourself, right? You’d tell your friends, share the address, and bring others along. Making disciples is just that: sharing what’s transformed your life so others can taste and see for themselves.
Breaking Down “Follow Me When It’s Convenient”
One of the most comforting things that isn’t true is the idea that following Jesus is all about convenience. “Follow Me when it’s convenient” isn’t in the Bible. And if we’re honest, it’s a good thing. Because Jesus’ call to follow isn’t about comfort—it’s about something much more meaningful.
Now, let’s draw that line between the Law and the Gospel. The Law shows us where we tend to choose comfort over calling, where we’d rather stick to what’s easy than go deeper. But the Gospel? Well, that’s the best news. Jesus chose discomfort for us. He left the comfort of heaven, faced rejection, carried the cross, and rose again—all to give us life. And because of what He’s done, we don’t have to follow Him beyond comfort—we get to. It’s an invitation, not a burden.
What Does It Look Like to Follow the Call?
If Jesus never said, “Stay comfortable,” then what did He say? How do we live out a faith that steps beyond comfort? Here are a few ways to make it practical, to let this call shape our lives:
- Be Ready to Say “Yes” to New Opportunities:
Jesus didn’t say, “Stay put.” When He opens a door or nudges you to step out in faith, don’t let comfort hold you back. You never know where He might lead. Think of it as an adventure—you’re not sure where the road goes, but you trust the One leading. - See Challenges as Opportunities for Growth:
Jesus never promised a problem-free life, but He did say, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) When you hit bumps in the road, see them as chances to grow, stretch, and lean more into God’s strength. Challenges aren’t setbacks—they’re setups for something greater. - Live for Others, Not Just for Yourself:
If you’re looking for a quote about “put yourself first,” you won’t find it from Jesus. Instead, He calls us to see others, to serve, to love beyond ourselves. You know that neighbor who needs a helping hand, or that friend going through a tough time? Loving others means reaching out, even when it’s not the most convenient thing to do. - Risk Rejection for the Sake of Love:
Jesus didn’t say, “Only love those who are easy to love.” Loving others can be risky. But it’s also where the most growth happens. The people who challenge you, who think differently than you, who might not love you back—these are the folks who need to see God’s love the most. And you get to be the one to show them. - Step into Your Purpose Daily:
If comfort is the goal, then life can become small real quick. But Jesus calls us to something bigger. Each day is a new opportunity to live out your faith, to step into your God-given purpose, and to bring hope to a world that desperately needs it.
Living Out the Call – It’s About Who We Get to Be
Here’s the thing: We’re not called to do more. We’re called to be more—because of what Jesus has already done. We get to live lives that are courageous, loving, and filled with purpose, not because we have to prove anything, but because we’ve already been given everything in Christ.
So let me ask you—what would it look like for you to follow Jesus in a way that stretches you? To love God deeply, love others freely, and share the Gospel boldly? Jesus didn’t say, “Follow Me when it’s convenient.” He said, “Follow Me, and find life.”
Conclusion: Things Jesus Never Said, and the Life He Offers
This whole series on “Things Jesus Never Said” is a reminder that following Him isn’t about staying comfortable—it’s about finding a life that’s full of purpose, love, and joy. And because of who He is and what He’s done, we’re invited to live boldly.
So today, take a step. Leave comfort behind. And see where following Jesus leads. Because Jesus never said, “Follow Me when it’s convenient.” He said, “Follow Me—and experience life to the fullest.”
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