Choosing the Jesus Way 1:4
Part 1:4 (Follower of The Way)
Merely acknowledging the existence of God does not make someone a true Christian. It requires a genuine encounter with God and a willingness to be transformed.
The Significance of "Followers of The Way"Have you ever wondered why the early followers of Yeshua (Jesus) referred to themselves as “Followers of The Way”? In this post, we’ll explore the depth and significance behind this title and discover the transformative power of living a life dedicated to Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ).
1. The Way Revealed
5 “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”JOHN 14:5-7
As we journey through the Scriptures, it's essential to approach them with discernment and seek God's guidance for understanding, mindful of the context. Let's start by examining John 14:5-7, where Thomas asks Yeshua (Jesus) about the way to God. Jesus responds, emphasizing His central role as the path to God and the source of truth and life. Understanding this concept is crucial to comprehending why early followers adopted the term "Followers of The Way."
2. A Transformative Way of Life
Christianity is not merely a belief system; it's a way of life. Merely acknowledging the existence of God does not make someone a true Christian. It requires a genuine encounter with God and a willingness to be transformed. As followers of Jesus, we are called to model our lives after Him and strive to reflect His love, grace, and holiness. This transformative journey involves confessing our sins, seeking forgiveness, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape us into His image.
“I believed in God’s existence but lacked a genuine relationship with Him.”
I confess that I once considered myself a Christian without truly understanding what it meant. I believed in God's existence but lacked a genuine relationship with Him. (If you’d like to know more about my coming to Christ testimony you can check it out HERE. Be prepared, it’s a wild one!)
3. Distinguishing Ourselves as Followers of The Way
"But this I confess to you, that according to the Way... I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets." - Acts 24:14-15 (ESV)
In contemporary society, the term "Christian" has become broad and often encompasses various beliefs and practices. However, not all who identify as Christians align their lives with Christian principles. To distinguish ourselves as genuine followers of Yeshua (Jesus), we can re-adopt the term the early Church actually used, "Followers of The Way." This serves as a reminder that our faith is not merely a label but a commitment to walk in the footsteps of Yeshua (Jesus), follow His teachings, and pursue a life of righteousness and love.
Paul's confession before Felix, the governor, highlights his belief in the grace of Yeshua as the way to heaven, while also emphasizing his adherence to the Torah. He distinguishes himself from the Jewish religion's focus on works for salvation. Contrary to popular teachings today, Paul's commitment to following 'the law' is not legalism but rather a reflection of how Yeshua Himself lived a separate life under the Father's Way.
“Jesus declared Himself as the way, inviting us to model our lives after Him and embrace the true essence of Christianity.”
4. The Importance of Being Set Apart
Being a Follower of The Way entails living a life set apart for God's purposes. This does not mean isolating ourselves from the world but rather cultivating a distinct character and conduct that aligns with God's will. Romans 12:1 emphasizes offering ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as our true worship. By embracing a life of purity, honoring God in our actions, and seeking to do His will, we become vessels for honorable use, ready for every good work.
Choosing to identify as a Follower of The Way distinguishes us from those who merely claim the title of Christian without embracing the true essence of Christianity. It's not a judgment but rather a commitment to living in alignment with God's Word and His ways.
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." - Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)
Yeshua Himself emphasized the significance of walking the narrow path, which leads to life. We are called to treat others as we would like to be treated and enter through the narrow gate, for the way that leads to destruction is wide and tempting.
“Living as Followers of The Way sets us apart, enabling us to be vessels of honor, holy and useful to God’s purposes.”
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
Choosing to be a Follower of The Way is a continuous journey of faith, transformation, and devotion to Jesus. It is an intentional decision to follow His teachings, rely on His grace, and seek His guidance in all aspects of life. As we embrace this path, we become part of a community of believers who share a commitment to walk in righteousness and love. We are chosen, loved, and known by the YahWeh, called to bring His light and love into a world longing for hope and transformation.
1” Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your true and proper worship.” ROMANS 12:1
21 “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house ready for every good work.” 2TIMOTHY 2:21
3 “But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.” PSALM 4:3
