Day 6: What Does Following Jesus Mean?
7 DAYS OF GETTING TO KNOW GOD
DAY 6 OF 7 · Estimated time: 8–10 minutes
Your progress: 6 of 7 days
What Does Following Jesus Mean?
So, we've spent the last five days learning about God, Jesus, grace, and forgiveness.
But here's a question.
What does it actually mean to follow Jesus?
Does it mean going to church every Sunday?
Reading your Bible every day?
Never making another mistake?
Those things might come to mind, but Jesus describes something deeper.
And He uses a pretty interesting example to explain it.
Let's check it out.
Today's Reading
John 15
Read the entire chapter.
If you have a physical Bible, I recommend using it. It's easier to focus without notifications and other distractions. If you don't have one nearby, no worries. Use the link below.
As you're reading, pay attention to what Jesus says about staying connected to Him and loving other people.
Let's Talk About It
All right, so you just read John 15.
Jesus starts by comparing Himself to a grapevine.
Yeah, a grapevine.
Stay with me.
He says He's the vine, His Father is the gardener, and His followers are the branches.
Now, think about an actual plant.
What happens when you cut a branch off?
Eventually, it dries up.
Why?
Because it's no longer connected to the source that keeps it alive.
Jesus uses this example to explain something important.
Following Him isn't just about knowing who He is. It's about staying connected to Him.
In John 15, Jesus uses the word remain.
That means continuing to stay connected to Him, trusting Him, and living according to His teaching.
And He says that connection produces fruit.
Not actual grapes.
He's talking about the results of a life shaped by Him.
Things like loving others and obeying what He teaches.
Now, remember what we talked about on Day 3?
We don't do good things to earn God's grace.
Good works are meant to grow out of our relationship with Jesus.
And then Jesus gives His followers a pretty clear command.
Love one another as I have loved you.
Sounds simple enough.
But think about what that actually means.
Loving people when they're difficult.
Showing kindness when nobody's watching.
Putting someone else's needs before your own.
And sometimes choosing to do what's right even when it's uncomfortable.
Now, Jesus doesn't promise following Him will always be easy.
Toward the end of the chapter, He warns His followers that some people will reject them because of their relationship with Him.
So following Jesus isn't about becoming popular or having a perfect life.
It's about staying connected to Him and learning to live the way He taught.
And that takes practice.
Think About It
When you think about following Jesus, what comes to mind?
A bunch of rules?
Going to church?
Or something more personal?
What might change in your life if you started taking Jesus' teachings seriously?
Today's Challenge
Here's your challenge.
Read John 15:12 one more time.
Jesus tells His followers to love one another as He has loved them.
Now think of one person you could show that kind of love to today.
Maybe it's someone who's having a hard time.
Someone you've been avoiding.
Or someone who could use a little encouragement.
Then do something about it.
Nothing complicated.
Just one intentional act of love.
And if you're willing, try praying:
Jesus, I'm still learning what it means to follow You. Help me understand Your teachings and what it means to stay connected to You. Show me how to love people the way You taught.
Before You Go
Six days down!
Here's something I want you to remember.
Following Jesus isn't about pretending you're perfect.
It's about trusting Him, staying connected to Him, and allowing His teachings to shape how you live.
And remember, you don't have to figure everything out today.
Keep reading.
Keep asking questions.
And keep discovering who Jesus is.
DAY 6 COMPLETE
UP NEXT: Day 7: What If I'm Still Not Sure? (John 20)
Please Rebel Responsibly.