Part 2: Who Can Be a Disciple?

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? This powerful exploration challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment to Christ beyond mere labels and Sunday attendance. Drawing from John's Gospel, we're confronted with Jesus's penetrating question to those who sought Him: 'What are you seeking?' Before we can genuinely follow, we must examine our motivations—are we chasing blessings, or are we pursuing the Blesser Himself? The teaching unpacks the reality that discipleship requires total allegiance, much like an athlete who wears one team's jersey and runs their plays without wavering. We're reminded that there are no 'free agents' in God's kingdom. Through passages like John 8:31-32 and Matthew 4, we see that true discipleship demands we leave behind our old nets—those things we once clung to for identity and security—and embrace a new way of life. The cost is real: Jesus speaks of bringing a sword, not to promote violence, but to cut away anything that prevents us from following Him wholeheartedly, even cherished relationships or long-held priorities. Yet the promise is equally profound: when we surrender our plans for His, when we decrease so He can increase, we discover that losing our life is actually the path to finding it. This isn't about religious duty; it's about radical transformation into the image of Christ Himself.