Follow Him
What does it mean to follow Jesus (Yahshua) the Messiah? The common understanding is that we are to be like him in good works and obedience to our Father in heaven. There is this religious understanding of "what would Jesus do." People have an idea of how they think he would talk to others, even the demeanor and tone. There is an imagining of this typically soft-spoken and very nice man. I've actually met a couple who took this so far that it was not right to be emotional or raise one's voice.
But, is trying to mimic our imagining of the Son of God really what following him is all about? I think not. Such a view falls far short of the truth in the gospel accounts and epistles. To follow him in Scripture, entering through the New Covenant, does not mean trying to religiously mimic how you think he would speak and act. It actually means to become more and more like him, by being transformed into his very image. It is a supernatural work you submit to, not religious works you perform in your own ability.
Let us first look at how this is exemplified by those he was training on earth, to do the works he did.
Mat 3:16 AMP And when Jesus was baptized, He went up at once out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he [John] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him.
Mat 4:23 AMP And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every weakness and infirmity among the people.
I quoted those verses to show what began the ministry of Yahshua among the Jews, and the resulting works he did. There is no record of any supernatural activity (signs, wonders, and miracles) in his works, until the Holy Spirit came upon him to empower him for his earthly ministry as the Son of Man. As the Son of Man, he ministered as a man, not according to his prior glory he had with the Father, but as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit. This was for good reason, as he was to be our example in all things. How could he be our example or tell us to do the works he did if he operated as the Son of God in his ministry, rather than the Son of Man?
Once he was anointed by the Holy Spirit to begin his earthly ministry, for our example, he did supernatural works. These are the works he told his disciples to do. Are you his disciple (one who learns from him and follows him, to be like him)? Or are you just a religious person trying to appear right by following a set of beliefs you think to be right?
Mat 10:1 MKJV And when He had called to Him His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
Hmmm, looks like he sent them out to do the same works he was doing.
Mar 16:15-18 KJVR And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
It seems the "great commission" statement to us tells us that we, if we believe, will do the same works. Let us keep looking at the examples of those first disciples to see how they operated after Yahshua left them and the Holy Spirit was poured out on them to operate as the "Church."
Act 2:1-4 KJVR And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Well, we see they spoke in tongues just like Yahshua said those who believe would.
Act 3:1-11 KJVR Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. (2) And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; (3) Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. (4) And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. (5) And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. (6) Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. (7) And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (8) And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. (9) And all the people saw him walking and praising God: (10) And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. (11) And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
Yep, there is the healing Yahshua said would happen for those who believe and follow him.
Keep reading through the book of Acts and the epistles and you'll find evidence that they did all of the works of Yahshua the Messiah. Each disciple did not operate in all gifts and supernatural ability, but collectively they did. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that there are different supernatural gifts given by grace. One may prophesy and another have gifts of healing, but the same Spirit works these supernatural works through the disciples of Messiah.
If you pay attention through the book of Acts, which is a book with the point of showing us how the disciples acted once the Spirit came on them to empower their ministry, you'll notice that it does not focus on telling us how well they kept the letter of the law, or how religiously pious they were in speech and actions, or how well they performed religious worship ritual, etc. The works they did were supernatural, and that of Messiah working through them. See what impact this had on the perception others had of them.
Act 4:13 AMP Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools [common men with no educational advantages], they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
There can be no argument against the fact that wherever the first century disciples were, other people recognized them as followers of "Jesus" who were doing his works in his stead. This is why the were called "Christians" which means "like Christ."
When people around you think of you, do they recognize that you have been with Jesus (Yahshua) the Messiah? Can people in your life tell that the same Messiah written about in Scripture is in you, and you in him, with his works being done through you? Do the signs he said would follow those who believe follow you in your life?
It is important we examine ourselves and be honest with ourselves. The most dangerous thing is to be deluded and think we are right with God when we are not.
1Co 12:4-12 AMP Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments (gifts, extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit) and they vary, but the [Holy] Spirit remains the same. (5) And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served]. (6) And there are distinctive varieties of operation [of working to accomplish things], but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all. (7) But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit] for good and profit. (8) To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit; (9) To another [wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit; (10) To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues. (11) All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses. (12) For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
Are you a well functioning member of the Body who operates in at least one of these gifts regularly for the benefit of the Body? Read again what was underlined. It does not say, "But to some of them..." No, it says, "But to each one..." and so on. He (Holy Spirit) apportions to each person individually, it says. Are you doing these New Covenant works as enabled by the Spirit? If not, you are missing something.
The Lord said signs would follow those who believe. He told us to do the works he did. He gave us his example as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit, so we could follow and do likewise. Part of the commission he left us with, the most important part, is the promise of empowerment.
Act 1:8 AMP But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
He didn't say you (his disciples) might be empowered to be his witnesses. It is an absolute. It is a commandment. "But YOU SHALL receive..." If that isn't a commandment, I don't know what is. In the verse before this he gives the first part of the commandment - "WAIT." That is, don't go trying to be a witness until you've received power. Just wait, receive the power, then go and witness in and by that power.
What a travesty that we have so many religious believers doing so many religious works and calling it Kingdom building and works for God. God is not interested in man's works done by man's power. This is why it is written, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says YHWH." He isn't building his Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven by man's natural abilities, man's natural might or power. He is building it by his Spirit.
Has the Spirit come on you to empower you as a witness? If not, you have not yet ever even done a single work like Messiah. You have not even begun to do the works he did. He didn't just keep commandments and walk around piously. The main focus of the accounts about his ministry were the mighty works he did by the power of the Spirit. Do you do mighty works by the power of the Spirit?
Check yourself, you who believe. I don't know any true disciples the Master has privileged me to be closely apart of their discipleship, who have not received the empowering of the Holy Spirit and operated supernaturally. However, I do know a lot of religious believers who have mental belief, but not evidence of their faith by their works. These people may be believers (in a manner of speaking), but they are not disciples. Disciples do the works of Messiah. That is the sign that follows his disciples. This is one way that we know his disciples from those who are simply having a mental agreement type of belief in Messiah, and religiously converted.
If you are born of the Spirit and know it, the same Spirit will lead you, if you submit, into the empowerment promised in Acts 1:8. That empowerment will lead to doing the kind of supernatural works Yahshua did in his earthly ministry.
1Co 4:14-21 MKJV I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. (15) For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for I have begotten you in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (16) Therefore I beseech you, be imitators of me. (17) For this cause I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved son and faithful in the Lord, who shall remind you of my ways which are in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. (18) As to my not coming to you now, some are puffed up. (19) But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills. And I will not know the speech of those who are puffed up, but the power. (20) For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (21) What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and the spirit of meekness?
Did Paul operate in supernatural ability, by the Holy Spirit? You better believe it! He told the Corinthians to imitate him (follow and be like him, as he was following and being like Messiah). The Kingdom is about the Word, but Paul is speaking of the words of puffed up religious men. He is telling them to stop with all the talk, and back it up with a display of their power in Messiah, to do the works of Messiah.
I've been on forums with argumentative men and wanted to speak firmly and directly, "Quit with your yapping and prove you are a disciple by doing his works of power, and then I'll consider listening to you again." Of course, I've never come out that bluntly to those who I've not been given the responsibility to disciple in Messiah. But the point is, there are a lot of talkers who are generally puffed up in their knowledge (know-it-alls), who haven't done a single work of Messiah in all their lives. They are as powerless as people of the world walking in their natural ability only.
If you have the Holy Spirit filling you, to empower you as a witness, you will do the supernatural works of Messiah - no question about it. The Word has spoken it. It is an absolute. It is a part of the New Covenant Law of the Spirit. Are you in violation of the Law?
Are you a dried out and withered branch who has been following Moses by the letter, through the wilderness, having no real spiritual Life at work through you to do the works of Messiah? Beware - you know what He said about dried up, fruitless branches. If this is you, maybe you should focus less on following Moses, and more on following Messiah??
Maybe you haven't been focused on following Moses, but you are a "Christian" who expects "ministers" to operate in some level of power, but not yourself or other "lay people." I quoted you what the "Bible" says; no member of the Body of Messiah is to be without supernatural empowerment for their purpose in the Body and to be witnesses. It does not say that only apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are supernaturally gifted by the Holy Spirit.
I tell you without equivocation, if you are not being empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the works of and like Messiah, you are in rebellion. You are violating one of the most important New Covenant commandments; to be empowered so you can be proper witnesses of Messiah and edifying to the Body around you.
The Kingdom isn't built by the natural efforts of men, no matter how well intending, or how well they follow the letter of Scripture. The Kingdom is only advanced on earth by the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.
It is no good to tell you this and you find yourself lacking, but have no instruction on proper steps to begin taking to correct your error, and be empowered to do the works of Messiah as his disciple. If you need assistance, please let me know and I'll be happy to help in this regard. I'm walking this walk.
But, is trying to mimic our imagining of the Son of God really what following him is all about? I think not. Such a view falls far short of the truth in the gospel accounts and epistles. To follow him in Scripture, entering through the New Covenant, does not mean trying to religiously mimic how you think he would speak and act. It actually means to become more and more like him, by being transformed into his very image. It is a supernatural work you submit to, not religious works you perform in your own ability.
Let us first look at how this is exemplified by those he was training on earth, to do the works he did.
Mat 3:16 AMP And when Jesus was baptized, He went up at once out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he [John] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him.
Mat 4:23 AMP And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every weakness and infirmity among the people.
I quoted those verses to show what began the ministry of Yahshua among the Jews, and the resulting works he did. There is no record of any supernatural activity (signs, wonders, and miracles) in his works, until the Holy Spirit came upon him to empower him for his earthly ministry as the Son of Man. As the Son of Man, he ministered as a man, not according to his prior glory he had with the Father, but as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit. This was for good reason, as he was to be our example in all things. How could he be our example or tell us to do the works he did if he operated as the Son of God in his ministry, rather than the Son of Man?
Once he was anointed by the Holy Spirit to begin his earthly ministry, for our example, he did supernatural works. These are the works he told his disciples to do. Are you his disciple (one who learns from him and follows him, to be like him)? Or are you just a religious person trying to appear right by following a set of beliefs you think to be right?
Mat 10:1 MKJV And when He had called to Him His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
Hmmm, looks like he sent them out to do the same works he was doing.
Mar 16:15-18 KJVR And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
It seems the "great commission" statement to us tells us that we, if we believe, will do the same works. Let us keep looking at the examples of those first disciples to see how they operated after Yahshua left them and the Holy Spirit was poured out on them to operate as the "Church."
Act 2:1-4 KJVR And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Well, we see they spoke in tongues just like Yahshua said those who believe would.
Act 3:1-11 KJVR Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. (2) And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; (3) Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. (4) And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. (5) And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. (6) Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. (7) And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (8) And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. (9) And all the people saw him walking and praising God: (10) And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. (11) And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
Yep, there is the healing Yahshua said would happen for those who believe and follow him.
Keep reading through the book of Acts and the epistles and you'll find evidence that they did all of the works of Yahshua the Messiah. Each disciple did not operate in all gifts and supernatural ability, but collectively they did. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that there are different supernatural gifts given by grace. One may prophesy and another have gifts of healing, but the same Spirit works these supernatural works through the disciples of Messiah.
If you pay attention through the book of Acts, which is a book with the point of showing us how the disciples acted once the Spirit came on them to empower their ministry, you'll notice that it does not focus on telling us how well they kept the letter of the law, or how religiously pious they were in speech and actions, or how well they performed religious worship ritual, etc. The works they did were supernatural, and that of Messiah working through them. See what impact this had on the perception others had of them.
Act 4:13 AMP Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools [common men with no educational advantages], they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
There can be no argument against the fact that wherever the first century disciples were, other people recognized them as followers of "Jesus" who were doing his works in his stead. This is why the were called "Christians" which means "like Christ."
When people around you think of you, do they recognize that you have been with Jesus (Yahshua) the Messiah? Can people in your life tell that the same Messiah written about in Scripture is in you, and you in him, with his works being done through you? Do the signs he said would follow those who believe follow you in your life?
It is important we examine ourselves and be honest with ourselves. The most dangerous thing is to be deluded and think we are right with God when we are not.
1Co 12:4-12 AMP Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments (gifts, extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit) and they vary, but the [Holy] Spirit remains the same. (5) And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served]. (6) And there are distinctive varieties of operation [of working to accomplish things], but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all. (7) But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit] for good and profit. (8) To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit; (9) To another [wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit; (10) To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues. (11) All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses. (12) For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
Are you a well functioning member of the Body who operates in at least one of these gifts regularly for the benefit of the Body? Read again what was underlined. It does not say, "But to some of them..." No, it says, "But to each one..." and so on. He (Holy Spirit) apportions to each person individually, it says. Are you doing these New Covenant works as enabled by the Spirit? If not, you are missing something.
The Lord said signs would follow those who believe. He told us to do the works he did. He gave us his example as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit, so we could follow and do likewise. Part of the commission he left us with, the most important part, is the promise of empowerment.
Act 1:8 AMP But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
He didn't say you (his disciples) might be empowered to be his witnesses. It is an absolute. It is a commandment. "But YOU SHALL receive..." If that isn't a commandment, I don't know what is. In the verse before this he gives the first part of the commandment - "WAIT." That is, don't go trying to be a witness until you've received power. Just wait, receive the power, then go and witness in and by that power.
What a travesty that we have so many religious believers doing so many religious works and calling it Kingdom building and works for God. God is not interested in man's works done by man's power. This is why it is written, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says YHWH." He isn't building his Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven by man's natural abilities, man's natural might or power. He is building it by his Spirit.
Has the Spirit come on you to empower you as a witness? If not, you have not yet ever even done a single work like Messiah. You have not even begun to do the works he did. He didn't just keep commandments and walk around piously. The main focus of the accounts about his ministry were the mighty works he did by the power of the Spirit. Do you do mighty works by the power of the Spirit?
Check yourself, you who believe. I don't know any true disciples the Master has privileged me to be closely apart of their discipleship, who have not received the empowering of the Holy Spirit and operated supernaturally. However, I do know a lot of religious believers who have mental belief, but not evidence of their faith by their works. These people may be believers (in a manner of speaking), but they are not disciples. Disciples do the works of Messiah. That is the sign that follows his disciples. This is one way that we know his disciples from those who are simply having a mental agreement type of belief in Messiah, and religiously converted.
If you are born of the Spirit and know it, the same Spirit will lead you, if you submit, into the empowerment promised in Acts 1:8. That empowerment will lead to doing the kind of supernatural works Yahshua did in his earthly ministry.
1Co 4:14-21 MKJV I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. (15) For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for I have begotten you in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (16) Therefore I beseech you, be imitators of me. (17) For this cause I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved son and faithful in the Lord, who shall remind you of my ways which are in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. (18) As to my not coming to you now, some are puffed up. (19) But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills. And I will not know the speech of those who are puffed up, but the power. (20) For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (21) What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and the spirit of meekness?
Did Paul operate in supernatural ability, by the Holy Spirit? You better believe it! He told the Corinthians to imitate him (follow and be like him, as he was following and being like Messiah). The Kingdom is about the Word, but Paul is speaking of the words of puffed up religious men. He is telling them to stop with all the talk, and back it up with a display of their power in Messiah, to do the works of Messiah.
I've been on forums with argumentative men and wanted to speak firmly and directly, "Quit with your yapping and prove you are a disciple by doing his works of power, and then I'll consider listening to you again." Of course, I've never come out that bluntly to those who I've not been given the responsibility to disciple in Messiah. But the point is, there are a lot of talkers who are generally puffed up in their knowledge (know-it-alls), who haven't done a single work of Messiah in all their lives. They are as powerless as people of the world walking in their natural ability only.
If you have the Holy Spirit filling you, to empower you as a witness, you will do the supernatural works of Messiah - no question about it. The Word has spoken it. It is an absolute. It is a part of the New Covenant Law of the Spirit. Are you in violation of the Law?
Are you a dried out and withered branch who has been following Moses by the letter, through the wilderness, having no real spiritual Life at work through you to do the works of Messiah? Beware - you know what He said about dried up, fruitless branches. If this is you, maybe you should focus less on following Moses, and more on following Messiah??
Maybe you haven't been focused on following Moses, but you are a "Christian" who expects "ministers" to operate in some level of power, but not yourself or other "lay people." I quoted you what the "Bible" says; no member of the Body of Messiah is to be without supernatural empowerment for their purpose in the Body and to be witnesses. It does not say that only apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are supernaturally gifted by the Holy Spirit.
I tell you without equivocation, if you are not being empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the works of and like Messiah, you are in rebellion. You are violating one of the most important New Covenant commandments; to be empowered so you can be proper witnesses of Messiah and edifying to the Body around you.
The Kingdom isn't built by the natural efforts of men, no matter how well intending, or how well they follow the letter of Scripture. The Kingdom is only advanced on earth by the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.
It is no good to tell you this and you find yourself lacking, but have no instruction on proper steps to begin taking to correct your error, and be empowered to do the works of Messiah as his disciple. If you need assistance, please let me know and I'll be happy to help in this regard. I'm walking this walk.