Six times in the book of Matthew Jesus said, "come follow me." Each with a slightly different aspect to following Jesus. Meditate on what it means for you to follow Jesus.

1. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4.19

Observations: Following is voluntarily. Following requires leaving where I am presently. Following means giving leadership to another. Following results in learning.

2. But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."Matthew 8.22

Observations: Following requires us to leave things, important things, to others. Following means paying a price emotionally, relationally, and financially.

3. "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him." Matthew 9.9

Observations: Following means adapting to other environments. Following means adjusting to living in the light, rather than darkness.

4. "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10.37-38

Observations: Following Jesus is intended to be a priority.

5. "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16.24

Observations: Following is accomplished with full hands. We deny ourselves and we pick up a cross.

6. "Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. " Matthew 19.21

Observations: Following means we must release our grip on whatever was keeping us from following Jesus in the first place. Making this choice is often the hardest part of following.