Follower Or Fan (Sermon)
The Real Cost Of Discipleship
“If anyone wishes to follow Me as My disciple, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23 AMP
There is a major difference between a follower of Jesus and a fan of Jesus. Many people claim to love God. Many shout His name, go to church, post verses, and talk about blessings. But loving the idea of Jesus is not the same as following Jesus.
A follower is committed when it costs them.
A fan is committed when it benefits them.
A follower surrenders.
A fan observes.
A follower will die to self.
A fan will clap from the sidelines.
Jesus is not looking for cheerleaders.
He is calling disciples.
Are you a follower, or are you just a fan?
A Fan Seeks Blessings, A Follower Seeks Jesus
“Jesus answered, You are looking for Me not because you saw miracles, but because you ate the loaves and were filled.” John 6:26 AMP
Some people follow Jesus because He healed them.
Some follow Him because He provided for them.
Some follow Him because He opened doors for them.
But the real test is this:
Would you still love Jesus if He said no?
Would you still follow Him if He never answered another prayer?
Would you still worship Him even without blessings?
A fan says, “I love God because He helps me.”
A follower says, “I love God because He is holy.”
The Rich Young Ruler vs The Disciples
The rich young ruler wanted eternal life but refused the cost. He walked away sad.
The disciples left everything to follow Jesus.
One was a fan of Jesus.
The others were followers of Jesus.
A Fan Follows When It Is Convenient, A Follower Follows No Matter The Cost
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:27 AMP
Fans follow Jesus when life is easy.
Followers remain when life is painful.
Fans worship when they feel good.
Followers worship even in trials.
Fans serve when it fits their schedule.
Followers serve because they belong to Him.
Peter vs Judas
Peter failed, denied Jesus, and stumbled. But he repented, returned, and followed Him again.
Judas walked with Jesus, saw miracles, held the ministry money bag, and looked trustworthy. Yet he betrayed Jesus for money.
Peter was a flawed follower.
Judas was a committed fan.
A Fan Wants Comfort—A Follower Has A Broken Heart
“My sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart.” Psalm 51:17 AMP
There is a difference between being needy and being broken:
A needy person wants help but refuses to change.
A broken person recognizes their sin, repents, and surrenders.
A fan sees Jesus as a helper.
A follower sees Him as Lord.
The Pharisee vs The Tax Collector
The Pharisee was impressive, religious, and prideful.
The tax collector stood far off with a broken heart, begging for mercy.
One was religious. One was repentant.
One was a fan of righteousness. One became a follower of Christ.
A Fan Remains The Same, A Follower Is Transformed
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 AMP
A fan can sit in church for years and never grow.
A fan knows Scripture but never applies it.
A fan attends service but avoids surrender.
A follower is transformed.
A follower repents.
A follower obeys.
A follower becomes more like Jesus every day.
A fan follows trends.
A follower follows truth.
Jesus is not recruiting fans.
He is calling disciples.
“Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom, but only the one who does the will of My Father.” Matthew 7:21 AMP
Ask yourself honestly:
Do you cheer for Jesus, or do you follow Him?
Do you want His blessings, or do you want His will?
Are you willing to pick up your cross daily?
Jesus is calling you deeper.
The question is not whether He is speaking.
The question is
Will you follow?
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