“Followers of Christ” might seem like dime a dozen these days, but Apostle John, in Chapter 1, lays out seven unmistakable signs of a real follower of Christ. Spoiler alert: A flashy cross around your neck doesn’t make the cut.
#1. They Follow Christ. Not Hype (v. 35-37)
Ever been reading the book of John and wondered, "Wait, is John the Baptist losing disciples to Jesus?” Here’s the thing : John knew his job was simply ‘bear witness’ to the ’true light’ and so, he pointed everyone, even his own disciples, straight to Christ, saying "Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world!”
This is a powerful message for modern Christian leaders. The mega-church you attend, the celebrity pastor you follow or the denomination you belong -they should all be pointing you to Christ, not to themselves. If you're pledging allegiance to a brand or personality instead of the Lamb of God, it might be time for a hard re-evaluation of who you really follow.
#2. Their Motive is to “Abide”(v.38)
People follow Christ for all sorts of reasons: miracles, healing, even free food! Jesus sees right through these followers who are just chasing after superficial ‘blessings’ (John 2:23-24).
When Jesus spotted two of John’s disciples tailing him, He turned around and cut right to it: “What do you seek?” These two disciples replied “Rabbi, where do you abide?” That’s the mark of a true follower – seeking to "abide" with Christ, a term Jesus uses later in the vine and the branches imagery in John 15. Branches that ‘abide’ in the vine produce fruit. The rest? Well, they get burned up.
So, what drives you to follow Christ? Are you in it for the handouts and the quick fixes? Or do you seek to abide in Him because you know without Him you’ll wither and die?
#3. Their Obedience is Radical. (v.39)
When Jesus gave the simple call "Come and see", the disciples didn't hesitate or ask questions - they came and saw. They simply obeyed.
Remember that verse in Luke (6:46) where Jesus slams those say “Lord, Lord" but don't actually obey? He compares them to the fool who built his house on sand. Real disciples are the wise ones - they obey unconditionally with a “Not my will, but Your’s be done” attitude. No ifs, ands, or buts.
So, here’s the litmus test : When the Bible speaks, do you cherry-pick what you want to obey based on what seems right or do you submit because God said so? Radical (aka child-like) obedience separates true followers from the fakes.
#4. They Spread The Good News (v.41 & 45)
Think about it: imagine finding a cure for cancer - would you keep it a secret? So it is when you’re set free from the clutches of sin and saved from eternal death. You can’t shut up about that good news.
Andrew wasted no time bringing his brother, Simon to the Lord. Likewise, Philip tracked down Nathaniel and dragged him to Christ. That’s textbook evangelism - you don’t need a Ph.D, to share the good news to those close to you and bring them to Christ!.
#5. They Get a New Identity (v. 42)
Christ followers get remade from the inside out - a total identity reboot under new management. The scripture says whoever is in Christ, is a new creation - ‘the old has passed away. Behold, all things are become new.” Just ask Simon - who got a brand new identity. He is now Peter, the rock.
#6. They are Authentic (v. 46-47)
Nathaniel’s genuine skepticism didn’t faze Jesus. Being God incarnate, Jesus saw right through to his heart - that he was “a true Israelite without deceit”. God values authenticity over fake piety. He’s interested in what’s in your heart, not a nice veneer.
#7. They Keep Growing (v. 50-51)
True followers never stop growing. Their understanding of Jesus blossoms like a flower, constantly maturing. Look how quickly the first disciples went from recognizing Jesus as the “Lamb of God”, to “Messiah”, to knowing that He is the “ Son of God”. And that's just the beginning!.
Jesus promised Nathanael that would see even "greater things" , that he would see the heaven open and angels of God ascend and descend upon the Son of Man.
A true follower is the one who recognizes that Jesus is the Lamb of God, the Promised Messiah (the Christ) , the Son of God and the ladder that connects heaven to earth. (the only way to the Father!)
In a sea of superficial followers, The world needs real followers of Christ– the kind who live out these seven traits. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few! Will you answer the call?
