Not every follower of Jesus Christ was a believer. Some followed skeptically, not quite sure what to believe, though they could see the miracles happening right in front of them. Some followed to catch Him in a lie, hoping to dissuade others from listening.
(John 10:20)
Some folks who followed Christ only wanted a healing, but left soon after. Some folks believed that not only could He do a miracle for they who pursued Him and surrounded Him, but for their families, as well. (John 4:46-53)
Some folks who followed Him wanted to kill Him; (John 8:59: 10:31) they tried to stone Him before they actually were able to get Him crucified. Some folks who followed Jesus wanted to believe but found it hard to obey what He said to do, so they stopped following. (the rich young ruler: Matthew 19:16-22)
Some folks who follow Jesus only wanted the money that came into the treasury, not the One who owned the cattle on a thousand hills, or paved the streets of heaven with gold. For a handful of silver coin, that man betrayed Jesus and turned Him over to the authorities.
Some folks follow Jesus while the journey is easy, but leave when the journey becomes personal and difficult, as when Peter betrayed Jesus when He was arrested. (John 18:17-27)
Some folks followed Jesus everywhere but in prayer. For the disciples He chose to pray with Him or stay near Him fell asleep. It was exhausting to be on the go all the time and try to stay awake long enough to be with The Father, too. ( Luke 22:39-46)
Some folks who follow Jesus are not of any Israelite tribe, but still they seek to be in His presence. (John 12:20; John 4:39) Some folks follow Jesus because a family member told them about Him. (John 1:40-42, 45)
When we begin to follow Jesus, we must decide for ourselves which of these “some folks” we are. I want to follow Jesus so close I am stuck like glue (Psalm 63:8).
