How do you start following Jesus?

Come to him honestly in prayer, then stay near: read his words in the Gospels, keep talking to him, and walk with other believers. He welcomes anyone who continues in his word (John 8:31), and the changing is his work.

Is following Jesus about keeping rules?

No. Following Jesus is grace, not legalism. Obedience grows from love and trust, not fear or trying to earn God's acceptance. He said his yoke is easy and his burden light (Matthew 11:30).

Discipleship

Following Jesus

Following Jesus is not a religion you master but a Person you walk with. He came to ordinary people and said two words, “follow me,” and everything changed. This is a grace-first guide to what that means and how to actually do it: what following him is, what he asks, what it costs, and how to keep walking when it is hard. Every page here rests on his own words, and on the good news that grace goes first and carries you the whole way.

What Jesus said

“And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.”

Mark 1:17

The whole of following him is folded into that sentence. Come first. The becoming is his work, and he is patient beyond anything you deserve.

Start anywhere

Whatever you are asking, there is a gentle place to begin below.

What does it mean to follow Jesus?A Person to walk with, not a rulebook to keep.What did Jesus mean by 'follow me'?Two words that changed everything.How to follow JesusWhere to actually begin, step by step.Following Jesus every dayA daily walk, not a one-time leap.Becoming a disciple of JesusA learner who follows and is changed.What is Christian discipleship?The lifelong walk, explained simply.What Jesus asks of his followersTrust and love, more than rules.The teachings of JesusLove, mercy, the Kingdom, and rest.Abiding in ChristStay joined to the vine and bear fruit.Take up your cross dailyDying to self so you can truly live.Counting the costHonest about the price, and the reward.Following Jesus when it's hardGrace and rest for weary days.Follow JesusThe invitation, and a place to say yes.I want to follow JesusReady to begin? Start here.The cost of following JesusWhat Jesus asked, and why it is worth it.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to follow Jesus?: To follow Jesus is to walk with him as a living Person, trusting him, learning his way of life, and letting him reshape you by grace. When he called his first disciples he said 'follow me,' and they went with him (Mark 1:17).
How do you start following Jesus?: Come to him honestly in prayer, then stay near: read his words in the Gospels, keep talking to him, and walk with other believers. He welcomes anyone who continues in his word (John 8:31), and the changing is his work.
Is following Jesus about keeping rules?: No. Following Jesus is grace, not legalism. Obedience grows from love and trust, not fear or trying to earn God's acceptance. He said his yoke is easy and his burden light (Matthew 11:30).

Where to go next. You do not have to have it all figured out. Begin following Jesus → · The gospel → · Meet Jesus → · Read Mark 1 →

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He is still saying, follow me

Following Jesus does not begin with getting your life in order. It begins with him, and with a yes as small as a mustard seed. He walked toward fishermen and tax collectors and simply said, “follow me,” and their whole lives turned on that word. He says it still, to you, today. You do not have to be worthy first. You only have to come, and keep coming, and let him do the rest.

I want to follow Jesus Read the Gospel of Mark Ask for prayer

Jesus Christ is Lord.