5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.
Jesus’ call to all is quite simply “Follow Me”. Just as He called His very first Disciples, He calls each of us to follow Him first in humility, second in honor or glory – the cross always preceding the crown. Scripture tells us through the pen of Peter:
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV)
Over and over again our Lord’s command as He walked this earth was follow, follow, follow – do as He says, do as He does - thus proving to be His disciples. This has not changed nor will it. Certainly presenting us - as it did all who walked before us - with a high albeit costly call:
19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. Matt 4:19-20 (NIV)
26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:26 (NIV)
6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)
What exactly does it mean to follow Jesus? The word “follow” is translated from the Greek word “Akoloutheo” meaning “to be an attendant, accompany, go with or follow; distinguished from the occasional and temporary following of Jesus by the crowds; the individual calling to follow Jesus involved abiding fellowship with Him, not only for the sake of learning as a student from his teacher, but also for the sake of the salvation known or looked for, which presented itself in this fellowship. The first thing involved in following Jesus is a cleaving to Him in believing trust and obedience, those cleaving to Him also following His leading and acting according to His example. Hence the constant stress laid by the Lord Jesus upon the need of self-denial and fellowship with Himself in the cross. Thus following Jesus denotes a fellowship of faith as well as a fellowship of life, sharing in His sufferings not only inwardly, but outwardly if necessary. Such outward fellowship with Jesus, however, could not continue without inner moral and spiritual fellowship.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, New Testament Lexical Aids.
In following Jesus we are the recipients of all spiritual blessings now and the future blessing of sharing with Jesus in all the riches of God’s Kingdom. Paul tells us in Romans:
6 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:16-17 (NIV)
“If religion is worth anything, it is worth everything. They who do not like Christ on these terms, may leave him at their peril. Whatever we part with for this pearl of price, we may comfort ourselves with this belief, that it is well worth what we give for it. The terms are, that we prefer Christ.” Matthew Henry
Those listening to our Lord did not understand Him – nothing seems to blind so much as the insidious monster of pride. Embracing and wrapped up in their false knowledge and conceits these religious leaders demonstrate their lack of true knowledge by not comprehending or following our Lord’s Words. Confirming them not to be His sheep:
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. John 10:4 (NIV)
“You have heard My voice and have known that I have been ministering to you. You have not followed the voice of a stranger nor sought out strange paths. For this reason have I set My love upon you. I have put My arm around you, and with My wings have I sheltered you. You are the object of My special attention, and you have received My special care... I have given you of My best because you have loved Me. I have drawn you into My banquet hall because you hungered and thirsted after the things of God. Because you have longed for righteousness and true holiness, I sought you out to instruct you and teach you in My laws and in My ways. I will indeed bring you to a higher realm of experience and revelation because there is a quest in your soul after Truth...It is no futile path in which I am leading you. It will be laden with blessing and filled with surprises. Never be hesitant to follow.” Frances J. Roberts