Not a Fan

1. The Core Question: Are You a Fan or a Follower?

it wasn’t the size of the crowd Jesus cared about; it was their level of commitment.

Defining the relationship. Many people identify as Christians, but the crucial question is whether they are truly followers of Jesus or merely enthusiastic admirers – fans. Jesus wasn't interested in large crowds of casual admirers; His focus was always on the depth of commitment. This book challenges readers to honestly define their relationship with Christ.

Fans vs. Followers. A fan is an enthusiastic admirer who cheers from the stands but isn't in the game. They know about Jesus, might attend church, and even wear Christian symbols, but nothing is truly required of them. A follower, however, is actively engaged, committed, and willing to sacrifice, reflecting a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.

The John 6 crowd. Jesus often preached messages that caused large crowds to leave, like in John 6 after feeding the five thousand. When He offered Himself as the "bread of life" instead of more free food, many "disciples" turned back. Jesus didn't chase them; He was concerned with their commitment level, not their numbers.

2. Diagnosing Fandom: Decision vs. Commitment, Knowledge vs. Intimacy, One of Many vs. One and Only.

Fans have a tendency to confuse their knowledge for intimacy.

Symptoms of fandom. Fandom manifests in several ways, often confusing outward actions or intellectual understanding for genuine relationship. It's easy to mistake a past decision for ongoing commitment, knowledge about Jesus for true intimacy with Him, or making Jesus one of many priorities instead of the one and only.

Decision vs. Commitment. Many have made a decision to believe in Jesus (like Nicodemus coming at night) but never committed to following Him daily. Biblical belief isn't just mental assent; it's a commitment that leads to action. Jesus said "Follow me" far more often than "Believe in me," emphasizing their inseparable connection.

Knowledge vs. Intimacy. Like the Pharisee Simon who hosted Jesus but didn't show Him honor, fans can know all the facts about Jesus (like knowing Bible trivia) but lack a deep, intimate relationship ("yada"). True followers, like the sinful woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears, demonstrate their love through intimate, often reckless, devotion.

One of Many vs. One and Only. Jesus demands exclusive devotion. Fans try to fit Jesus into their existing life alongside other priorities (money, career, family, comfort). Followers, however, make Jesus their absolute top priority, willing to sacrifice everything else by comparison, understanding He will not share their affection.

3. Fans Follow Rules, Followers Follow Jesus.

When following him becomes about following the rules, people end up walking away from both.

Aiming at the wrong target. Fans often focus on religious rules and rituals, mistaking outward compliance for genuine faith. Like the Pharisees Jesus called hypocrites in Matthew 23, they prioritize looking righteous on the outside while their hearts are far from God. This legalism makes faith about earning favor rather than a relationship.

Outside vs. Inside. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for doing everything "for show," like whitewashed tombs that look clean outside but are full of death within. True followers aren't perfect, but they are authentic, allowing their inner relationship with Christ to transform their outward actions, rather than just wearing a mask.

Rules over Relationship/Love. Legalism makes it hard for people to come to God, burdening them with rules instead of offering grace. It prioritizes laws over loving people, like the bank teller who wouldn't validate a parking ticket for a chairman because he hadn't completed a transaction. When churches focus on rules over relationships, they cease following Jesus.

4. Fans are Self-Empowered, Followers are Spirit-Filled.

You cannot be a follower unless you are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Frustration and exhaustion. Fans try to follow Jesus through sheer willpower and self-effort, leading to frustration, failure, and burnout. They struggle with sin and life's challenges because they haven't accessed the power available to them.

The Holy Spirit's power. Jesus promised His followers the Holy Spirit would empower them to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). He even said it was better for Him to leave so the Counselor could come and live in them (John 16:7). The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in believers (Romans 8:11).

Acknowledging weakness. Being filled with the Spirit begins with admitting our own inability. Paul boasted in his weaknesses so Christ's power could rest on him (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Followers learn to "keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25), relying on His strength daily through "spiritual breathing" – exhaling sin (repentance) and inhaling the Spirit (surrender).

5. The Invitation to Follow is Open to Anyone.

When Jesus says anyone, it turns out what he really means is anyone.

No qualifications needed. Jesus' invitation to follow begins with "If anyone..." (Luke 9:23), making it clear it's open to everyone, regardless of their past or perceived stains. Unlike the exclusive application process for rabbis' students, Jesus initiated the call, even inviting outcasts like Matthew the tax collector.

Hiding stains. Many people believe their mistakes, sins, or past disqualify them from following Jesus. They hide their "stains," fearing rejection. But Jesus knows about our stains and died to wash them clean, offering grace and acceptance instead of condemnation.

No asterisks. While churches or individuals might add unspoken qualifications (like the woman told she wasn't welcome after divorce), Jesus' "anyone" truly means anyone – the divorced, addicts, ex-cons, hypocrites, people of any background or struggle. His invitation is based on grace, not merit.

6. Following Jesus is a Passionate Pursuit.

Followers should have some come after Jesus stories that make people say, That’s crazy.

"Come after me". This phrase in Jesus' invitation (Luke 9:23) implies a passionate pursuit, similar to how one would pursue a romantic love. It's not a casual interest but an all-consuming desire that leads to illogical, irrational, and sacrificial actions.

The Pearl of Great Price. Jesus' parable (Matthew 13:44) illustrates this pursuit: a man finds a treasure in a field and in his joy sells everything he has to buy the field. Followers see the immense value of knowing Christ and are willing to sacrifice everything else to possess Him fully.

More than feelings. While love involves feelings, passionate pursuit requires action. It's not enough to feel compassion; followers do something about it. If passion has faded ("acedia"), Jesus tells us to "repent and do the things you did at first" (Revelation 2:4-5) to rekindle the fire.

7. Following Jesus Requires Total Surrender.

Following Jesus requires a complete and total commitment.

Deny yourself. Jesus' invitation includes the command to "deny himself" (Luke 9:23), meaning to disown or not acknowledge one's own existence or desires. This is a radical call in a self-centered culture, demanding a complete surrender of personal rights and control.

No exception clauses. Like the Rich Young Ruler who couldn't give up his possessions (Matthew 19), fans want to follow Jesus but keep certain areas off-limits (money, relationships, entertainment, comfort). Jesus demands an all-or-nothing commitment; there are no exceptions.

Slave for Jesus. The biblical image for a follower is often "doulos" or "slave," the opposite of a consumer. Slaves have no rights or possessions of their own; they are owned by their master (Kurios). Calling Jesus "Lord" means declaring yourself His slave, a choice made out of love, recognizing that true freedom is found in surrendering everything to Him.

8. Following Jesus Means Daily Death.

Can you really say you are carrying your cross if it hasn’t cost you anything?

Come and Die. The slogan for followers is "Come and Die," and the symbol is the cross – an instrument of torture, humiliation, suffering, and death. Jesus calls us to "take up his cross daily" (Luke 9:23), signifying a commitment to die to our own desires, plans, and self-life.

Suffering and Sacrifice. Carrying a cross is inherently uncomfortable and costly. Following Jesus may lead to:

• Being hated, excluded, or insulted (Luke 6:22)
• Persecution (2 Timothy 3:12)
• Suffering (Philippians 1:29)
  If following Jesus costs nothing, it's likely not the cross He calls us to bear.

Dying Daily. Taking up the cross is not a one-time event but a daily decision. Paul said, "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31). This daily death involves surrendering our will, time, resources, and comfort to Christ, choosing His way over our own, even in small, everyday moments.

9. Following Jesus is Wherever, Whenever, Whatever.

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.

No looking back. Jesus' encounters with potential followers in Luke 9 highlight common excuses: "wherever" (but not if it means homelessness), "whenever" (but not right now), "whatever" (but not if it means leaving family/past behind). True following is immediate and all-encompassing.

Wherever. Following Jesus means going where He goes, even if it's uncomfortable, risky, or outside our comfort zone (like the Judsons going to Burma or Orville and Dick knocking on a stranger's door). It means following Him at home, at work, in the neighborhood, and potentially across the world.

Whenever. Jesus calls us to follow Him now, not tomorrow. Procrastination ("first let me...") is a dangerous trap that can lead to lost opportunities and regret. Life's "blinking lights" (crises, struggles) often serve as wake-up calls, but waiting for tragedy is risky; tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Whatever. Following Jesus means surrendering everything – our possessions, relationships, career, future, and even our identity. Like Elisha burning his plows, we must be willing to give up whatever competes for our allegiance. Holding back anything creates an idol and prevents us from experiencing the full joy of following Him.

Last updated: May 20, 2025