Are You a Fan or a Follower?

by Grady P. Thomas, Contributing Writer

You wear the cross, love the sermons—but are you truly following Jesus?

In a culture where “liking” something is as simple as tapping a screen, it’s easy to confuse admiration with allegiance. Jesus didn’t ask for fans. He called for followers. There’s a massive difference—and your eternity might depend on which one you are.

Fans admire Jesus. They show up for the inspiring worship, the goosebumps during the message, and the comfort of community. They love what He represents—grace, hope, peace. But when the music fades and Monday comes, Jesus becomes more of a background vibe than a guiding voice.

Fans know about Jesus. They can quote verses. They might even serve at church or post Bible verses online. But when His words confront their lifestyle, comfort, or plans, fans hesitate.

Followers? They follow—even when it’s hard.

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
— Luke 9:23 (ESV)

Jesus didn’t invite us to a life of convenience. He never said, “Take up your coffee and follow Me,” or, “Bring your comfort zone.” He didn’t offer a version of discipleship that fits neatly into your calendar or leaves your priorities untouched. Instead, He said to deny yourself, to take up your cross, and to do it daily. He calls us to a life of surrender, not selective obedience.

Following Jesus means letting go of our terms. It means obeying even when it costs us something—time, money, comfort, or pride. It means forgiving the people we’d rather stay bitter toward. It means speaking truth even when silence would be easier. And yes, it means trusting His way even when every part of us wants to choose our own.

During His ministry, Jesus had crowds—but He didn’t trust them. In John 6, when He said something hard—“Eat my flesh and drink my blood”—many walked away. They loved the miracles, not the message. The free lunch, not the lordship.

Jesus didn’t chase them. He turned to His disciples and asked, “Do you want to leave too?” (John 6:67)

Peter’s response?

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
— John 6:68

That’s the voice of a follower.

If Jesus suddenly asked you to sell everything and follow Him, would you do it? If He told you to end a relationship that’s pulling you away from Him, could you let go? If He asked you to forgive someone who hurt you deeply, would you obey—even when it doesn’t feel fair?

A fan says, “That’s a great message!”
A follower says, “Yes, Lord.”

Churches are filled with fans—people who like Jesus but don’t live for Him. People who love the idea of Heaven but resist the road that leads there.

Jesus didn’t come to recruit spectators. He came to call you into a relationship that reorders your life, breaks chains, and leads to real freedom.

He’s not asking for perfection. Just surrender.

Say yes. Step off the sidelines. Follow Him—for real.

Reflection Questions:

In what ways have I admired Jesus more than obeyed Him?
What’s one area of my life I’ve kept off-limits to Jesus?
Do my actions reflect someone who’s following or just watching?

Suggested Scriptures:

Luke 9:23–25 – The cost of following Jesus
John 6:60–69 – When disciples walk away
Matthew 7:21–27 – Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord…”
James 1:22–25 – Be doers of the word, not hearers only
Galatians 2:20 – Crucified with Christ, now Christ lives in me