Followers, Not Fans

Recently, I attended a college football game in the student section. Sporting events, concerts, and the like clearly display what it means to be a fan. A fan cheers ecstatically for the team or person they admire. At the football game, fans even (rudely, of course) point out those who aren't supporting the same team. After failing to convert on a 4th down that appeared crucial for the home team to make in order to maintain hope of a comeback win, many fans exited the stadium. People were less excited to be fans when the object of their admiration failed to perform as they wanted.

It seems many have taken this approach with regards to Jesus, as well. We love to sing songs about Him and tell of His love and mercy, and we get riled up at those who aren't "on our side." We love to admire Him as the good shepherd who seeks after the lost sheep. However, our enthusiasm fades when He does or says things we aren't too thrilled about. Yet Jesus demands followers, not fans:

"If anyone serves Me, He must follow Me; and where I am, there will My servant be also." John 12:26

It'd be much different for someone in the stands to go down to the field, put pads and a uniform on, and start taking the hits. Most are much more comfortable cheering from the stands, avoiding the hard work involved and the nasty hits taken. But again, we are called to be followers of Jesus, not simply fans.

"For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." John 13:15

So often we base what we do on what we want to do, or what we feel like doing. Yet look at Jesus' example:

"Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father save Me from this hour?' But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify Your Name." John 12:27-28

Think about it. Jesus was about to take the sins and guilt and condemnation of the entire world, face extreme physical suffering and death, and be spiritually separated from the Father. Sound like something a person would want to do? Jesus even asked that He could be spared of going through with it. But He acted according to the Father's will, not His according to His own wants. Should we be any different?

"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps." 1 Peter 3:21

"As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you." John 20:21

We are Christ's representatives. We are to follow what He did. And He has every right to demand it of us, because He bought us with His life, setting us free from sin. Yet see how He loves us! His commands come with promises. Just as Jesus "endured the cross, despising the shame...for the joy that was set before Him" (Hebrews 12:2), we also have joy set before us. If we can put on the mind of Christ and give up earthly treasures and pursuits, the reward is great. It doesn't matter how many hits we take; we know the final outcome - victory:

"If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." John 12:26

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

"[To the rich young ruler:] Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me....Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for My sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first." Mark 10:21, 29-31

Brothers and sisters, rise up out of the stands. It's time to march onto the field, counting the things of this world as rubbish for the sake of His Name. Be a follower, not a fan.