Many, many people today claim to be followers of Jesus. Few, however, know what that really entails. In order to understand what being a follower, or a disciple of Jesus really means, one must understand the culture which surrounds it. (Acknowledgement: Most of this material comes from teachings by Ray VanderLaan, and subsequent research).

In Jewish society, there were two kinds of rabbis. First, there were the "Torah teachers," or, as the New Testament says, "teachers of the Law." These teachers would teach in the following manner:

1) It is written: biblical verse.
2) According to: rabbi,
3) This means: application.

The second kind of rabbi was a rabbi with authority. These rabbis had the ability to teach in the following manner:

1) It is written: biblical verse.
2) You have heard that it was said: previous teaching,
3) But I say to you: new teaching.

There are plenty of examples within the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) as well as other places of Jesus teaching in this very style. He was high-level rabbi.

In order to become a rabbi (Torah teacher), you had to spend several years as a disciple of a rabbi with authority. However, being a follower didn't just mean you followed the rabbi wherever he went. It meant you ate his food, wore his clothes, breathed his air, walked his walk, and slept in his way. Your goal, as a disciple, was to become like your rabbi. So, when Jesus says, "Come, follow me," what he really means is, "Come, drop everything you're doing, and become just like me." That is one tough calling, and is undoubtedly more than what most people think of discipleship.

Your rabbi beckons you to follow him. Will you?