From this time, many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
(John 6:66 NIV)
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, great crowds followed Him initially. They were curious about the miracles He performed. They might have been intrigued about His teachings. Perhaps they enjoyed the food He miraculously produced when He fed the five thousand. However, as time went by, many of His followers fell by the wayside.
When I first met Jesus, I was excited and enthusiastic. I was fired up! I couldn’t wait to tell everyone about my changed heart and my assurance of Heaven! What has happened to some of us as the years passed? Is the fire still burning, or is the flame dying out? Are we still following Jesus, or have we turned away?
A true follower of Christ will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit (Sarayu). This sensitivity is developed and nurtured by faithful obedience to Christ’s commands, will want to serve others, has a willingness to sacrifice. A faithful follower of Christ will separate from the world endures suffering, knowing that God will see them through it all.