Do You Follow Jesus or Just Admire Him?

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, massive crowds often followed Him. The numbers grew so large that He sometimes had to withdraw to quiet places to pray.

However, Jesus did not hesitate to challenge the motives of the crowds. On several occasions, His difficult messages caused many to turn away and stop following Him (John 6:66).

Instead of watering down His message to keep the crowds happy, Jesus simply let them leave. His closest disciples remained. As Peter famously said:

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

Admirers vs. Followers

Today, Jesus still draws two types of people: admirers and followers. The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard pointed out this difference:

“It is well known that Christ consistently used the expression ‘follower.’ He never asks for admirers, worshippers, or adherents [supporters]. No, he calls disciples [committed students]. It is not adherents of a teaching but followers of a life Christ is looking for.” — Søren Kierkegaard, Provocations, p. 85

When Jesus’ teachings became challenging, the admirers walked away. The followers, on the other hand, changed their lives.

Kierkegaard explained the distinction further:

“What then, is the difference between an admirer and a follower? A follower is or strives to be what he admires. An admirer, however, keeps himself personally detached. He fails to see that what is admired involves a claim upon him, and thus he fails to be or strive to be what he admires.” — Søren Kierkegaard, Provocations, p. 86

The Danger of Mere Admiration

Today, admirers can be easy to spot. They might wear religious clothing, attend church services, or even teach Bible classes. They enjoy “spiritual things” and get excited about Jesus’ love.

But when a teaching challenges their lifestyle or condemns a behavior they enjoy, their enthusiasm fades. Admirers only follow Jesus when it is comfortable.

Followers, however, choose to submit to His will. They say, “Thy will be done,” and change their behavior to align with God’s word.

Being a true follower requires complete submission (yielding to God’s authority) and dedicating our entire lives to Him.

If you want a truly fulfilled life, choose to follow Christ. Do not settle for being an admirer or a spectator who hangs around God without actually walking with Him.