“Who will follow Jesus, Standing for the right, Holding up His banner In the thickest fight?  Listening for His orders,  Ready to obey,  Who will follow Jesus,  Serving Him today?” These are the words of the first verse of the song, “Who Will Follow Jesus,” written by Eliza Hewitt in 1890. Men have always followed someone. Some examples are Napoleon, Hitler, and Roosevelt. Some great examples from the Bible are Moses and Joshua.
It is very important whom we follow. Jesus spoke of the “blind leading the blind” in Matthew 15:14. The result is that  is that “both shall fall into the ditch.” So it is important whom we choose to follow and give allegiance to. In the spiritual realm, we have two choices. We can follow Satan or we can follow Jesus. Paul speaks of these two choices in his letter to the church at Rome: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16). Following Satan always results in failure; following Jesus is the path to victory.
Why follow Jesus? Because of who He is. He is the only Saviour (Matt. 1:21; I Tim. 1:15; Eph. 1:7; 5:23). He has all authority (Matt. 28:18-20). On the mount of transfiguration God said of Jesus, “Hear ye Him” (Matt. 17:1-5). The writer of Hebrews tells us that God “has in these last days, spoken unto us by His Son” (Heb. 1:2). He loves us (Rev. 1:5; John 15:13; Rom. 5:8-9).
Why follow Jesus? Because of what He can do. He can save us from sin and destruction. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). He can provide peace and happiness. Take the time to read the following scriptures; meditate on this marvelous truth: John 14:27: 16:33;  Romans 5:1; 14:17; 15:13; and Philippians 4:7. True happiness can only come from following Jesus (I Pet. 4:14; 3:14; James 5:11;  John 13:17). He gives help in time of need. “Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you” (I Pet. 5:7). He is always there for us when we are tempted, to provide help and a way of escape (I Cor. 10:13).
Why follow Jesus: because not only did He demonstrate His interest in mankind during His time on earth in the flesh, but in His death that concern reached a peak never before reached by others who have been leaders of men. By following Jesus, looking unto Him, one keeps his perspective, receives fresh spiritual support daily, and remains strong to face the burdens we bear.
In the words of another song, “I have decided to follow Jesus. Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus; The world behind me, the cross before me, No turning back; no turning back.”  Will you also follow Jesus?
Paul M. Wilmoth