A Follower's Life- Everyone's Searching
Deeper Dive
A Follower’s Life-Everyone’s Searching
Mark 1
Sermon Recap
This Sunday we began our Lenten journey called A Follower’s Life. We started in Mark 1, where Jesus teaches with authority, casts out an unclean spirit, and Mark tells us that his fame spreads throughout Galilee. From the very beginning, Jesus is known. Famous. Talked about.
And he still is.
We talked about what Jesus is famous for:
· Son of God
· Crucified and risen
· Wisdom that reshaped the world
· Friend of sinners
· Miracle worker
But Jesus’ invitation is not to be fascinated by him. It is to follow him.
We may not like that word, but the truth is: We are all following someone or something. Culture. Trends. Voices. Fear. Ambition. Approval. The question isn’t if we’re following. The question is who we’re following.
And Lent is an invitation to slow down and ask: Is my life actually arranged around Jesus?
Because Jesus is not just famous. He is worth following.
---Go a Little Deeper
Fame vs. Authority
In Mark 1, the people are “amazed” because Jesus teaches “as one who had authority.” The scribes would say, “It is written…” Jesus says, “I say to you…” This is a staggering claim.
In the ancient world, authority came from quoting tradition. Jesus doesn’t quote tradition — he embodies it. He speaks as if he is the source.
This is why the early church confessed something radical: Not just that Jesus speaks for God — but that Jesus reveals what God is actually like.
As we said Sunday: It’s not so much that Jesus is like God. God is like Jesus. That changes everything.
If God is like Jesus:
· Then power looks like service.
· Holiness looks like mercy.
· Authority looks like love.
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Following Jesus means trusting that his way of life is reality itself — not just good advice.
The Catechumenate and Lent
In the early church, when Christianity became culturally acceptable, leaders realized something important: When faith becomes easy, it often becomes shallow.
So they slowed baptism down. People entered a long season of preparation called the catechumenate. They learned the story. They practiced repentance. They fasted. They prayed. They examined their loyalties. And most were baptized at Easter.
Lent wasn’t about earning grace. It was about becoming the kind of person who understands what you’re saying yes to.
We’re recovering that spirit this season.
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Discussion Questions
What stood out to you most from Sunday’s message?
When you hear the word follower, what feelings come up?
Who or what do you think most influences your daily decisions right now?
Where do you find yourself most “fascinated” with Jesus… but hesitant to actually follow?
What might it practically look like to rearrange your life around Jesus?
What is one area of your life where you need to trust Jesus more fully?
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Suggested Practice
Notice Who (or What) Is Shaping You
This week, don’t try to add anything. Don’t fix anything. Don’t overhaul your life. Just notice.
Pay attention to the subtle ways you are being shaped. When you:
· Reach for your phone
· Make a purchase
· React in frustration
· Feel insecure
· Form an opinion
· Compare yourself to someone else
Pause and ask:
Where did that come from? Who taught me to think that way? What voice am I following right now?
You might notice:
· Cultural expectations
· Family patterns
· Fear of missing out
· Political narratives
· Social media trends
· Old wounds
· The need for approval
Don’t judge it. Just observe it.
And then, gently ask:
Is this leading me toward the life Jesus describes? Or away from it?
Lent is not first about behavior modification. It’s about awareness.
Because you can’t choose to follow Jesus intentionally until you notice who you’re already following unintentionally.
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Closing Prayer
Jesus, You are not just famous. You are faithful.
You are not just admired. You are alive.
We confess that we follow many voices. We are shaped by trends, fears, expectations, and habits.
Slow us down this season.
Give us the courage to move from fascination to formation. From curiosity to commitment. From admiration to obedience.
Teach us what it means to follow you.
And as we come to your table week after week, meet us with the grace we need.
Amen.