13 Reasons Why We Follow Jesus

Have you ever messed up in life? I sure have! But one phrase brings me comfort: “I may make mistakes, but at least I got the most important thing right; I follow Jesus Christ as my Savior!” 

Here are 13 reasons why I believe that deciding to follow Jesus Christ is the wisest decision in life:

  1. He is the Only way to God.
  2. He is the Source of life.
  3. He is the Source of Spiritual truth.
  4. He is the Source of love.
  5. He is the Source of joy.
  6. He is the Source of peace.
  7. He gives us a new identity.
  8. He gives us life purpose.
  9. He gives eternal life.
  10. He forgives sins and sets us free from them.
  11. He comforts us in sorrow.
  12. He is the key to an overcoming life.
  13. He has prepared an eternal home for us.

I pray every person reading this accepts Him as their Savior and will follow Jesus (if they haven’t already)! 

1. He is the Only Way to God

Many people say that there are many paths to God. But our Lord’s words are clear that this is a lie:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

– John 14:6

You can’t get any plainer than that! Once you hear these words, you have a choice about how to respond to them.

As the old saying goes, “Either you believe Jesus is a liar, lunatic, or He is Lord.”

He is neither a liar nor a lunatic; He is Lord.

The apostle Peter said it best in response to the Lord’s question after a particularly hard saying:

Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

– John 6:67-69

2. He is the Source of Life

According to the following Scripture, all things were made through and for Jesus as the living Word of God:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

– John 1:1-4

Many people engage in addictions and other destructive behaviors to make themselves feel alive or as a distraction from the painful parts of life.

However, rather than running from life, wouldn’t it be wiser to run to the Source of life and connect with Him to make sense of it?

When we dedicate our lives to the Lord, we can trust in His wisdom and strength to overcome in daily life.

3. He is the Source of Spiritual Truth

This world is filled with misinformation meant to distract and deceive. But God is not the author of confusion. In the Bible, we learn the way to clarity:

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

– John 8:31-32

Our Lord invites His faithful followers to come to Him for wisdom:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

– James 1:5

Because we do not know everything, then it makes sense to seek wisdom from the One who does in everyday life!

4. He is the Source of Love

Our Savior’s sacrifice on the cross was the most dramatic demonstration of love ever! He suffered as no one in history has ever suffered. He was tortured, died, was buried, and rose again on the third day.

Because He conquered death and rose from the grave, so we arise to newness of life in Him: 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

– John 3:16

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

– John 15:13

We love Him because He first loved us.”

– 1 John 4:19

5. He is the Source of Joy

Reflecting on the Lord’s love through the words He spoke in John 15: 9-11 is the key to joy and gratitude:

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Our Savior reminds us of the heart of the commandments in Matthew 22:37-41:

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

His joy is our strength. Renewing our minds to truth, walking in it, and experiencing God’s goodness in all circumstances makes us true followers of our Lord!

6. He is the Source of Peace

God’s word says that He will keep us in perfect peace as we keep our minds stayed on Him because we trust in Him (see Isaiah 26:3). Jesus gave us the gift of His peace; it is up to us to accept and live in it:

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

– John 14:27

7. He Gives Us a New Identity

When we accept the Christ as our Savior, we gain a new life and identity through His Spirit:

A New Life

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:17

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

– Romans 8:11

A New Identity

When Jesus is your Savior, you become:

A Child of God

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

– John 1:12-13

A Saint

To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

– Romans 1:7

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”

– Philippians 1:6

The Righteousness of God in Christ

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:21

And so much more in Him!

8. He Gives Us Life Purpose

Hallelujah – as Believers, we are Kingdom citizens!

We were given life not just to hang out, amuse ourselves, and make a living but to build up God’s kingdom. We are meant to know God, glorify Him (reflect His character), and to share our faith in Jesus:

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” 

– John 15:5

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

– John 15:8

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.'”

– Galatians 5:22-23

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

– Matthew 28:19-20

9. He Gives Eternal Life

The Lord’s teaching tells us that life exists beyond our time on Earth. In our personal relationship with Him, we not only experience authentic life now, but in the life to come:

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

– John 17:3

The opportunity to have a family relationship with our Creator is the opportunity of a lifetime!

You do not want to miss it.

10. He Forgives Sins and Sets Us Free From Them

Sin hardens our hearts to God and other people. In our flesh, we have no power to overcome it. 

However through our Lord’s sacrifice on the cross, He paid our sin debt. When we believe in our hearts that He is the Son of God, confess our sins to Him, and declare Him as our Lord, He forgives us of our sins.

Not only that, but His Spirit comes to live in us and gives us power to overcome sin!

Through yielding to God’s Spirit within us and walking in obedience, we will walk in righteousness. Because we love Him, we hear His Word and put His word into practice to keep our paths straight.

Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”

– Acts 5:31

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh.

For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.”

– Romans 6:16-19

11. He Comforts Us in Sorrow

Jesus knows what it feels like to lose someone you love, to be lied on and rejected. Therefore, we can come to Him during times of grief and sorrow.

We don’t have to bear these dark seasons alone because we have the light of life!

He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”

– Isaiah 53:3

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

– Hebrews 4:14-15

To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

– Isaiah 61:3

12. He is the Key to an Overcoming Life

Through our Lord, we have confidence that we can overcome any challenge. Through His grace, He gives us everything we need for victory. However big the challenge, our God is bigger!

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

– John 16:33

13. He Has Prepared an Eternal Home for Us

As a child of God, we have assurances that the Lord is with us now and we will have everlasting life in Him:

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

– John 14:2-3

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

– James 1:12

I hope this list of 13 reasons why deciding to follow Jesus is the wisest thing to do solidifies your faith or if you haven’t already, take the first step to follow Him today.

Feel free to add your reasons in the Comments!

Be blessed in health, healing, and wholeness,

Kimberly Taylor

Author of the Take Back Your Temple program

P.S. Are you struggling with the challenges of emotional eating? Many people with eating issues know what to do but have a hard time doing it. That is where you need a community that supports each other!

In the Take Back Your Temple program, you will get all the support you need to overcome the Spiritual and emotional battles of weight loss, connected in our Overcomers community.

Click here to confirm the Take Back Your Temple program is right for you.

About the author 

Kimberly Taylor

Kimberly Taylor is a certified Christian life coach and has a heart to help others struggling with emotional eating and weight loss. Once 240 pounds and a size 22, she can testify of God’s goodness and healing power to overcome. She lost 85 pounds as a result of implementing techniques to overcome emotional eating and binge eating disorder.

Kim is the author of "The Take Back Your Temple Program," which teaches Christians how to take control of their weight God's way and the books "The Weight Loss Scriptures" and "The Weight Loss Prayers."

Kim has been featured in Prevention Magazine, Charisma Magazine and on CBN’s 'The 700 Club' television program.

  • Awesome in power is our God. Thank you well said. I know Him and learning each day how to walk and talk with Him. He saved me and iam truly thankful and blessed.

  • Thank you for sharing this piece, am so blessed by it because it has been backed by Scripture. Even though it seems for new believers, it still ministered to me because God’s Word is ever fresh and it is Life, Light and Truth. Shalom, from Nairobi-Kenya.

    • Thank you for that confirmation, Pammie! I did write it for an answer in case a non-believer asks a believer why they follow Jesus after searching my own heart for all the reasons why. I am glad it ministered to you

  • I have been writing about food addiction for over 25 years. I finally published my first book this last year. When I came across Kimberly Taylor’s program I was so impressed I felt I would not do my own healing justice, if I did not look deeper for she had done what I had dreamed.
    Her Bold revelation of God‘s love for us through thick and thin.

    • I appreciate those kind words, Echo. I pray the Lord continue to prosper you in health and in ministry as your soul prospers!

  • Again thank you for the 13 reasons. God word is mighty in pulling g down strong holds in our life.

  • Thank you Kim…I am a volunteer for Global Media Outreach and thru emails from others around the world help others find Christ and why they should follow Him. This helps greatly. God bless

    • What a wonderful ministry! I am glad the article was helpful and pray the Lord continue to enlarge your territory in bringing the gospel to the world!

  • Thank you, Kimberly, for sharing these 13 reasons to follow Jesus! I have been following Christ for almost 50 years and I can testify to these 13 reasons! I was doing a study spring boarding off of my Advent reading from Psalm 24, “Who is this King of Glory” and then Luke 9:20 and John 6:66-69. The question I asked myself again, was if someone were to ask me ‘why do I follow Him’, what would my answer be! My search brought me to your great writing on this subject! The article you wrote is very clear, combined with great scripture references and is a great testimony to share for those searching to know Jesus! So thank you and GOD BLESS YOU! And Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year following our Savior!

    • Wonderful – I am so glad that this article ministered to you and pray that you continue to prosper and be in health as your soul prospers!

      • Thanks Kimberly for these powerful scriptures! I normally pray for the Holy Spirit to give me the Topic and Word for our evening home fellowship, and He gave me the topic WHY DO YOU FOLLOW JESUS? I feel so blessed as He still led me to these 13 powerful reasons! May He continuously use you to empower those who are truly searching for Him in Spirit and Truth.

        • Thank you Margaret – I receive that and pray multiplied blessings to you, your family, and those who attend your Bible fellowship 🙂

  • I am printing out a copy to take with me to Alaska Dec31st. We will be flying all day and rereading these promise will be priceless

    • Fantastic, Susan – I pray you have a safe trip and are blessed all over again in recalling the reasons why following Jesus is the best decision we ever made!

  • I love this, Kimberly! This is a wonderfully packaged gift for us today!! I want to ingrain these scriptures deep in my heart so I can always be ready with an answer when people ask why I follow Jesus. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!!

    /sg

    • You are welcome, Shana – I am grateful these scriptures encouraged you today. We are truly the blessed ones! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.

  • This was such an encouraging and confirming read. It brought to mind reading from a book on God’s holiness. He is holy and just, loving, merciful, gracious, forgiving, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and the many other attributes all at once. Not compartmentalized. However for us, it is uncommon to experience anger, sorrow, fear, joy, peace, etc. at one time. Yet, “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” ( Psalm 103:14) and as you referenced, He is able to sympathize with us…He knows we’re weak and have need of His strength. What a glorious, wonderful Savior!

  • May Almighty God bless you. Really enjoyed & blessed.
    Im requesting prayers for my great granddaughter, Rhylin (5mo.), just found out she’s running a temp, not eating.
    Her grandma (my daughter, Tina (47) died of Covid 5 months before she was born.

    • Thank you for giving us the opportunity to pray with you. We declare that Rhylin be healed and that she will live and declare the works of the Lord. We pray she be raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord, come to know Jesus at an early age and be a voice for righteousness to her generation. We also pray for the Lord’s comfort and peace to you and your family.

  • Hallelujah. Glory to God. Yes and amen. Even so come Lord Jesus. We praise you and thank you for who you are, what you’ve done. And what will you will do. We are so blessed to be your children. We love you and praise you forever more. In Jesus name.

  • May God richly bless you, Kim and Mike. You have shared your faith with so many people, and given out God’s word to everyone to hear. I thank God for your ministry and fruitfulness!

  • Grateful for this listing as it was refreshing to read. It reminded me of some of the reasons why I love Jesus and why He is in control of my life.

    As I am reading through Psalms at present, I think that Him being our refuge and strength are additional reasons. Life beats down on all of us, so being able to hide in Him whenever life does this is a beautiful thing. Also, we all get weary, so knowing that He has all the strength we need in every situation is a great comfort.

    • Amen, Brother! It was comforting to read your reminders too. It always is to read truth. Thank you for taking time to share this encouragement, Nigel!

  • Every word is so very informative and so very true. It all started with the miraculous conception of Mary and the subsequent birth of God’s Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ in that manger in Bethlehem that first Christmas. Truly the greatest gift ever given. As Jesus grew to manhood it became time to carry out phase two of the Father’s Perfect Plan for the Salvation of Mankind. Jesus was put through a fake trial, found guilty and sentenced to crucifixion. He was nailed to that Old Rugged Cross at Mount Calvary with the sins of all humanity piled upon him. We must remember that he remained on the cross that day out of pure love for you and me. He could have stepped down at any time yet he hung there because had he stepped down there would have been no redemption of our sins. Our reconciliation to Father God, who cannot look on sin, came through His OnlySon taking it on and dying for it. It was the power of His Sinless Blood that from that day forward had the power to cancel sin. However, the greatest miracle of all was when He was Resurrected by His Father On That Third Day exactly like he promised. When He Arose, he overcame death and the grave and gave anyone who invited him into their hearts and asked for forgiveness the chance for Eternal Life. This was the Father’s Alternate Plan following Adam and Eve succumbing to the temptation of the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
    Thank you Father for your Perfect Plan and Thank You Jesus that you were willing to hang on that cross for my redemption.
    I pray that all the world might come to believe that Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life and turn to Him for Eternal Life. I pray the world Jesus!

    • You are welcome, Pat – it gave me encouragement to review all the blessings we have in Jesus and I am grateful to share with others.

  • Jesus, lover of my soul, imputed my sins upon HIMSELF and died inMY place, on that cross and imputed His RIGHTEOUSNESS TO ME! I’m a sinner saved by GRACE!

    • Amen, Marie – I am thankful that ‘sinner’ is no longer our identity. While we do sin, through the power of God’s grace, we overcome sin and go forth in the righteousness of Christ. Hallelujah!

  • AMEN TO ALL OF THAT FOR SURE! I BELIEVE AND I RECEIVED! THE JOY OF THE LORD IS IN ME EVERY NANOSECOND OF MY LIFE!❤

  • Dear Kimberly,
    Each day I search for the right inspirational messages to my 26 prayer warriors via text across the US (live in Spokane, Wa. I give thanks to God for your beautiful scriptural simple layout 13 steps as a reminder for each of we believers to humble ourselves and continue sharing the good news as we are moved by the Holy Spirit. Our work is just beginning until we meet in heaven. I will be 83 and a widow and live with my daughter who allows be to pray and study 24 hours a day when God speaks to me. God Bless your love for Christ and I will add on to your list with your permission. I love you in The name of Jesus Christ!
    Amen & Amen!

    • Thank you for your humbling message, Napua! Feel free to share this message wherever the Lord leads you. My hope is that others will see that following Jesus is the most important action to take in life and the most rewarding!

  • Thank you..Lord..for Loving me..and never leaving me..even in the times I feel alone..I know you’re with me…I will share my story..your story..until..you come back for me..AMEN

    • Awesome Rosalina – we need to meditate on this reasons regularly to avoid losing focus on the most important thing in life – keeping our eyes on the prize!

  • It is Christmas morning, and the church bell is ringing heralding the Good News! Jesus Christ is born!! Oh come, Let us adore Him! For He alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise!

  • Good morning Kim and thank you for these amazing scriptures and putting them in a list. I woke up this morning feeling discourage because I keep giving in to the sin of gluttony. I know I shouldn’t, but I do. Thank you for all your teaching and words of encourage.

    • You are welcome, Nancy. The enemy wants to keep you trapped in condemnation about the sin. However, the Lord sets you free through His grace and gives you the wisdom and strength for obedience. It may be a difficult journey but you have confidence that the Lord walks with you every step of the way. In the end, you are the only one who can decide how your story turns out. I pray you choose wisely!

  • Thank you so much Kimberly! I am a believer-but this helps so much to solidify and understand what He has taught and commanded!

    • Awesome, Patti – I think it is SO important to celebrate our Salvation, which meditating on the reasons we follow Jesus helps us do 🙂

  • Simple and to the point! This list serves as a wonderful reminder as to the reasons why we as Believers follow Jesus (I think we loose that at times). What a great starting point for self-reflection and measuring our growth in Christ! A great evangelistic tool as well when sharing our faith with others!

    Well done!

    • Thank you SO much, Mia for your feedback! I am grateful to God for Salvation and reading the list again this morning touched my heart even more. What great love God has for us to send Jesus as our Savior!

  • Thank you and may You all be blessed with receiving the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit and come to learn the gospel in its fullest through Jesus Christ Amen .

    • Thanks Jane! What you wrote reminds me of the scripture that says, “for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring (Acts 17:28).’” The key is remaining, “in Him.”

      • You are right Cynthia . God is the creator abstain and Giver all that exist and creation. He is our source. The one we can go to meet our every deed. Thanks to my classmate for these profound words and scriptures and for these truths that will keep us in Christ Jesus our lord and savior.

  • Now that’s a keeper! Isn’t all of that amazing. We were nothing and now He has made us His very own treasured possession. It is overwhelming!

    • Yes, Deborah – it IS overwhelming in a good way! It is amazing how generous our God is. He did not have to do what He did. He could have been like Einstein thought. Although Einstein believed in God, he did not believe God involved Himself in human events, which contradicts what the Bible says. Thank you Lord that you care for us in needs both great and small!

  • This is a very powerful message, Kimberly, and one I will certainly share with others. Thanks be to God for your faithful service.

  • What a good list, Kimberly! I’ve never the reasons for following Christ fleshed out like this. I will save this to send to seeking friends and family.

    • Awesome, Laurie! And that is a good idea to share with others, in particular young people who may wonder about the reason for our hope in Jesus 🙂

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