FOLLOWING JESUS INTO THE FATHER’S WILL
MEMORY VERSE: “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” – John 6:38
TEXT: John 4:33 – 34, John 6:38 – 40, Matthew 26:38 – 41, Hebrews 10:7, Romans 12:1–2, Luke 9:22–23.
INTRODUCTION
The word “follow” means to go after, to pursue, to imitate, or to obey. In the Christian context, following Jesus is not merely walking behind Him physically, but aligning our lives with His character, His mission, and ultimately, the will of the Father. Jesus did not come to earth to pursue personal ambition or self-interest. His entire life was centered on one purpose — doing the Father’s will. He declared in John 4:34, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” Even when it was difficult and against his wish, he did God’s will as pointed in Luke 22: 42, “saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done”.
Following Jesus into the Father’s will therefore means, following Him into complete submission or obedience to God-the-Father’s desires and commands. This is the essence of true discipleship.
Just as spiritual warfare is unavoidable for the believer, so also is submission to God’s will unavoidable for anyone who claims to follow Christ. In fact, following God’s will is
the most essential requirement to spend eternity with Him as stated in Matthew 7:21, “not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” The Christian life is not self-directed; it is God-directed. For Jesus is our perfect example; “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). If we are to follow Him, we must understand what it means to live surrendered to the Father’s will.
UNDERSTANDING THE FATHER’S WILL
The will of God refers to His divine purpose, plan, and desire for our lives. It is His predetermined counsel and original intention for humanity. The Bible reveals two dimensions of God’s will:
- His General Will – revealed in some scriptures (John 6:40; 1Thessalonians 4:3).
- His Specific Will – revealed through personal guidance by the spirit of God (Romans 8:14).
Jesus perfectly embodied both. He fulfilled Scripture and obeyed the Spirit’s leading in every detail of His life. Hebrews 10:7 says: “Lo, I come… to do thy will, O God.” Following Jesus into the Father’s will requires total surrender.
REQUIREMENTS FOR FOLLOWING JESUS INTO THE FATHER’S WILL
1. Total Surrender: Before anyone can follow Jesus into God’s will, they must surrender completely. Romans 12:1 says: “Present your bodies a living sacrifice…” Jesus demonstrated this in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but thine be done” (Matthew 26:39).
Surrender is not partial obedience. It is the yielding of personal desires, ambitions, and preferences to God’s authority completely. Without surrender, there is no alignment with God’s will.
2.Denial of Self – Luke 9:23 says: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself…” Self-denial means choosing God’s agenda over personal comfort. Many believers struggle here because the flesh resists discipline and obedience. Jesus denied Himself: Philippians 2:6 -8.
- He left heavenly glory.
- He endured rejection.
- He suffered the cross.
Following Jesus means embracing obedience even when it costs.
3. Obedience to the Word: God’s will is revealed primarily through His Word. Psalm 119:105 says: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet…” Jesus constantly referred to Scripture. When tempted in Matthew 4:4–11, He responded with, “It is written.” Obedience to Scripture positions a believer in the center of God’s will.
4. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit: Romans 8:14 says: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1). He was not self-led.
To follow Jesus into the Father’s will, one must cultivate the following:
- Prayer
- Spiritual sensitivity
- Discernment
5. OBSTACLES TO FOLLOWING THE FATHER’S WILL
- Fleshly desires (Galatians 5:17)
- Fear of sacrifice
- Worldly distractions (1 John 2:15-17)
- Lack of spiritual discipline
- Human reasoning – Peter once tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross (Matthew 16:22–23). Jesus rebuked him because human reasoning can oppose divine purpose.
BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING JESUS INTO THE FATHER’S WILL
- Divine Peace (John 14:27)
- Fulfillment and Joy (John 15:11)
- Spiritual Authority
- Eternal Reward (Revelation 22:12)
Jesus was exalted because He obeyed- followed the Father’s will (Philippians 2:8–9). Obedience leads to elevation.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO FOLLOW JESUS INTO THE FATHER’S WILL
- Daily prayer and communion with God
- Study and meditation on Scripture
- Immediate obedience to revealed truth
- Fellowship with mature believers
- Trusting God’s timing and process
CONCLUSION:
Following Jesus into the Father’s will is the highest calling of every believer. Christianity is not about self-fulfillment; it is about God-fulfillment. Jesus did not seek popularity. He sought obedience. He did not pursue comfort; He pursued the cross.
If we truly follow Him, we must echo His words: “I delight to do thy will, O my God” (Psalm 40:8). The crown of glory belongs to those who finish their assignment in the Father’s will.
QUESTIONS:
- What does it mean practically to follow Jesus into the Father’s will?
- What are the greatest obstacles that prevent believers from fully surrendering?
