Following The “Way”

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Following The “Way”

by Chad Hess

Early Christians, in the Book of Acts, referred to themselves as followers of the “way.” They were not yet called Christians, and in fact, would not have seen themselves in that way. The term Christian did not show up until several centuries later. These early believers saw themselves as followers of a “way” of life prescribed by Jesus and were completely committed to living in this “way.” During his trial before Felix, Paul said, “I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect” (Acts 24:14). It is presumed that early followers of Jesus called themselves followers of the way because of Jesus’ statement in John 14:6 that He was “the way, the truth, and the life.”

In today’s world, the term Christian is often met with skepticism and even derision. I recently heard an Anglican Bishop refer to himself not as a Christian but as a follower of Jesus. It made me stop and reflect on following Jesus and the “way” He laid out for us to follow. Christianity remains strong, but is often derided by non-believers as judgmental, pharisaical, and often not very loving.

I have been convicted to refer to myself not as Christian but as a follower of Jesus and of the “way.” What does this mean, and what does it involve? In Matthew 9:12-13, Jesus, upon hearing the accusation of the Pharisee regarding His dining with tax collectors and sinners said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” As a follower of Christ and the “way,” it is paramount that we love others. We must shake off the labels and embrace Jesus and follow Him. We must be Christ followers. What does this entail? We must love first! We must engage with the sick and the downtrodden. We must follow the “way,” not become like the Pharisees who refused to acknowledge the least among us.

When Jesus told the Pharisee to “go and learn what this means: I desire mercy not sacrifice” He was speaking to us. The world today, while very modern, and perhaps worse in many ways than we can believe, is not that different than when our Lord spoke these words. Let us not hesitate to dine with those different from us. Let us desire mercy. Let us not condemn because we are “Christian,” but let us show mercy to the sick and show them the “way.” Let us represent our savior who is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Amen.

About The Author Chad Hess is a husband, father and Army Veteran. He is a parishioner at Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Rome, where he is involved in lay ministries.