What Jesus’s People Do
How Luke 6 shows the progression of every authentic Christ-follower
Most of us have heard someone say, “I love Jesus,” but their life tells a very different story.
We live in a culture where claiming something has become a substitute for being something.
But in Luke 6:12–19, Jesus gives us a picture of what His people actually do.
Notice—it’s not complicated, but it is costly, intentional, and transformational.
Here’s the big idea:
Jesus’s people don’t just believe in Jesus—they follow Him, grow in Him, unite with His people, and go with Him on mission.
Luke shows us this progression clearly. Let’s walk through it.
1. Jesus’s People Follow Jesus
This is where it all begins.
Before anyone becomes a “disciple” or an “apostle,” they first become a follower—someone who hears the call of Christ and actually moves toward Him.
Over and over in the Gospels Jesus simply says:
“Follow Me.”
Not “pray this prayer,” not “attend this event,” not “fix yourself up first.”
Just: Follow Me.
We see two responses to that invitation:
- Like Peter, James, John, Matthew—they left their old way and followed.
- Like the rich young ruler—he walked away sorrowful because the cost was too high.
Following Jesus always includes leaving something behind.
Usually the thing we’re leaving is ourselves—our pride, our autonomy, our idols.
A Christian isn’t someone who once prayed a prayer;
A Christian is someone who is currently following Jesus.
This Week, Ask Yourself:
- Am I actively following Jesus, or just claiming I belong to Him?
- What has following Jesus ever cost me?
- Where is Jesus asking me to deny myself?
2. Jesus’s People Grow in Jesus
Followers become disciples—students and apprentices of Jesus.
In the text, Jesus had many disciples (learners), but from them He chose twelve to send (v.13).
Here’s the principle:
Real conversion leads to real formation.
It’s possible to attend services for years and never grow.
It’s possible to study theology and never change.
Jesus doesn’t save us to sit—He saves us to be shaped.
Growing in Jesus looks like:
- Learning His Word
- Talking to Him in prayer
- Experiencing His character
- Obeying His commands
- Watching Him change what we love, want, and prioritize
Disciples don’t just know about Jesus—they know Jesus.
This Week, Practice One Simple Growth Habit:
Pick one:
- Read one chapter of Luke each day
- Pray for 5 minutes before you touch your phone
- Ask God to show you one command to obey this week
- Share one thing Jesus is teaching you with someone else
Growth requires intention, not perfection.
3. Jesus’s People Unite with Jesus’s People
After choosing the twelve, Jesus formed a community (vv. 14–16).
Look at that list on purpose:
- Peter (impulsive)
- Thomas (skeptical)
- Simon the Zealot (political revolutionary)
- Matthew the tax collector (worked for Rome!)
- John (wanted to call down fire on villages)
These men would never be together naturally.
But Jesus united them.
That’s what Christian community is supposed to be:
A people united not by personality, politics, culture, or preference—but by Christ.
When we refuse community, we cut ourselves off from the very thing Jesus designed to help us grow.
This Week, Take One Step Toward Community:
Pick one:
- Show up to worship this Sunday.
- Join a Connect Group or small group.
- Invite another believer to coffee or lunch.
- Pray with someone instead of just chatting.
You cannot follow Jesus for long in isolation.
Christianity is personal, but it is never private.
4. Jesus’s People Go With Jesus
After prayer, calling, and community—Jesus immediately leads His disciples into the world (vv. 17–19).
He doesn’t form a holy huddle.
He forms a sending community.
The crowd gathered for three reasons:
- To hear Him
- To be healed
- To be delivered
That’s what the world still needs today:
- Truth
- Healing
- Freedom
- Hope
- Good News
And Jesus chooses to deliver those blessings through His people.
Disciples are not just learners—they are bringers.
Not just students—they are sent ones.
This Week, Go With Jesus in One Small Way:
Pick one:
- Pray for someone who is hurting
- Invite a friend to church on Sunday
- Share how Jesus has changed your life
- Serve someone without expecting anything back
- Look for a need and meet it quietly
You don’t need a mic or a stage to make a difference—just the Holy Spirit and a willing heart.
The Progression of Jesus’s People
Here’s the whole sermon in one simple line:
Jesus’s people FOLLOW → GROW → UNITE → GO
Not out of guilt…
Not to earn anything…
But because Jesus is worth it.
Final Question for You:
Where are you in this progression today?
- Not yet following? → Jesus is inviting you.
- Following but not growing? → It’s time to dig in.
- Growing but unconnected? → Join the family.
- Connected but not going? → The world needs what Jesus has given you.
Wherever you are—just take the next step.
Because the world doesn’t need more people who simply claim Jesus.
The world needs people who look like Him, love like Him, serve like Him, and go with Him.
And by God’s grace—you can be that kind of person this week.