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Following The “Way”
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by Chad Hess
arly Christians, in the Book of Acts, referred
of Christ and the “way,” it is paramount that we love
to themselves as followers of the “way.”
others. We must shake off the labels and embrace Jesus
They were not yet called Christians, and in
and follow Him. We must be Christ followers. What
fact, would not have seen themselves in that way.
does this entail? We must love first! We must engage
The term Christian did not show up until several
with the sick and the downtrodden. We must follow
centuries later. These early believers saw themselves
the “way,” not become like the Pharisees who refused
as followers of a “way” of life prescribed by Jesus and
to acknowledge the least among us.
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
When Jesus told the Pharisee to “go and learn
the “way” He laid out for us to follow. Christianity
what this means: I desire mercy not sacrifice” He
remains strong, but is often derided by non-believers
was speaking to us. The world today, while very
as judgmental, pharisaical, and often not very loving.
modern, and perhaps worse in many ways than we
I have been convicted to refer to myself not as
can believe, is not that different than when our Lord
Christian but as a follower of Jesus and of the “way.”
spoke these words. Let us not hesitate to dine with
What does this mean, and what does it involve? In
those different from us. Let us desire mercy. Let us
Matthew 9:12-13, Jesus, upon hearing the accusation of
not condemn because we are “Christian,” but let us
the Pharisee regarding His dining with tax collectors
show mercy to the sick and show them the “way.” Let
and sinners said, “Those who are well have no need of
us represent our savior who is “the way, the truth,
a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what
and the life.” Amen.
not to call the righteous, but sinners.” As a follower
24 // March 2022
About The Author
this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I came 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.
