The Challenge of Following Jesus in a Confusing World

I came across a short video clip from the television series The Chosen, a dramatic retelling of Jesus' life and ministry, and it resonated with me deeply. 

The scene is drawn from the Gospel of John, chapter 6, immediately after Jesus teaches in the synagogue that his followers must take the same path as him, even though it will be difficult. 

The Scripture indicates that many of his followers left after this, and Jesus turns to the rest and asks them, "Will you also go, too?"  To which Peter replies, "Lord, where else would we go?  You alone have the words of life."

In the dramatic TV version, the actor playing Jesus shows his emotions by getting choked up and fighting back tears as he smiles at Peter.  I loved that.  

Following Jesus isn't easy, by any means.  It wasn't easy for those early disciples, and it isn't easy for any of us who want to claim the identity of Jesus-followers.  

In today’s world, the landscape of faith is filled with competing voices and conflicting ideas about what it truly means to follow Jesus. 

Some claim to have found a clear blueprint for discipleship, often asserting with certainty what following Jesus looks like. 

Yet, many of these voices lack a genuine understanding of His way. As Eugene Peterson wisely notes:  

“The way of Jesus cannot be imposed or mapped — it requires an active participation in following Jesus as he leads us through sometimes strange and unfamiliar territory, in circumstances that become clear only in the hesitations and questionings, in the pauses and reflections where we engage in prayerful conversation with one another and with him.”

This quote reminds us that walking with Jesus is not about rigid formulas or predefined paths. It’s an active, ongoing journey that involves trust, surrender, and openness to the Holy Spirit’s leading. 

Following Jesus means navigating uncharted waters—sometimes feeling confused, uncertain, or even lost. It’s in these moments that our faith is truly tested and refined. Far from a sign of failure, hesitation and questioning can be signs of genuine engagement with Christ.

The story from John's Gospel is poignant and also heartbreaking. When confronted with the reality of what it meant to follow in the Way of Jesus, many of those who had been walking with him turned back.  

And for those who remained to finish the journey, there were dark days ahead when they would endure more than their share of fear and despair.  But they would eventually find the path again and would go on to change the world.    

This reminds us that even when the way forward isn’t clear, trust in Jesus remains paramount. Our role is to follow in obedience, step by step, trusting that He is leading us through the sometimes confusing terrain.

Living as a Jesus-follower today requires humility. It means acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers and that our understanding is limited. 

Instead of claiming certainty, we walk forward with open hearts, listening for His voice through prayer, Scripture, and community. Our goal isn’t to have all the answers but to remain committed to following Jesus as best we can, even when the destination is unclear.

So, I encourage you today: keep seeking to follow Jesus, even when the road isn’t obvious. When doubts arise, bring them before God in prayer. When the way seems uncertain, trust His promises. 

Remember, true discipleship is a journey—one that involves daily surrender and active listening. As you remain committed to following Jesus, even in times of confusion, He will guide your steps and reveal His purpose in His perfect timing.

Keep walking in faith. Trust in His love. Follow Jesus—wherever He leads, even through the unfamiliar.

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always. Amen.