Why Follow Jesus?

 
 The prophet Jeremiah stated: “I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jer. 10:23) History has borne out the truth of Jeremiah’s words. It has become increasingly evident that imperfect humans cannot successfully govern themselves. We accepted the invitation to follow Jesus because we learned that he is qualified to be our Leader in a way that no human could ever be. Consider some of Jesus’ qualifications.
 
 First, Jesus was chosen as Messiah the Leader by Jehovah himself. Who knows better than our Creator whom to appoint as a Leader for us? Second, Jesus has qualities that we can admire and imitate. (Read Isaiah 11:2, 3.) He is a perfect example. (1 Pet. 2:21) Third, Jesus deeply cares about those who follow him, as he showed when he laid down his life for them. (Read John 10:14, 15.) 

And he shows himself to be a caring shepherd as he guides us to a life that brings happiness now and leads to a glorious eternal future. (John 10:10, 11; Rev. 7:16, 17) For these and other reasons, we made a wise decision when we chose to follow him. What, though, does such a course involve?
 
 Being followers of Christ means more than just calling ourselves Christian. Some two billion people claim to be Christian today, but their actions reveal them to be “workers of lawlessness.” (Read Matthew 7:21-23.)

When individuals show an interest in the invitation to follow Jesus, we explain to them that true Christians pattern their entire way of life after his teachings and example—and they do so every day of their lives. To illustrate what this means, consider some of the things that we know about Jesus.