Are you a fan or a follower?

By Todd Barrier  

Recently we began a Bible class at our congregation called “Not A Fan.” The series is centered on the difference between being a fan of and being a follower of Jesus.  

We looked in Luke 7 at the story of Simon the Pharisee and the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears.  

Simon invited Jesus to his house to eat; however, Simon didn’t even treat Jesus like a common guest and didn’t greet him the way a person normally would when he entered his house. It seems he really just wanted to be seen with Jesus because of how famous Jesus had become.  

Then this woman came in and treated Jesus the way he should be treated. She washed his feet with her tears, dried them with her hair and even kissed his feet.  

She humbled herself before Jesus, which is the exact opposite of what Simon did. She was willing to humble herself and sacrifice for God.  

Simon wasn’t willing to do anything except be seen with Jesus.  

A fan just wants to be seen with Jesus; a follower wants to be WITH Jesus. Are you a fan or a follower?