“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (2Tim 3:10).
“You’re fired!” Ah yes, Donald Trump’s infamous catchphrase from “The Apprentice.” Forget voting people off the island “Survivor” style, the boss does the dirty work all by himself in the boardroom, sacking losing contestants each week. When it’s all over, the winner earns a job with Trump’s company and the alleged opportunity to personally study the business at the foot of the Donald.
(This is where I will leave it to each one of you to insert your own paragraph about the 44th President of the United States. You’re welcome.)
A couple of thousand years before Trump made Omarosa famous, the Apostle Paul wrote about what a real apprentice looks like. He tells his spiritual son Timothy, “You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). Instead of trying to coin a catchy tagline and score high ratings, Paul looks to make disciples who make disciples.
He’s not firing apprentice wannabes but firing up his own spiritual apprentice. The apostle encourages Tim by telling the young pastor he’s legit when it comes to ministry. He’s learned the right things but more importantly lived and loved the right way. Tim’s passion for telling people about Jesus is the complete opposite of the religious con artists causing problems in Ephesus (2Tim 3:1-9).
Don’t think that Paul’s gotten cocky and believes he’s all that and a bag of chips. Sure, the man from Tarsus certainly has a ton of cred as a card-carrying, capital “A” Apostle. But an apostle is only as good as the one who sent him. In case you didn’t know, he’s following the resurrected Rabbi from Galilee, Christ Jesus. You may have heard of Him. Son of God. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. That’s the Savior Paul is following. And that’s the Savior he sees Tim following too. The apostle knows that good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
This is even more important when you consider the context of the Paul’s letter to his spiritual apprentice. As the apostle writes, he’s in the final countdown as a condemned man in a Roman slammer (2Tim 1:8, 17; 2:9; 4:6-7). He pleads with Tim to get his tail to Rome for one last visit before his date with the executioner (2Tim 4:9, 21). But he spends a good chunk of this epistle scribbling down critical instructions for ministry just in case they never see each other again (2Tim 2:1-4:5). These may well be the final words from the mentor to his student.
Paul begins verse 10 by drawing a clear distinction between Tim and the religious snake oil salesmen who’ve weaseled their way into the local church. “You, however” (v10). Could Timothy be any more different from the false teachers? Just check out the rap sheet of dudes like Hymenaeus and Philetus in 2 Timothy 2.
They may have started by teaching the Gospel but have gone off the rails long ago and now spread an aggressive cancer among God’s people (2Tim 2:17). They distract believers from following Jesus with all sorts of religious double talk (2Tim 2:14, 16, 23). They are self-absorbed and self-obsessed and some members of their posse have become dangerous sexual predators on the prowl for weak women (2Tim 3:1-8).
Maybe the young pastor has begun to doubt himself and question his qualifications. In his previous letter, the former Pharisee tells Tim not to let anybody use his youth to put him down (1Tim 4:12). He encourages him to “fan into flames the gift of God, which is in you” (2Tim 1:6) and stop giving into fear (2Tim 1:7). God’s Spirit lives inside every follower of Jesus (2Tim 1:14). Lean into the amazing grace of Jesus for His strength (2Tim 2:1).
Same goes for you if you’re a follower of Jesus. There should be no age discrimination when it comes to loving and leading others. God has personally given each believer at least one supernatural gift. It’s up to us stoke the fires of what He’s entrusted and share it with others. If we’re afraid, we need to remember that it wasn’t Jesus that gave us the jitters. He gave us the power to live and love with focus. God’s Spirit empowers every one of His followers. So let’s be generous and gracious with others since He’s be so generous and gracious to us.
An honest critique and strong encouragement are critical components of any apprentice relationship. Do you have someone in your life to honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses? Someone who will speak truth into your life? A mentor must also motivate when a protege has doubts. They cast a clear vision and know when a pep talk is appropriate.
Turn all that around. Are you doing that for someone else as well? Don’t give me that I’m-not-good-enough-to-be-someone’s-mentor stuff. We all are. Yes, you. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that God has placed someone in your life who’s at least a little less spiritually mature than you are. Every Paul needs a Timothy. Every Timothy needs a Paul. In the end, it’s not about the quality of the apprentice or mentor but the Lord they are following.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
Paul gives Tim the ultimate “attaboy” by telling him how he has “followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). He uses a fascinating verb in the original language (Gr. παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo). It’s a compound word that literally means to “follow (-ακολοθεω/-akoloutheo) alongside (παρα-/para-).” It paints a picture of accompanying faithfully, being ever present and attentive, and being close enough to carefully dig deep into the details about something or someone.
This kind of investigation isn’t done from a distance or a Google search. As the old saying goes, it’s up close and personal. For instance, Dr. Luke opens his report to Theophilus about how he’s thoroughly investigated the facts about Jesus for over a long period of time and “followed (Gr. παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo) all things closely for some time past” (Lk 1:3). The good doctor hit the road to hear the truth about Christ from the people who knew Him best. He personally interviews the Lord’s closest friends and followers.
But there’s another important element to παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo and it’s one very important step further than an simply an in-depth investigation. You carefully check things out in order to do them yourself. You follow every step so that you can take those same steps yourself. In his prequel to this letter, Paul encourages Tim for “the good doctrine that you have followed (Gr. παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo)” (1Tim 4:6). The young pastor gives us a classic example of how to mirror your mentor.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
The word in the original Greek is so wonderfully rich that the various Bible translations use a variety of terms to help us wrap our heads around it.
“followed” (NASB, HCSB, NET)
“followed after” (YLT)
“carefully followed” (NKJV)
“diligently followed [my example] (AMP)
“fully known” (KJV)
“intimately known” (Weymouth)
“know all about” (NIV)
“know” (NLT)
“thoroughly acquainted with” (Darby)
“observed” (NRS)
“took as your example” (BBE)
“gone after” (ABPE)
But my favorite is actually from the paraphrase of The Message. “You’ve been a good apprentice to me” (v10 The Message). Did you see it? A good apprentice. But this kind of apprentice isn’t worried about getting fired or winning the grand prize on a reality show. This kind of apprentice is all about carefully following a humble mentor who’s following Jesus.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
So just what behaviors and habits are now part of Tim’s life after hanging out with Paul? According to the apostle, here’s the list: “my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). In other words, Timothy has modeled what the apostle has said, what he has done, his direction in life, his trust in Jesus, his long fuse, his love in action, as well as his grit. At this point, Tim probably walks and talks just like Paul. And that’s NOT a bad thing since Paul probably walks and talks a lot like Christ. Let me know if you’ve got a better suggestion.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
“My teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). Maybe you might think the man from Tarsus has gotten the big head when you read his repeated use of “my” in this list. My oh my, it’s just the opposite. The apostle is simply recognizing that Tim modeled his behavior by mimicking Paul. This isn’t some sort of biblical humble brag. Timothy learned how to follow Jesus from watching Paul follow Jesus.
Over the course of his ministry, Paul did what he could to set an example for others in following Jesus. He invites the Corinthians, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1Cor 11:1). The apostle tells his Philippian friends to “join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil 3:17). In other words, if you’re not sure of what following Jesus looks like, cut-and-paste what Paul does until you can figure it out on your own.
Finding or being a mentor does NOT mean perfection. You DO realize there’s only one Jesus, right? Every believer should keep their eyes locked on the One who will be there from start to finish in our faith (Heb 12:2). Paul gives us a powerful example of what a realistic mentor looks like. Look past the apostolic title on his LinkedIn profile. This is a dude with a seriously checkered past. Remember the whole hunt-down-torture-and-kill-Jesus’-followers part? Paul pulls no punches when it comes to his rather sordid history (Acts 22:4-5; 26:9-11; Gal 1:13; Phil 3:6; 1Tim 1:13). It’s all on the table.
Follow Paul’s example. Readily admit your sins, your failings, your flaws, your faults, and your mistakes. Live transparently with those closest to you. Repent regularly. Remember, you’re NOT Jesus. You’re just trying to follow Him. When you do that with humility, you’re going to look over your shoulder and see others following you. If not, you’re not so much leading but simply on a long, lonely walk by yourself.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
What sort of stuff is Tim focusing on as he follows Paul? According to the apostle, it’s “my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). It all starts with what Paul said as a teacher. Christ is at the core of his curriculum. Every single thing Paul taught was about Jesus. Timothy not only studied at foot of the apostle but made our Savior the focus of his teaching as well.
The apostle’s apprentice didn’t just listen to what was said but keeps a keen eye on how life is to be lived, “my conduct” (v10). As my dear friend Ross Turner liked to say, “A talk talks and a walk talks, but a walk talks louder than a talk talks.” Say that three times fast! Words about Jesus are always important but we must back them up with our behavior.
Tim takes note of Paul’s “aim in life” (v10). This is a predetermined plan of action that you stick to even when the fecal matter hits the whirling device. Think of it as a publicly posted mission statement that tells everybody where you’re headed. It explains why you do what you do. A good mentor makes the “why” and the “where” of the “what” and “how” obvious.
The young pastor emulates the apostle’s “faith” (v10). Paul doesn’t place his confidence in his own religious resume. He tried that once before and despite being really good at it failed miserably. His best effort was nothing more than a big steaming pile compared to Christ (Phil 3:-11). Instead of a do-it-yourself salvation, we trust in the person and work of Jesus. He lived the perfect life we failed to live. He died the death for our sin we should have died. He rose to the glorious new life we don’t deserve.
Because of Paul’s deep faith in Christ, Tim sees the apostle’s “patience” (v10). You can literally translate the original Greek word here (Gr. μακροθυμια/makrothumia) as having a long fuse. You can take a lot of garbage and abuse before you lose your cool. Jesus certainly modeled it during His torture and crucifixion. It’s all part of God making us more and more like His Son (Rom 8:29). That’s why Paul lists it as part of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Gal 5:22-23).
Timothy puts into practice Paul’s incredible “love” (v10). Considering how the apostle squeezes this in between “patience” and “steadfastness,” he’s probably not talking about warm fuzzy feelings he has just for people who are nice to him. This is a practical demonstration of love-in-action for those who are hard to love. People who are messy. People who don’t like you. People who may have the middle digit locked and loaded. This is loving our enemies just like Jesus not only taught (Mt 5:44) but personally demonstrated (Rom 5:8).
The apostle’s spiritual son follows the example when it comes to “steadfastness” (v10). This is different word (Gr. ‘υπομονη/hupomone) and slightly different idea from “patience.” It’s hanging in there in hard times because of a strong hope. Call it an attitude of fortitude. As the great Vince Lombardi would say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Paul would probably add, “And KEEP going!” Once again, Jesus sets the standard. The writer of Hebrews uses a very similar word when describing how Christ “endured (Gr. ‘υπομονω/hupomeno) the cross” (Heb 12:2).
This is what a godly apprentice looks like. What do we do with all this? First of all, find a Paul, find a Timothy…shoot, find more than one of each!! Remember that people are watching whether you know it or not. Leaders lead by personal example whether they realize it or not. Following Jesus is not so much taught at caught.
What sort of example do you set for others? Are you aware of your influence on them? Do you have a solid self-awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses? Are you willing to be transparent about them? Do you have the kind of close relationships with others to invite them to follow you or ask to follow them?
Most importantly, how is YOUR relationship with Jesus? If someone is going to follow you, you need to be following Christ. Do you do what He tells you to do? Do you repent regularly? Remember, It’s NOT about you. It’s all about the One you follow. That’s what it means to be an apprentice.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
“You’re fired!” Ah yes, Donald Trump’s infamous catchphrase from “The Apprentice.” Forget voting people off the island “Survivor” style, the boss does the dirty work all by himself in the boardroom, sacking losing contestants each week. When it’s all over, the winner earns a job with Trump’s company and the alleged opportunity to personally study the business at the foot of the Donald.
(This is where I will leave it to each one of you to insert your own paragraph about the 44th President of the United States. You’re welcome.)
A couple of thousand years before Trump made Omarosa famous, the Apostle Paul wrote about what a real apprentice looks like. He tells his spiritual son Timothy, “You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). Instead of trying to coin a catchy tagline and score high ratings, Paul looks to make disciples who make disciples.
He’s not firing apprentice wannabes but firing up his own spiritual apprentice. The apostle encourages Tim by telling the young pastor he’s legit when it comes to ministry. He’s learned the right things but more importantly lived and loved the right way. Tim’s passion for telling people about Jesus is the complete opposite of the religious con artists causing problems in Ephesus (2Tim 3:1-9).
Don’t think that Paul’s gotten cocky and believes he’s all that and a bag of chips. Sure, the man from Tarsus certainly has a ton of cred as a card-carrying, capital “A” Apostle. But an apostle is only as good as the one who sent him. In case you didn’t know, he’s following the resurrected Rabbi from Galilee, Christ Jesus. You may have heard of Him. Son of God. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. That’s the Savior Paul is following. And that’s the Savior he sees Tim following too. The apostle knows that good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
This is even more important when you consider the context of the Paul’s letter to his spiritual apprentice. As the apostle writes, he’s in the final countdown as a condemned man in a Roman slammer (2Tim 1:8, 17; 2:9; 4:6-7). He pleads with Tim to get his tail to Rome for one last visit before his date with the executioner (2Tim 4:9, 21). But he spends a good chunk of this epistle scribbling down critical instructions for ministry just in case they never see each other again (2Tim 2:1-4:5). These may well be the final words from the mentor to his student.
Paul begins verse 10 by drawing a clear distinction between Tim and the religious snake oil salesmen who’ve weaseled their way into the local church. “You, however” (v10). Could Timothy be any more different from the false teachers? Just check out the rap sheet of dudes like Hymenaeus and Philetus in 2 Timothy 2.
They may have started by teaching the Gospel but have gone off the rails long ago and now spread an aggressive cancer among God’s people (2Tim 2:17). They distract believers from following Jesus with all sorts of religious double talk (2Tim 2:14, 16, 23). They are self-absorbed and self-obsessed and some members of their posse have become dangerous sexual predators on the prowl for weak women (2Tim 3:1-8).
Maybe the young pastor has begun to doubt himself and question his qualifications. In his previous letter, the former Pharisee tells Tim not to let anybody use his youth to put him down (1Tim 4:12). He encourages him to “fan into flames the gift of God, which is in you” (2Tim 1:6) and stop giving into fear (2Tim 1:7). God’s Spirit lives inside every follower of Jesus (2Tim 1:14). Lean into the amazing grace of Jesus for His strength (2Tim 2:1).
Same goes for you if you’re a follower of Jesus. There should be no age discrimination when it comes to loving and leading others. God has personally given each believer at least one supernatural gift. It’s up to us stoke the fires of what He’s entrusted and share it with others. If we’re afraid, we need to remember that it wasn’t Jesus that gave us the jitters. He gave us the power to live and love with focus. God’s Spirit empowers every one of His followers. So let’s be generous and gracious with others since He’s be so generous and gracious to us.
An honest critique and strong encouragement are critical components of any apprentice relationship. Do you have someone in your life to honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses? Someone who will speak truth into your life? A mentor must also motivate when a protege has doubts. They cast a clear vision and know when a pep talk is appropriate.
Turn all that around. Are you doing that for someone else as well? Don’t give me that I’m-not-good-enough-to-be-someone’s-mentor stuff. We all are. Yes, you. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that God has placed someone in your life who’s at least a little less spiritually mature than you are. Every Paul needs a Timothy. Every Timothy needs a Paul. In the end, it’s not about the quality of the apprentice or mentor but the Lord they are following.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
Paul gives Tim the ultimate “attaboy” by telling him how he has “followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). He uses a fascinating verb in the original language (Gr. παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo). It’s a compound word that literally means to “follow (-ακολοθεω/-akoloutheo) alongside (παρα-/para-).” It paints a picture of accompanying faithfully, being ever present and attentive, and being close enough to carefully dig deep into the details about something or someone.
This kind of investigation isn’t done from a distance or a Google search. As the old saying goes, it’s up close and personal. For instance, Dr. Luke opens his report to Theophilus about how he’s thoroughly investigated the facts about Jesus for over a long period of time and “followed (Gr. παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo) all things closely for some time past” (Lk 1:3). The good doctor hit the road to hear the truth about Christ from the people who knew Him best. He personally interviews the Lord’s closest friends and followers.
But there’s another important element to παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo and it’s one very important step further than an simply an in-depth investigation. You carefully check things out in order to do them yourself. You follow every step so that you can take those same steps yourself. In his prequel to this letter, Paul encourages Tim for “the good doctrine that you have followed (Gr. παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo)” (1Tim 4:6). The young pastor gives us a classic example of how to mirror your mentor.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
The word in the original Greek is so wonderfully rich that the various Bible translations use a variety of terms to help us wrap our heads around it.
“followed” (NASB, HCSB, NET)
“followed after” (YLT)
“carefully followed” (NKJV)
“diligently followed [my example] (AMP)
“fully known” (KJV)
“intimately known” (Weymouth)
“know all about” (NIV)
“know” (NLT)
“thoroughly acquainted with” (Darby)
“observed” (NRS)
“took as your example” (BBE)
“gone after” (ABPE)
But my favorite is actually from the paraphrase of The Message. “You’ve been a good apprentice to me” (v10 The Message). Did you see it? A good apprentice. But this kind of apprentice isn’t worried about getting fired or winning the grand prize on a reality show. This kind of apprentice is all about carefully following a humble mentor who’s following Jesus.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
So just what behaviors and habits are now part of Tim’s life after hanging out with Paul? According to the apostle, here’s the list: “my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). In other words, Timothy has modeled what the apostle has said, what he has done, his direction in life, his trust in Jesus, his long fuse, his love in action, as well as his grit. At this point, Tim probably walks and talks just like Paul. And that’s NOT a bad thing since Paul probably walks and talks a lot like Christ. Let me know if you’ve got a better suggestion.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
“My teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). Maybe you might think the man from Tarsus has gotten the big head when you read his repeated use of “my” in this list. My oh my, it’s just the opposite. The apostle is simply recognizing that Tim modeled his behavior by mimicking Paul. This isn’t some sort of biblical humble brag. Timothy learned how to follow Jesus from watching Paul follow Jesus.
Over the course of his ministry, Paul did what he could to set an example for others in following Jesus. He invites the Corinthians, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1Cor 11:1). The apostle tells his Philippian friends to “join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil 3:17). In other words, if you’re not sure of what following Jesus looks like, cut-and-paste what Paul does until you can figure it out on your own.
Finding or being a mentor does NOT mean perfection. You DO realize there’s only one Jesus, right? Every believer should keep their eyes locked on the One who will be there from start to finish in our faith (Heb 12:2). Paul gives us a powerful example of what a realistic mentor looks like. Look past the apostolic title on his LinkedIn profile. This is a dude with a seriously checkered past. Remember the whole hunt-down-torture-and-kill-Jesus’-followers part? Paul pulls no punches when it comes to his rather sordid history (Acts 22:4-5; 26:9-11; Gal 1:13; Phil 3:6; 1Tim 1:13). It’s all on the table.
Follow Paul’s example. Readily admit your sins, your failings, your flaws, your faults, and your mistakes. Live transparently with those closest to you. Repent regularly. Remember, you’re NOT Jesus. You’re just trying to follow Him. When you do that with humility, you’re going to look over your shoulder and see others following you. If not, you’re not so much leading but simply on a long, lonely walk by yourself.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.
What sort of stuff is Tim focusing on as he follows Paul? According to the apostle, it’s “my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). It all starts with what Paul said as a teacher. Christ is at the core of his curriculum. Every single thing Paul taught was about Jesus. Timothy not only studied at foot of the apostle but made our Savior the focus of his teaching as well.
The apostle’s apprentice didn’t just listen to what was said but keeps a keen eye on how life is to be lived, “my conduct” (v10). As my dear friend Ross Turner liked to say, “A talk talks and a walk talks, but a walk talks louder than a talk talks.” Say that three times fast! Words about Jesus are always important but we must back them up with our behavior.
Tim takes note of Paul’s “aim in life” (v10). This is a predetermined plan of action that you stick to even when the fecal matter hits the whirling device. Think of it as a publicly posted mission statement that tells everybody where you’re headed. It explains why you do what you do. A good mentor makes the “why” and the “where” of the “what” and “how” obvious.
The young pastor emulates the apostle’s “faith” (v10). Paul doesn’t place his confidence in his own religious resume. He tried that once before and despite being really good at it failed miserably. His best effort was nothing more than a big steaming pile compared to Christ (Phil 3:-11). Instead of a do-it-yourself salvation, we trust in the person and work of Jesus. He lived the perfect life we failed to live. He died the death for our sin we should have died. He rose to the glorious new life we don’t deserve.
Because of Paul’s deep faith in Christ, Tim sees the apostle’s “patience” (v10). You can literally translate the original Greek word here (Gr. μακροθυμια/makrothumia) as having a long fuse. You can take a lot of garbage and abuse before you lose your cool. Jesus certainly modeled it during His torture and crucifixion. It’s all part of God making us more and more like His Son (Rom 8:29). That’s why Paul lists it as part of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Gal 5:22-23).
Timothy puts into practice Paul’s incredible “love” (v10). Considering how the apostle squeezes this in between “patience” and “steadfastness,” he’s probably not talking about warm fuzzy feelings he has just for people who are nice to him. This is a practical demonstration of love-in-action for those who are hard to love. People who are messy. People who don’t like you. People who may have the middle digit locked and loaded. This is loving our enemies just like Jesus not only taught (Mt 5:44) but personally demonstrated (Rom 5:8).
The apostle’s spiritual son follows the example when it comes to “steadfastness” (v10). This is different word (Gr. ‘υπομονη/hupomone) and slightly different idea from “patience.” It’s hanging in there in hard times because of a strong hope. Call it an attitude of fortitude. As the great Vince Lombardi would say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Paul would probably add, “And KEEP going!” Once again, Jesus sets the standard. The writer of Hebrews uses a very similar word when describing how Christ “endured (Gr. ‘υπομονω/hupomeno) the cross” (Heb 12:2).
This is what a godly apprentice looks like. What do we do with all this? First of all, find a Paul, find a Timothy…shoot, find more than one of each!! Remember that people are watching whether you know it or not. Leaders lead by personal example whether they realize it or not. Following Jesus is not so much taught at caught.
What sort of example do you set for others? Are you aware of your influence on them? Do you have a solid self-awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses? Are you willing to be transparent about them? Do you have the kind of close relationships with others to invite them to follow you or ask to follow them?
Most importantly, how is YOUR relationship with Jesus? If someone is going to follow you, you need to be following Christ. Do you do what He tells you to do? Do you repent regularly? Remember, It’s NOT about you. It’s all about the One you follow. That’s what it means to be an apprentice.
Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.