The Gospel accounts distinguish between the fans of Jesus and His disciples. Repeated throughout we see the construction "Then Jesus said to the crowds[or multitudes] and to His disciples."
What distinguishes a fan from a follower? I think of a weird corollary between some LA Laker fans and the fans of the German National Soccer Team. When the LA Lakers, made it to the finals, all of a sudden Laker flags were flown from cars, people bought t-shirts and jerseys and Laker fever overtook the city--but only once they got to the Championship game. I'm sure you've experienced the same with "fair-weather fans." The German National Soccer Team fans on the other hand prepare 3.5 years in advance for the World Cup. Songs are played on the radio and sung in pubs. People paint cars, get tattoos and when the game finally happens nobody is caught dead doing anything BUT watching the game. I was in Germany when they lost in the Semi-Finals last World Cup, it was as if everyone in the room had just watched their best friend or their mother die.
Fans put on the jerseys, watch most games, know the stats and the records. Followers prepare, they get ready for the season, they wait hours for the chance to meet the players or coaches. Fans put the stuff away when the season is over, they talk about how they wish the team had done this -or-that differently. Followers wear their colors proud after the season, they anxiously wait for new acquisitions and the next season.
I'm so thankful I have the opportunity and the invitation to be a follower, invited to the special team party, and given the real game worn jersey of the all-star player. Perhaps a weird analogy, but I think it fits. The great thing is we all have been invited to be followers, not just fans.
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