Jesus' Call to Youth: Your Ultimate Guide!

Introduction
Have you ever received a gift so great that you wondered how to thank the person who gave it to you? Now, imagine that gift is your very life. This is what Jesus has done for us—He gave His life so that we could have eternal life. But what does He expect in return? What does Jesus ask of us, especially as young people?
In this post, we’ll explore what Jesus asks of us, how we can live as His followers today, and what it means to live out our faith.

The Foundation: Faith in Jesus Before anything else, Jesus asks that we put our faith in Him. It’s the starting point of a relationship with God. In John 3:16 (NLT), we read, "For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."
Believing in Jesus is more than just acknowledging His existence—it’s about trusting Him with your life, understanding that His sacrifice is the only way we can be made right with God. This is what Jesus first asks of us: faith. He calls us to recognize our need for Him and to trust Him completely.
Take a moment to assess your faith. Is it just a label, or are you truly trusting Jesus with your life? This is the first step to answering His call.

Obedience: Following Jesus' Commandments
Now that we understand faith, let's explore the next step: obedience. Once we place our faith in Jesus, He invites us to follow His lead. As Jesus says in John 14:15, 'If you love me, keep my commandments' (NIV). Obedience isn't about rigidly adhering to a list of rules; it's about aligning our lives with His teachings.
For young people, this might seem daunting. After all, our culture often pulls us in many directions, and some of Jesus' teachings may seem difficult or even countercultural. But obedience isn't about perfection. It's about consistently choosing to follow Christ's example, even when it's challenging."
Reflect on the areas of your life where you struggle to obey Jesus’ teachings. Maybe it's in how you treat others, your purity, or how you use your time. Start small, and commit to growing in obedience, one step at a time.

Love: Jesus Calls Us to Love Radically
One of the clearest things Jesus asks of us is to love others. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. The second is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (NLT).
This love isn’t just for people who are easy to love. Jesus asks us to love everyone—even those who might mistreat or misunderstand us. In Luke 6:27-28, He says, “Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you” (NLT). This radical love is what sets us apart as Christ’s followers.
Think about someone in your life who is hard to love. How can you show them love this week? Pray for strength and opportunities to bless them, even if it's difficult.

Sacrifice: Taking Up Our Cross
Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy. In Luke 9:23, He says, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (NLT).
Taking up our cross means embracing sacrifice. It might mean giving up certain comforts, ambitions, or even relationships that pull us away from Jesus. It’s a call to put Christ first, even when it costs us something.
For young people, this might mean saying no to activities that conflict with your faith or standing firm in your beliefs when your friends don't share them. It’s not always easy, but Jesus assures us that following Him is worth it.
Identify one area where you need to "take up your cross." Is there a habit, relationship, or activity that’s pulling you away from Jesus? Make the decision to sacrifice it for the sake of your relationship with Him.

Living for Jesus: Discipleship in Everyday Life
Being a follower of Jesus is about more than just saying a prayer—it’s about living out your faith every day. Jesus calls us to be His disciples, to continually grow in our relationship with Him and reflect His love to the world.
Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) puts it this way: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
As young people, we face constant pressure to conform to the world’s standards. But Jesus asks us to live differently. He calls us to be transformed, to renew our minds, and to stand out as His followers in a culture that often rejects His values.
Take time to read the Bible and pray each day. Ask God to help you see the world through His eyes and give you the courage to live differently. This is the heart of discipleship—letting God change you from the inside out.

Gratitude: Responding to Jesus' Sacrifice
Lastly, Jesus asks for our gratitude. When we truly understand what He has done for us—giving His life so that we might live—our natural response should be one of thankfulness.
In Luke 17:14-16, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank Him. Jesus asks, “Where are the other nine?” (NLT). This story reminds us that Jesus values gratitude. He doesn’t demand it, but He delights in it.
Living with gratitude means recognizing Jesus' work in your life every day. It's about thanking Him not only in the big moments but also in the small ones. It’s about living with an attitude of appreciation for all He has done.
Start a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for. As you practice gratitude, you’ll find that it draws you closer to Jesus and helps you see His hand in every part of your life.

Conclusion
Jesus asks for our faith, obedience, love, sacrifice, and gratitude. He calls us to live differently, to reflect His love to the world, and to grow as His disciples. While these things might sound challenging, remember that Jesus walks with us every step of the way. He gives us the strength to follow Him, even when it’s hard.
So, what does Jesus ask of you? The answer is simple: everything. But don’t be overwhelmed. Start with where you are today—trust Him, follow His lead, and watch how He transforms your life in ways you never expected.
We all face challenges in living out the life Jesus calls us to, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join a community of young believers at SendYouth International who are passionate about making a difference for Christ. Together, we learn, grow, and support each other in faith, discipleship, and serving our communities. Visit SendYouth International to connect, share your journey, and discover resources to help you live out your faith daily.