Five Thresholds on the Journey to Following Jesus

“Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:6-8

When we read the Gospels, it can seem as though people met Jesus and immediately dropped everything to follow Him. Peter left his nets. Matthew walked away from his tax booth. Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into his home and experienced a transformed life. While those moments may appear instantaneous, most people come to faith through a series of steps rather than a single giant leap.

These steps can be described as five thresholds on the journey toward following Jesus. Recognizing these thresholds helps us be more patient with those exploring faith and reminds us that God is often at work long before someone says yes to Christ.

The first threshold is trusting a Christian. Before many people trust Jesus, they first trust someone who follows Him. They meet a believer whose life is marked by grace, humility, kindness, and authenticity. God uses ordinary believers who genuinely love others and admit their own need for God’s grace. Your friendship may be the very bridge someone needs to begin considering Christ.

The second threshold is becoming curious. At some point, people begin asking questions. Who is Jesus? Is the Bible reliable? Does God really care about me? Curiosity is not something to fear. Throughout Scripture, Jesus welcomed sincere questions. Questions often indicate that God is stirring a person’s heart. Rather than rushing to provide every answer, we can encourage honest conversations that allow people to explore the truth.

The third threshold is opening up to change. This may be the most difficult step. Curiosity can remain intellectual for years, but following Jesus requires a willingness to let Him reshape our priorities, values, and identity. Pride often keeps people from crossing this threshold because change requires surrender. Yet Jesus continually invited people not simply to believe something new but to become someone new.

The fourth threshold is seeking after God. Here, a person begins intentionally looking for Him. They read Scripture, pray, attend church, ask deeper questions, and search for answers with an open heart. God promises that those who seek Him sincerely will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Seeking isn’t about earning God’s favor; it’s about responding to the God who has already been pursuing us.

The fifth threshold is following Jesus. This is where faith becomes personal. Following Jesus is more than agreeing with facts about Him. It means trusting Him as Savior, submitting to Him as Lord, and committing to walk with Him every day. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship, not the end of the story.

These thresholds also remind us to be patient with others. Sometimes we expect people to embrace faith after a single conversation, but God often works gradually. Our role is not to force someone across a threshold but to faithfully love them, pray for them, answer questions, and trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which of the five thresholds best describes where you are—or where someone you know is—in their spiritual journey, and what might help them take the next step?
2. How can you intentionally build relationships that help others move toward Jesus with patience, love, and grace rather than pressure?