What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? In the gospels, there are seven instances where Jesus distinguishes what a disciple of his would look like. His last "if...then" statement is that if you abide in my word, you will have everlasting life. He warns there will be a temptation to hold other voices above scripture and to choose which parts to obey. But Jesus says a true disciple will have no higher authority than His word.