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When you look at the life of Jesus, you see a blueprint for success that still applies today. No matter how gifted or called you are, you cannot do it alone. There are three types of people you absolutely need in your corner if you’re going to fulfill your purpose: a role model, a support system, and a fan.
First, you need a role model or mentor — someone who can provide wisdom, advice, and insight from a place of experience. Jesus looked to the Father and also drew from the examples of the prophets before Him. A role model helps you see what’s possible, keeps you grounded in vision, and gives you a framework to model your own journey after. Having someone who has walked the path before you is like carrying a compass through unfamiliar territory.
Second, you need a support system — the people who stand with you when things get hard. Jesus had his disciples, Martha, Mary, and the other women disciples, who did more than just cheer from the sidelines. They funded His ministry, traveled with Him, and most importantly, they remained present at the cross when nearly everyone else ran away. A true support system doesn’t disappear when you’re under pressure; they hold you up, sometimes quietly, but with fierce loyalty.
Finally, you need at least one fan — someone who simply delights in your success, your joy, and your wins. A fan doesn’t need the spotlight or a title. They just want to see you win.
They may not be your mentor or even your closest confidant, but they genuinely want to see you happy and fulfilled. In Jesus’ time, that looked like the children who flocked to Him with pure admiration, or even the outsiders who celebrated His authority without needing anything in return.
John the Baptist – He openly said “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). He celebrated Jesus’ rise without trying to keep followers for himself.
Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36–38) – She worshiped in the Temple day and night. When she saw Jesus, she gave thanks and spoke about Him to others — no expectation of reward.
The crowd that would gather around Jesus- he needed them.
The Roman centurion at the cross – After witnessing Jesus’ death, he declared, “Surely this was the Son of God”(Matthew 27:54). No attachment, just recognition of who He truly was
Joseph of Arimathea & Nicodemus – They cared for His body after the crucifixion (John 19:38–42). That was a dangerous, costly act, and they didn’t benefit personally. They just wanted to honor Him.
The shepherds (Luke 2:8–20) – They came to see Him after the angels announced His birth, glorified God, and spread the word. They didn’t gain power, wealth, or titles — just joy at His arrival.The wise men (Magi) (Matthew 2:1–12) – They traveled far, gave costly gifts, and then quietly returned home. They didn’t try to attach themselves to His ministry; they honored Him and left.
In our lives, a fan can be that a teacher, a neighbor, friend, family member, or supporter who claps the loudest no matter how small or big the victory.
And here’s the truth: when you think about someone who is struggling — maybe failing in life — often, they are lacking one of these three somewhere. Maybe they don’t have a mentor to show them the way, or a support system to catch them when they fall, or even a single fan who believes in them. Success doesn’t grow in isolation. Struggle multiplies when you’re left alone.
When you combine these three — a mentor to guide you, a support system to steady you, and a fan to celebrate you — you create a circle of strength that allows you to keep going, even when the world feels heavy. Jesus showed us that success isn’t built in isolation. It’s built in community.
