To "follow" Jesus - an exercise

I have often argued, in recent years, that the key instruction in the IV Gospel is to "follow" Jesus, and that the best encapsulation is (probably) the Good Shepherd section of this Gospel. 

But I suggest an exercise - which takes about ten minutes: Here is the IV Gospel - do a word search on "follow, and read quickly but attentively through all the usages of this word in relation to Jesus instructing his disciples what to do. 

I think, through this, we can then begin to glimpse the simplicity of what Jesus is asking. 

To me, he seems to be saying that because he is - like us - a Man, and also a Son of God; we can do after our death what Jesus will do after his death. 

Meaning: attain eternal resurrected life, after death. 

And that Jesus shall personally make this possible, for each person as an individual.  

In other words; "follow" has a sort-of double meaning, a more-passive and more-active meaning. 

Passively, we follow-behind, in the route Jesus has made between this mortal life, via death to resurrected everlasting life in heaven. 

More actively; Jesus will help us do this, he will "come back, and help us in this "journey". And it is us who chooses to make this journey, who takes the "steps" on it - because even a sheep must choose to follow specifically he whom the sheep regards as his Good Shepherd. 

The lost sheep does not follow just-anybody; but to be saved the lost sheep must follow the Good Shepherd. 

Nor is the act of following, something automatic and inevitable - the lost sheep must recognize the Good Shepherd, and choose to follow, and actually take the steps of following.   

That's what seems to be said to me - and also what is actually true; but you may, of course, read it differently!