Discover Jesus’ Walk…and Yours
Interestingly: Ones “walk” in scripture, is not just the left-leg / right-leg movement of forward motion. The word ‘walk’ in the Bible, has to do with the way in which we live. It is the pattern or direction of our life, that is determined by both the choices that we make, and the people with whom we associate. For Example:
Psalm 1:1, 6 (NIV)
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take… For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous…
Psalm 84:11b (NIV)
…the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Micah 6:8b (NIV)
…what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
(These verses represent a tiny sampling of the hundreds of occasions where the Bible links our ‘walk’ with our ‘way’.)
List some of your observations about the benefits and qualities of a desirable ‘walk’ or ‘way’ as described in the above scriptures:
Enter Jesus: The walk of God upon the earth. The way of God on full display. He was the pattern or lifestyle of Heaven being presented to all of humanity, modelling a lifestyle of Kingdom righteousness. Hence, this account in the Gospel of Matthew – which providentially is the first time the word ‘walk’ is found in the New Testament:
Matthew 4:18-20 (TPT)
As he was walking by the shore of Lake Galilee, Jesus noticed two fishermen who were brothers [Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.] Jesus called out to them and said, “Come and follow me, and I will transform you into men who catch people for God.” Immediately they dropped their nets and left everything behind to follow Jesus.
The reason that these two brothers immediately dropped their nets and left everything to follow Jesus, is because they could see in Him a powerful, desirable, exemplary way of walking that they wanted to learn from. They became His disciples, which is a word that means student, apprentice, or follower who is invited to walk in their Teacher’s ways.
Here’s another example of Jesus inviting people to walk in His ways:
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
What do these two passages (Matthew 4:18-20 & 11:28-30) teach us about the qualities and characteristics of Jesus’ walk and ways?
The goal hasn’t changed. What His disciples did then, is still what we’re called to do now – which is to Walk His Way. For Jesus is God’s Messenger we are called to Mirror. God’s Redeemer we are meant to Reflect. The Lord that we are invited to live-like… Today and Everyday.
Acts 4:13 (NIV)
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Colossians 2:6 ESV
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him…
1 John 2:5b-6 [TPT]
We can be sure that we’ve truly come to live in God… by walking in the footsteps of Jesus.
Romans 8:29 (TPT)
For [God] knew all about us before we were born and he destined us from the beginning to share the likeness of his Son. This means the Son is the oldest among a vast family of brothers and sisters who will become just like him.
Ephesians 5:1-2a
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ…
What do these scriptures teach you about God’s goal for our lives?
By the empowering Grace of God this coming week, in what ways specifically would you like to see your walk and ways to become more Christ-like? How could you co-operate with the Holy Spirit this week to accelerate these areas of transformation?