Because of Christ: A 5-Day Easter Devotional by the Belonging Co Sample

Walking As Jesus Walked

“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” - 1 John 2:6

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” - Ephesians 5:1-2

Several years ago, I took a life-changing trip to Israel. In particular, I remember the overwhelming emotions I felt when I walked the western steps to the pool of Bethesda. I was in awe at the thought that my feet were standing where Jesus’s feet had been; I was actually walking where He had walked. Though a beautiful and surreal experience, walking where Jesus walked is so very different than walking as Jesus walked. We are told in 1 John 2:6, “whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” Ephesians 5 instructs us to imitate God and walk in love like Christ loves us. This can often feel like an impossible task, right?

Yet, our Heavenly Father would never leave us without a guide. As you read through the gospels, the way Jesus walked is revealed in vivid detail - you see His compassionate heart that attracted people everywhere He went. You see His serenity of spirit, how He moved with calmness and peace. You see when He was criticized and insulted and did not retaliate. You see His joy in living. Most importantly, you see His obedience and surrender to the will of His Father. What a privilege that we have been given a manual in God’s Word of the example we are to follow.

Living life as Jesus did is a life-long process and must be a daily pursuit. While we wait to see Jesus face to face, we can still walk beside Him every day. As we walk beside Him, we learn more about walking like Him. This only happens when we are intentional about our spiritual growth. It’s pressing into Jesus day by day with passion, dedication, and consistency. Without His Spirit flowing through us, we are powerless to do anything of eternal value to the glory of God. When our lives display the life of Christ, the glory of His character is revealed in us. When we walk as Jesus walked, His character is revealed.

Written by Natalie Grant