Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 1 John 2:6 ESV

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 ESV

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 ESV

There are only three more days left in this year, 2025! Thursday, January 1^st is the beginning of a new year, 2026! Happy early New Year’s Day!

Did you ever play the game Follow the Leader with your friends? One person is the leader, and the others are the followers. If the leader raises her right arm all the followers have to do the same thing. If the leader skips, then all the followers have to skip. The followers look to the leader and try to do everything she does.

Today our verses all talk about following Jesus or walking how He walked when He was on earth. Let’s talk about some of the things that Jesus did and that we can do to “follow in His footsteps” and “walk in the same way in which he walked.”

Love:  Jesus loved people, especially people who needed help or comfort

Compassion:  Jesus cared deeply for people who were suffering or brokenhearted

Humility:  Jesus was willing to serve others, like washing the disciples’ feet

Kindness:  Jesus was kind to the sick, blessing the children, welcoming the outcasts

Forgiveness:  Jesus chose to not be angry or get back at someone who hurt Him, Jesus chose to forgive   

Truth:  Jesus was always truthful. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Obedience: Jesus chose to do God’s will in all things, even dying on the cross for us.

Holy:  Jesus was set apart for a holy purpose, He was sinless. Even though we can’t be sinless, we can be forgiven of our sins by Jesus

Jesus asks us to follow Him like a sheep follows the shepherd. Jesus asks us to love people, to have compassion, to be humble, kind and forgiving, to speak truth, to obey, and to be holy, because we also have a purpose – to be more like Jesus and walk with Him.

This week talk with your parents about ways that you can walk like Jesus. Can you show someone love and compassion, forgive someone who hurt you, be obedient to your parents and God, and discover your purpose?

Blessings and joy as you strive to walk like Jesus walked!