By: G. H. Roesener
Our Lord Jesus Christ walked this earth for a very short period of time. His thirty some years are short compared to today’s lifespan. His life was earmarked with a specific mission. His mission would be accomplished on Calvary’s tree on Good Friday. Nailed to the cross, our Lord bore the sins of the entire world. He bridged the chasm between our heavenly Father and us created by sin. He performed His High Priestly sacrifice once for all. He showed the Evil One that sin was conquered!
Our Lord’s walk could only have been done by Him. You and I would fail. It’s as simple as that. This Bible study begins with the announcement by the angels and concludes with our Lord’s ascension shortly after Easter.
You will need your favorite Bible to be sure. A Bible dictionary would be good to have around as well as maps of Jesus’ time. A notepad will be needed to answer some of the questions and to take notes for further study.
My Walk with Jesus form is intended to be used each week. Make copies for each week of the year and mark the boxes. Keep this form handy each week to check off your walk with Jesus. It is not intended to record specific events, rather to act as a reminder about how we are to act as Christians following in our Lord’s footsteps.
Tracing our Steps can be found at the end of each lesson. Use the box to record your feelings about what you learned of Jesus’ walk during the lesson and how it impacted your life.
These lessons incorporate many “boxed” areas that are intended to supplement the lesson concepts. They may contain historical, geographical or theological statements from various sources. Bolded questions are so marked as personal questions.
Some lessons have supplemental forms and other study materials. For example, Lesson 8 reviews the Beatitudes contained in the Sermon on the Mount. Lesson 10 has two supplements on the “Temple of Truth” taken from Zondervan’s Thompson Chain Reference and a session on the Lord’s Prayer called, “A Prayer for All Ages & All People.”
May God bless your study on His walk to Calvary.
Connected in Him, I stand
Acknowledgements:
I am particularly thankful for my Christian training over the years, especially the pastors who have shepherded me at my church. Beginning with my early memory work in my Lutheran School, I have treasured the wisdom that His Word has provided.
A special note about my uncle, Bob Trautmann. My aunt and uncle were missionaries in India from 1949 to 1969. Little did I realize the impact their work for the Lord would have on my life in later years. Thanks for your continued teaching and enlightening discussions about our Lord and the Church. (Update: Called home 2005 to be with his Savior)
And certainly, to my mentor, The Rev. Dr. John E. Meyer. John, you have been a real spark in my life as a servant of the Almighty. Your continued service to Him is a witness to me and the many you touch. (Update: Called home 2003 to be with his Savior)
Finally, thanks to my Sunday Morning Bible Class at Emmaus Lutheran Church. To the faithful, I say thanks for learning along with me as we walked together in this study. I am especially thankful for my pastor and mentor, The Reverend W. E. Lauterbach, as he answered many questions for me in my study and preparation. (Update: Called home 4/2/2023 to be with his Savior)
In addition to my trusty NIV Bible, I used the QuickVerse, Version 6 Complete Bible Study Software published by Parsons Technology.
Remember our Lord’s promise to Isaiah, “My word will not return unto Me void, but will accomplish that which I please and in the manner in which I sent it.”