Most would probably admit that they don’t exercise enough. Doctors and other healthcare professionals would tell you that walking is good for you. Our physical health is something to be thankful for. Perhaps we don’t realize that fact until we get ill.
Our spiritual walk is more important. Why? Because it has everlasting value. Our Lord Jesus Christ walked on earth as the God Man, Jesus Christ. He was promised to us just after Adam and Eve fell into sin (Genesis 3:15). This series of lessons will attempt to follow Jesus on his earthly walk. Not that we could ever walk in his sandals, but that you put yourself back in time to the Promised Land and experience His walk.
Let’s begin by examining a few things about His name.
- The word Jesus is the Greek name and means “savior.”
- The Hebrew equivalent is Jeshua and means “Yahweh Saves.”
- The name Christ is a title, not a name. It means, “Anointed One.”
- The Hebrew equivalent of Christ is Messiah.
Sometimes the name Jesus was used with other words
- Jesus of ________________Luke 24:19
- Jesus, Son of _____________________Mark 10:47
- Jesus, the ______________________Mark 14:67
- Jesus, the son of ___________________John 1:45
The gospel writers only used the term Jesus with Christ five times. Most of its use is in Acts and the epistles. See if you can find them using a concordance.
Let’s begin our walk. How many of you remember the story called “Footsteps?” Well, that story talks about our Lord walking with us each and every step of the way. He has promised never to forsake us regardless of our situation. Now, we want to go back and see what His walk was like and how that can make us want to be more like Him and serve Him.
Jesus’ Announcement
The New Testament (“N. T.”) does not give us exact dates of either His birth or His death. But we can get close. During what king’s term was Jesus born? (See Matthew 2:1)
Herod the Great. Herod the Great was born about the year 73 B.C. and was a son of the desert, well adapted to the political intrigues of ambition, lust for power, and efficiency at warfare. He made a trip to Rome and was confirmed by the Senate as “king of Judea” in the year 40 B.C. He routed some persistently threatening robber bands in Galilee and gained the esteem of the Romans and even the support of some of the Jews by his decisive action. He finally brought Jerusalem under his control in the year 37 B.C. His rule of Judea is usually divided into three periods: (a) The Period of Consolidation (37-25 B.C.), (b) The Period of Prosperity (25-13 B.C.), and (c) The Period of Domestic Troubles (13-4 B.C.).
- If king Herod died in 4 BC, and we know that he sent soldiers to Bethlehem to destroy all baby boys two years and younger, then Jesus must have been born prior to 4 BC. Most experts place it between 6-5 BC.
- Go to Luke 1:26-29. What do we learn about the announcement?
Mary’s Pregnancy
Our walk with Jesus continues with Him in the womb. Where did Jesus travel during Mary’s pregnancy?
Jesus’ Birth
A census was ordered. Each man was to return to the city of his ancestors in or to be counted. Go to Luke 2:4-7. Let’s read about our Lord’s birth.
- How far is it between Nazareth and Bethlehem?
- How did Mary and Joseph travel?
- What were the circumstances of our Lord’s birth?
Jesus’ Dedication
The Old Testament (“O. T.”) required that the firstborn of all wombs must be dedicated to the Lord (Exodus 13:2). So Mary did what was required. Where did the dedication take place? Who did Mary and Joseph meet there? And what was their response to what was said about their son? (Luke 2:33)
Jesus Flees
When Herod determined that the wise men were not going to return, he was very angry and sent soldiers to destroy baby boys. Go to Matthew 2:14-15 and see where our walk goes from here. We are not told where in Egypt they stayed, however, if you measure from Bethlehem to Memphis it is 265 miles. King Herod died in 4 BC. The Bible tells us that Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth. That trip is over 300 miles.
Tracing our Steps. Let’s use this time to trace our walk with Jesus. Think about this time in His life and remembering that He did this all for you and me. Use the space below to jot down your feelings about your walk today.