The Judean Desert

Welcome to the Walk with Christ email experience. Across these ten emails, we'll be taking a journey of reflection and celebration as we retrace Jesus’s footsteps together. To begin His ministry, Jesus spent 40 days in the lonely stretch of desert that reached east of Jerusalem to the banks of the Dead Sea. He spent His time immersed in fasting and prayer, as He reflected upon the great work He was about to perform on the behalf of all humanity.

Over the next two days, you're invited to set aside some time to be by yourself to prepare mentally and spiritually for what lies ahead. Even 15 minutes of thoughtful reflection can help bring peace and purpose to your heart.

Synagogue, Nazareth

In Nazareth, Jesus entered the synagogue on the Jewish Sabbath day (Saturday). During the service, He stood and read from the scriptures. He chose a passage from Isaiah’s prophecies that specifically foretold His mission to “preach the gospel to the poor, … heal the brokenhearted, … [and] preach deliverance to the captives” (Luke 4:18).

Over the next two days, open the Bible and find a passage that personally inspires you. If possible, try to find verses you've never read before, or take familiar verses and look for a new perspective on their meaning.

Samaria

While traveling through Samaria, Jesus Christ asked a woman to draw water for Him from a well. Jesus then shared His divine message with the woman. He was not deterred by the fact that the woman had made some mistakes in her life. Jesus saw her for who she could become.

Take some time to write down some goals for the person you want to be. And while you do it, remember that Jesus Christ can help us overcome the things in our past that may be holding us back.

Sea of Galilee

When Jesus was traveling along the coast of the Sea of Galilee, He saw fishermen casting their nets offshore. Jesus called out to them and invited them to join Him and become fishers of men. The men left their nets behind and joined Jesus Christ.

From digital devices to less-than-uplifting entertainment choices, what's something you could leave behind for the day to help you spend more time on the things that truly matter, like family, friends, and faith?

The Road to Jerusalem

Jesus was walking south toward Jerusalem, when He was approached by a group of ten people afflicted with leprosy. Jesus Christ gave them a simple instruction to go show themselves to the local priest, where they were pronounced clean. Yet only one of them came back to thank Jesus.

Dedicate a day to expressing gratitude—in person, online, over the phone, and in prayer. Also, like the one leper who returned, don’t forget to take time to pray and offer thanks for the influence of Jesus Christ in your life.

Mount of Beatitudes

It was on the Mount that Jesus gave us the pattern for truly meaningful prayer, along with many other timeless teachings. The Lord's Prayer shows us how to express thanks to our Heavenly Father and ask for help in our lives.

You're invited to strengthen your relationship with God through prayer the way Jesus taught. Offer a prayer following the pattern laid out in the Lord's Prayer.

House of Lazarus, Bethany

When Jesus Christ arrived in the town of Bethany, His friend Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, had already passed away and had been in the tomb four days. Jesus was about to perform His greatest miracle yet by raising their brother from the dead. But before He did that, Jesus took the time to weep with them and acknowledge their pain.

Sometimes all we can do to help someone is let them know we love them and are there for them. Please take some time in the next two days to reach out to someone you know who is struggling with loss, sickness, or other difficulties, so they know they're not alone.

Gethsemane, The Mount of Olives

The Mount of Olives is a mile-long ridge that rises above the east side of Jerusalem. It was there that Jesus Christ kneeled down and did what only He could do. In Gethsemane, the Son of God prayed, suffering in anguish as He began to take upon Himself the sins and afflictions of all people.

Jesus did what He did because you are worth it. You are a child of God with tremendous value. Write down your good qualities, and remind yourself of your potential to be the best version of yourself you can be.

Golgotha

At Golgotha, Jesus was crucified while surrounded by people who cruelly mocked Him. Instead of condemning the Roman soldiers who crucified Him, He asked His Father to “forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Think of someone you would like to forgive. Write them a letter forgiving them. It doesn't have to be more than a few sentences long. You don't need to send it. Just write it and see how it feels.

The Garden Tomb

After Jesus Christ died upon the cross, His heartbroken followers placed His body inside a garden tomb. On the third day, the tomb was found empty. Imagine the joy felt by His followers when they saw their dear teacher, leader, master, and friend alive, as a glorious resurrected being.