1 John 2:6 states, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Y’shu’ah did.” This verse, written by the Apostle John, calls believers to model their lives after Y’shu’ah (Jesus), emphasizing that if we claim to abide in Him, we must also “walk” as He walked. This means living in a way that reflects Y’shu’ah’s character, teachings, actions, and obedience to Elohim (God). Let’s explore what it means to walk as Y’shu’ah walked, what He did, and what He taught.
1. What Does It Mean to Walk as Y’shu’ah Walked?
In Scripture, the concept of “walking” refers to how one conducts their life. To “walk” as Y’shu’ah walked means to follow His example in our actions, attitudes, and values. Y’shu’ah’s life was a model of obedience to Elohim, love for others, and faithfulness to Elohim’s commandments. This “walk” encompasses both outward behavior and inner character, as Y’shu’ah’s life was marked by perfect holiness and a deep relationship with Elohim.
John emphasizes that abiding in Y’shu’ah requires living in alignment with Him. This involves a commitment to walking in the truth, as seen in John’s previous statement in 1 John 2:3-5: “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.” Walking as Y’shu’ah walked, then, involves obedience to Elohim’s commands, imitating Y’shu’ah’s love, humility, and dedication to Elohim’s will.
2. How Did Y’shu’ah Walk?
To understand how we are to walk, it’s important to examine Y’shu’ah’s life as recorded in the Gospels. His “walk” involved:
Obedience to Elohim’s Law (Torah): Y’shu’ah lived in full obedience to Elohim’s commandments, fulfilling the Torah. He stated in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Y’shu’ah did not break Elohim’s commandments but upheld and clarified their true meaning. His life was characterized by perfect adherence to Elohim’s law, not as legalism but as a demonstration of holiness and love for Elohim.
Intimate Relationship with Elohim: Y’shu’ah’s life was rooted in constant communion with Elohim. He often spent time in prayer, seeking Elohim’s guidance and strength. In Mark 1:35, we see Y’shu’ah rising early to pray in a solitary place. His prayer life reflected His reliance on Elohim, showing believers the importance of regular, heartfelt communication with the Father.
Love and Compassion for Others: Y’shu’ah’s ministry was marked by compassion, healing the sick, forgiving sins, and showing mercy to those marginalized by society. In Matthew 9:36, Y’shu’ah looked upon the crowds with compassion, “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” His compassion extended to all people, demonstrating Elohim’s love in practical ways.
Humility and Servanthood: Y’shu’ah lived as a humble servant, though He was the Son of Elohim. In Philippians 2:6-8, Paul describes Y’shu’ah’s humility: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” He washed His disciples’ feet as an example of humility and instructed them to serve others in the same way (John 13:14-15).
Sacrifice and Selflessness: Y’shu’ah’s ultimate act of obedience and love was His sacrificial death on the cross. He willingly laid down His life for humanity, demonstrating the greatest love (John 15:13). His life was characterized by selflessness, as He continually put Elohim’s will and the needs of others above His own.
3. What Did Y’shu’ah Do?
The Gospels provide numerous accounts of Y’shu’ah’s actions, each of which reveals His character and mission. His deeds serve as examples of how believers are to live:
Healing and Deliverance: Y’shu’ah performed many miracles, healing the sick, casting out demons, and even raising the dead. These actions were signs of Elohim’s Kingdom breaking into the world and served to demonstrate Elohim’s power and compassion. In Matthew 4:23, it says, “Y’shu’ah went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” His healing ministry showed that Elohim cares for both the physical and spiritual well-being of His people.
Teaching with Authority: Y’shu’ah was known for His teaching, which often focused on the Kingdom of Elohim, righteousness, and how to live according to Elohim’s will. His teachings challenged the religious leaders’ misunderstandings and corrected their misinterpretations of the Law. He taught with authority, explaining the heart of Elohim’s commandments, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).
Confronting Hypocrisy and Sin: While Y’shu’ah showed compassion to sinners, He also confronted hypocrisy, particularly among the religious leaders who burdened others with strict rules while ignoring the weightier matters of the Law (Matthew 23:23). He boldly addressed sin and called people to repentance, offering forgiveness and a way to return to Elohim.
Demonstrating Love in Action: Y’shu’ah’s love was practical, reaching out to those rejected by society. He ate with tax collectors and sinners, showing that Elohim’s love is available to all (Luke 5:30-32). His interactions with people from all walks of life illustrated the inclusiveness of Elohim’s Kingdom and the value He placed on each individual.
4. What Did Y’shu’ah Preach and Teach?
Y’shu’ah’s teaching was centered on the Gospel of the Kingdom of Elohim. His message called people to repentance, faith, and a new way of life in submission to Elohim’s rule:
The Kingdom of Elohim: Y’shu’ah’s primary message was the announcement of Elohim’s Kingdom. In Mark 1:15, He proclaimed, “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” The Kingdom of Elohim represents Elohim’s sovereign rule, breaking into the world through Y’shu’ah’s life and ministry. He taught that entering the Kingdom required repentance (turning away from sin) and faith.
Repentance and Transformation: Y’shu’ah called people to repent, meaning to turn away from sin and realign with Elohim’s ways. He taught that repentance was necessary to enter the Kingdom and that it must be accompanied by a transformed life. In Luke 13:3, He warns, “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.” His call to repentance was not only about changing behavior but also about changing one’s heart and priorities.
Love and the Greatest Commandments: Y’shu’ah summarized Elohim’s commandments in two primary commands: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). These commandments encapsulate the heart of the Torah and show that true obedience to Elohim is rooted in love. He modeled this love in His actions and urged His followers to do the same.
Righteousness and Justice: Y’shu’ah taught that righteousness goes beyond external observance and involves purity of heart. In the Sermon on the Mount, He challenged the superficial righteousness of the religious leaders, teaching that true righteousness involves internal integrity and adherence to Elohim’s will (Matthew 5:20). He also emphasized the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness, highlighting that Elohim values a heart that aligns with His justice and compassion (Matthew 23:23).
Forgiveness and Mercy: Y’shu’ah taught the importance of forgiveness, both in receiving and giving it. In Matthew 6:14-15, He said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” His message emphasized the need for mercy, reflecting Elohim’s own merciful nature.
Summary: Walking as Y’shu’ah Walked
To walk as Y’shu’ah walked is to embody His character, values, and teachings. This includes:
Obedience to Elohim’s Commands: Y’shu’ah upheld Elohim’s commandments, living in perfect holiness and calling His followers to do the same.
Intimacy with Elohim: He modeled a life of prayer and reliance on Elohim, demonstrating the importance of a close relationship with the Father.
Love and Compassion: Y’shu’ah’s love was evident in His actions, as He showed compassion for the marginalized and healed the broken.
Humility and Servanthood: He lived as a servant, teaching His disciples to serve others with humility.
Sacrifice and Selflessness: His sacrificial love was most powerfully displayed in His death, showing the ultimate expression of love.
In essence, walking as Y’shu’ah walked means to live a life of faithful obedience to Elohim, rooted in love, humility, and a commitment to righteousness. It requires a life dedicated to following Y’shu’ah’s example, embodying His teachings, and seeking to glorify Elohim in all that we do. #WalkAsYshua #BiblicalLiving #FaithfulObedience #YshuaExample #HebraicRoots #ScriptureStudy #LiveLikeJesus #1John26 #Ephraimscry #GregWitter
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