What would it have been like to follow Jesus while He was on earth? The prophet Isaiah wrote, “he has no form or comeliness that we should admire him…” so there was likely nothing striking about his human appearance. But imagine getting to walk on the roads he walks and have long conversations with Him. What would you ask? What would you see? What would you hear?
Jesus’ primary purpose for coming to earth was to provide the means for our salvation. But, as one can always expect from God, He did so much more: Jesus demonstrated how to be more like the Father even while dwelling in a world brimming with sin and suffering. He taught vital lessons. He brought light into darkness. If you are planning to read through the Bible in a year, when you get to the gospels, consider some of the following questions as you read about Jesus’ life on earth:
Whom did He heal?
How did He show compassion?
What were His teaching methods?
What did He value?
What angered Him? Grieved Him? Impressed Him? Delighted Him?
Where did He go?
How did He deal with temptation? Challenges? Hard hearts?
These questions reveal some “footprints” for us to follow.
When it comes to the nature and character of Jesus, He is–as the Hebrew writer observed–“the exact imprint of [God’s] nature,” (Hebrews 1.3, ESV). Jesus told Philip (one of His apostles), “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14.9). In other words, God and Jesus are one. Jesus’ life on earth revealed to us how to be more like our Father while on earth. In that same conversation with Philip, Jesus said, “Truly, truly I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the work that I do.”
The bottom line: follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
The testimony of the apostles provides “footprints” of Jesus which we can follow. If we try to follow in those footsteps, His character should be imprinted on our hearts and reflected in our actions.
For the entirety of 2026, the scripture writing plans will be focused on this concept of becoming more like God through our Lord, Jesus. For January, the initial focus will be on some of the characteristics of Jesus which we should work on imitating. Obviously, we do not have His divine attributes like omniscience, omnipresence, or omnipotence, but we can observe His compassion, wisdom, kindness, mercy, boldness, love, and more. One month isn’t enough to encapsulate all that Christ is or was on earth, so I’d like to encourage you to add to what is here. Save space in your journal to add attributes of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit which you observe in your Bible study this year. Each subsequent month will be driven by this theme.
Over one hundred years ago, Thomas Chisolm penned the words of the Hymn, “O To Be Like Thee.” The first two verses (and refrain) poetically express what our sentiments should be:
O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus Thy perfect likeness to wear.
[Refrain]:
Oh! To be like Thee! O To be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
O to be like Thee! Full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender, and kind;
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wandering sinner to find. [Refrain]
Join us this month (and this coming year!) as we study some of the “footprints” of Jesus, and the imprints His love should make in order to transform us into His likeness.
To download a printable PDF of the plan, click the link below:
Got little scripture writers? Download the tracing and copying sheets below generously provided by Sara McBroom:
Visit the Elihu’s Corner page on Facebook or Instagram (@elihuscorner) and say hi! Bring your questions and comments! Each day’s scripture is posted and often includes some reflections on the passage.
Looking for a different scripture writing to kick off the New Year? Check out the Scripture Writing Category to choose from over 80 plans.
Previous January Plans include:
Elihu's Corner 