What does it mean to “Walk with Jesus?”
Key Passages: “Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace…Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely.” (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG)
Key Message: “Walking with Jesus” is an ongoing, personal relationship—an intentional, daily journey of companionship with Him. It means living life alongside Jesus, remaining aware of His presence and choosing to engage with Him in every moment.
Whether you are a new or seasoned believer, you might wonder what it means to “walk with Jesus.” Maybe you’ve heard the expression but have yet to embrace the concept fully in your life.
The simplest explanation centers on the relationship Jesus wants to have with us. “Walk” is an active movement forward. It’s a metaphor for the faith journey we take with Jesus once we’ve chosen to believe in Him.
My own walk with Jesus has been quite the adventure, taking many twists and turns—some of my own choosing and others because He needed me to learn some things. At times, I veered off on my own path (thinking my way was better). But like a prodigal daughter, I always returned to His side, acknowledging His way is best.
Jesus has been with me through chaotic stormy seasons that shook my faith to its foundation, sorrowful seasons marked by loss and tears, joy-filled seasons of praise and worship, and difficult seasons defined by grit and grace.
Today, my walk with Jesus is stronger than ever and deeply rooted in faith. I’ve tethered myself to Him, sticking close by His side and listening to His guidance. And I will cling to Him for the rest of my life!
Jesus is right there beside you too, all day, every day.
He’s there when we feel like being quiet and when we cry out. He’s there to listen to us pour out our hearts and speak our minds. But it’s up to us to engage with Him. He will not force Himself on anyone.
Think about going for a walk with a friend, spending time together, visiting, checking in, sharing, listening, relating to one another. It’s casual and comfortable. You’re (hopefully) stepping in synch together—side by side—not racing ahead of your friend or trailing behind. The focus is on companionship. Otherwise, what’s the point of walking with a friend?
Jesus wants to walk with us, not shout out directions to us through a megaphone from His heavenly throne.
It’s one of the reasons He physically came to earth—to live among us, to interact with us.
During His ministry years, Jesus walked from place to place with His disciples and followers—teaching, healing, praying, performing miracles and pouring out His love. Many of the people who traveled with Jesus and/or had special encounters with Him were women. (Can I get an amen?!)
One of those women was Mary Magdalene, arguably one of the most devoted disciples of Jesus. I wrote extensively about her in my Fully Devoted Bible study. She was a rockstar! The culmination of her faithful walk with Jesus was an encounter with Him just outside His empty tomb. The hymnist who wrote “In the Garden” said he was picturing Mary Magdelene’s miraculous reunion with the risen Jesus and the beautiful friendship they developed as she traveled with him.
Perhaps you’ve heard these lyrics before:
He walks with me, and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.
What a beautiful picture of Mary Magdelene’s journey with Jesus.
Jesus desires for us to walk alongside Him, too, as a beloved companion. He has a lot to say (and we can read about that in the Bible), but He also wants to listen to us. And converse. He’s the truest and most trustworthy friend we will ever have.
How do we know Jesus wants to walk with us?
Because the Bible tells us so, beginning in Genesis. God physically walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8). Noah, known for his faith, “walked in close fellowship with God” (Genesis 6:9). God walked with the Israelites as He made them into a great nation.
The Apostle Paul references Old Testament passages about the Israelites (quoting a mix of Leviticus 26:12 and Exodus 29:45) in 2 Corinthians 6:16: “As God said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.’”
The psalmist (most likely King David) wrote: “I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth” (Psalm 116:9)
Before His death on the cross, Jesus told a crowd of people: “My light will shine on you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you” (John 12:35).
Walking with Jesus means following His example, trusting His guidance, and living according to His teachings. Key verses include Colossians 2:6 ("walk in Him"), 1 Peter 2:21 (following His steps), and 1 John 2:6 (walking as He walked), which emphasize daily faith, obedience, and abiding in His love.
In practical terms for our own lives, walking with Jesus means:
Active Partnership: living a daily, intentional walk of faith rather than just a one-time decision.
Constant communication: maintaining an intimate relationship with Jesus through prayer.
Dependence and Obedience: reading His Word, listening to His voice, obeying His commands and relying on Him for strength rather than our own power.
Following His Example: focusing on love, humility, and embracing God’s will, just as Jesus did.
Separation from Sin: choosing to live differently from the world and aligning our actions with His teachings.
Walking with Jesus isn’t complicated—but it is intentional. It’s choosing, again and again, to stay close—to listen, respond, and trust Him in every moment.
Walking with Jesus is about the direction of your life—a devoted pursuit of His presence. And as you grow more aware of His presence, you begin to recognize that you were never walking alone to begin with.
So wherever this season finds you, take the next step with Jesus. Lean in, listen closely, and walk beside Him. Experience a relationship that is both deeply personal and eternally secure.
And in that sacred companionship, you’ll discover the joy of walking with Jesus is unlike anything else this world can offer.
Are you ready to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and begin your walk with Him today?
Learn about next steps here.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, Thank You for inviting me to walk with You each day. Help me to stay close, listening for Your voice, trusting Your lead, and following Your ways.
Teach me to slow down, to be aware of Your presence, and to choose You in the ordinary moments of my life. Thank You for being a faithful Friend who never leaves my side.
Amen
Reflection & Application
Where in your daily life are you intentionally making space to walk with Jesus—not just believe in Him, but engage with Him?
Are you keeping in step with Jesus or rushing ahead, falling behind, or trying to walk on your own? What might need to change?
What is one practical way you can listen for and respond to Jesus this week—in prayer, Scripture, or obedience?