Doing What Jesus Did: 5-Day Devotional

Day 1: Following Jesus‍

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Matthew 4:18-22

¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed him. ²¹ Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ²² and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

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Reflection: Jesus' call to "Follow me" was more than an invitation to walk behind Him. It was a call to transformation - to become like Him and do what He did. Today, reflect on what it means to truly follow Jesus in your specific context. How would Jesus live if He were in your shoes? Consider your roles, responsibilities, and relationships. Ask God to show you one area where you can more closely align your actions with Christ's example today.

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Day 2: Empowered by the Spirit

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Acts 1:1-8

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

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Reflection: Jesus promised His followers would do even greater works than He did. This wasn't because of their own power, but through the Holy Spirit living in them. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. How might your life look different if you fully embraced this truth? Take time to pray, asking God to fill you afresh with His Spirit and to give you eyes to see where He's working around you today.

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Day 3: Radical Hospitality

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Luke 19:1-10

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

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Reflection: Jesus often used meals as opportunities to extend God's love and grace to others, even those society rejected. His example challenges us to see our homes and tables as tools for Kingdom work. Who in your life needs to experience God's welcome through you? Consider inviting someone unexpected to share a meal with you this week. As you do, pray for opportunities to demonstrate and share God's love.

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Day 4: Sharing the Good News

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Romans 10:14-15

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

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Reflection: Sharing the gospel can feel daunting, but at its core, it's simply sharing the good news of God's love and redemption. Reflect on your own journey with Christ. What difference has He made in your life? Ask God to give you courage to share your story with someone today. Remember, this might look like a kind word, an act of service, or simply being present with someone in their pain.

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Day 5: Seeing with Kingdom Eyes

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John 5:19-20

19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished.

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Reflection: Jesus lived with an acute awareness of what God was doing around Him. He invites us to do the same. Today, practice walking through your day with heightened spiritual senses. Look for evidence of God's work in the people and situations you encounter. When you notice something, pause to thank God and ask how you might join in His work. End your day by journaling what you observed and how it impacted your perspective.

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