Walking with God:
For three years, the disciples—both men and women—walked beside Jesus. They ate with Him, listened to His words, saw His miracles, and shared life’s most ordinary and extraordinary moments in His presence. But at what point did they truly understand who He was? When did it finally dawn on them that they had not just been following a holy teacher or a prophet but had been walking with God Himself?
Moments of Revelation
From the very beginning, there were glimpses. When Peter witnessed the miraculous catch of fish, he fell to his knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). Something in Jesus’ presence was overwhelmingly divine, yet it seemed too great for the human mind to fully grasp.
And then there was the storm. As waves threatened to swallow their boat, Jesus simply spoke, “Quiet! Be still!” (Mark 4:39), and the wind and sea obeyed. The disciples were terrified and asked, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:41). The question lingered in their hearts—who is this man?
Mary’s Quiet Knowing
Among those closest to Jesus was His mother, Mary. She had known since the angel’s visit that her son was divine (Luke 1:31-33), yet, as any mother would, she watched His life unfold with both wonder and heartache. When she saw Him turn water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), did her heart swell with awe? When He was crucified, did she recall Simeon’s prophecy that a sword would pierce her own soul too (Luke 2:35)? And when He rose again, did she finally see with complete clarity that she had not just given birth to the Messiah—she had mothered the Son of God?
The Cross and the Empty Tomb
The crucifixion shattered the disciples. Their hopes of an earthly kingdom were crushed. But it was in the resurrection that realization truly took root. When Thomas placed his hands in Jesus’ wounds, he didn’t just acknowledge a risen Lord; he worshiped, exclaiming, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). The moment of recognition was complete—this was God Himself.
The Ascension and Beyond
Even after Jesus rose, it wasn’t until He ascended and the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost (Acts 2) that the disciples fully understood. Peter, once fearful, now preached boldly. Mary Magdalene, who had first seen the risen Christ, became the first evangelist, declaring, “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18).
In that moment, they realized: They had walked with God. Sat at His feet. Been held by His hands. Heard His very voice.
What About Us?
Perhaps the greater question is—do we realize it? Do we live as though we, too, walk with God? Because we do. He is Emmanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23), not just then, but now. And that realization? That’s the moment everything changes.
Have you ever had an “aha” moment with Jesus? When did you realize that He wasn’t just a belief, but the living, present God? Share your story in the comments below!
