Walking with Jesus: A Vision for 2026

Mark 1:35–39 ESV

35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Introduction

By the time we get to the end of Mark 1, Jesus has entered on to the scene after John the Baptist announces his coming, is baptized, and tempted in the wilderness. In a few short verses, Jesus launches his ministry to overtake the kingdom of darkness with the kingdom of God. He had clarity about his mission and the context in which he started.

We have to enter into ministry with this same kind of clarity. But to do so we have to know where were are starting. For decades, the church has lived in the past. We have looked at what used to be and made it an idol.

Jesus knew he was in a new time and era. Doing the same thing was not going to cut it anymore if the vision of God’s kingdom that was presented all the back in Genesis 1 was going to come to fruition. The law separated people from one another. God’s vision for humanity was to bring everyone back together the way he intended. Jesus was the only one who was able to do that.

He confronted those who made the law or the past an idol. The moment required something different. As we step into a new year, we are naturally drawn to questions of vision. Where are we going? Who are we becoming? What will guide our steps? Christian vision is not first about strategies or structures—it is about faithfully walking with Jesus.

In Mark 1:35–39, we are invited into a decisive moment in Jesus’ ministry. He is busy, well known, and in high demand. Yet in this passage, Jesus shows us what truly shapes his life and direction.

1. We walk with Jesus in discipleship. (vs. 35-36)

John 15:4 ESV

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (v. 35)

Much of us have lived much of our lives in a time where church was an important part of life. Even if a person did not go to church, they often identified as a Christian at least in a cultural sense. Communities revolved around events at school and church. The local government was deeply ingrained into the church. In many communities across eastern North Carolina, you can walk to the downtown area and see that most of the prominent churches are only a block or two away from the courthouse.

This changed in most communities years ago. In the decades prior to this change, the church became lazy. We just assumed that if were were here people would come. In some respects, we still live in that mindset. We have institutionalized our faith to the point that it is not personal or dynamic. When we realize that our starting point is not the way it used to be, we can move into that space where God is calling us to be.

Before Jesus teaches, heals, or sends, he prays. Discipleship begins with being with God. Jesus intentionally withdraws—not because ministry is unimportant, but because intimacy with the Father is essential.

This moment reminds us that discipleship is not primarily about activity, but about formation. To walk with Jesus is to be shaped by his presence, his voice, and his life.

Jesus later describes discipleship this way:

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4)

Discipleship is abiding—remaining rooted in Christ so that our lives bear fruit. As we look toward 2026, our vision must begin here. We are called to be a people formed by prayer, Scripture, worship, and daily obedience. A church that abides in Christ will grow not only in number, but in depth and faithfulness.

2. We walk with Jesus in evangelism. (vs. 37-38)

Romans 10:14 ESV

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

“Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” (v. 38)

Jesus names his purpose plainly: to proclaim the good news. Evangelism is not an add-on to his ministry—it is central to it. Walking with Jesus means sharing the message of God’s kingdom with those who have not yet heard.

The apostle Paul echoes this necessity when he asks:

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” (Romans 10:14)

Evangelism flows naturally from discipleship. When we abide in Christ, we are compelled to speak of what we have seen and heard. As we discern our vision for 2026, we must ask how we will faithfully proclaim the gospel—in our worship, our conversations, and our everyday witness. A church walking with Jesus will always be a church that tells the story of Jesus.

3. We walk with Jesus in mission. (vs. 39)

John 20:21 ESV

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

“And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.” (v. 39)

Jesus does not remain in one place. He moves outward, bringing healing, freedom, and restoration. Mission is the outward expression of God’s love for the world.

To walk with Jesus is to be sent with Jesus. After his resurrection, Jesus makes this connection explicit when he says:

“As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

Mission is not something the church supports from a distance; it is something we embody with our lives. In 2026, our vision must include a willingness to go—to serve our community, care for the hurting, and confront the brokenness around us with compassion and hope. Where Jesus goes, we follow. What Jesus loves, we serve.

Conclusion

Walking with Jesus in 2026 calls us to a clear and faithful vision:

Discipleship that abides deeply in Christ

Evangelism that proclaims the good news boldly

Mission that carries God’s love into the world

This is not a vision we create on our own. It is a path we walk together, following the One who goes before us. As Jesus says, “Let us go on.”

May God grant us grace to walk with Jesus—faithfully, courageously, and together—in the year ahead. Amen.