Living Among, Becoming Like, Seeing Jesus

A Devotional on Incarnation and Mission

Opening Thought

One of the most humbling truths of Scripture is that the God who created the heavens and the earth chose to step down into our broken world. He didn’t just shout instructions from afar—He came close. He lived among us, felt our pain, and carried our sorrows.

Scripture Reading

1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (The Message)

“Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people… I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!”

Reflection

Jesus did not distance Himself from humanity’s struggles—He dwelt among us. He knew hunger, fear, grief, and temptation. He bore rejection and carried shame. He walked into the very places where we would expect God not to go, and yet He went there willingly—for love’s sake.

Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 9, describing how he entered into the lives of others without losing his foundation in Christ. He became like those he served—not to compromise truth, but to extend grace.

This is the pattern we are called to follow:

Dwell Among – Be present in the lives of people around us. Listen. Care.

Become Like – Enter their world with empathy, without judgment.

See Jesus – Point them to the One who understands and redeems every story.

Application

Pause & Reflect: Who in your life needs you to step closer instead of standing apart?

Practice Presence: Look for one tangible way today to dwell among—whether that’s sharing a meal, lending an ear, or showing up where people are hurting.

Stay Anchored: Remember, empathy doesn’t mean losing your footing. Stay rooted in Christ even as you walk into another’s world.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for dwelling among us, for knowing our fears, carrying our sorrows, and redeeming our lives through Your sacrifice. Help me to live with that same compassion. Teach me to dwell among my neighbors, to become like those I serve without losing sight of You, and to always point others to the hope found in You. To You be the glory. Amen.