Footsteps of Faith: A Global Anabaptist Devotional

by John D. Roth; César García

Publisher:

Herald Press

, 2025

A global testimony of faith

The 500th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025 gives the church a unique opportunity to look back and live forward. Throughout its long history, the Anabaptist movement has centered on Scripture, discipleship, and reconciliation—with a strong focus on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But we have also expressed our faith in many different ways across a range of cultural contexts.
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This 30-day devotional, edited by author and historian John D. Roth, draws on insights from Anabaptist church leaders from around the globe and expands the vision of what it means to follow in the footsteps of Jesus today. Daily readings from Scripture, combined with devotional reflections and inspiring testimonies, challenge readers to deeper forms of discipleship. Hear from this vibrant communion of saints all around the world living the faith and challenging the status quo.

Contents

Foreword by Cèsar Garcìa
Introduction: “Who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:51) – John D. Roth
 
Announcing the Kingdom: Repent, for the Kingdom of God Is Near

1. The birth of Jesus – Luke 2:1–20
2. Joseph and Mary’s flight to Egypt with Jesus – Matthew 2:13–15 / Herod has children killed – Matthew 2:16–18
3. Jesus’ baptism – Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–23
4. Jesus’ temptation – Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–13
5. Jesus travels to Jerusalem and cleanses the temple for the first time – John 2:13–25
6. Jesus encounters the woman at the well – John 4:1–44

 
Jesus Calls the Disciples: Come and Follow Me

1. Jesus begins to gather followers – John 1:35–51
2. Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John – Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11
3. Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray – Matthew 6:9–15; Luke 11:1–13
4. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ – Matthew 16:13–20; Mark 8:27–30; Luke 9:18–20
5. Jesus sends out his disciples to preach, heal – Matthew 10:1, 5–42; Mark 6:6b–13; Luke 9:1–6

 
The Kingdom Taught: Seek First the Kingdom and Its Justice

1. Jesus teaches the parable of the rich fool – Luke 12:13–21
2. Jesus talks with Zacchaeus – Luke 19:1–10
3. Jesus teaches about service and gives warnings – Matthew 18:1–11; Mark 9:33–50; Luke 9:46–50
4. Jesus teaches his disciples about love – John 15:9–17

 
The Kingdom Lived: Healing of Minds, Spirits, and Bodies

1. Jesus heals a blind man in Bethsaida – Mark 8:22–26
2. Jesus heals a demon-possessed man – Matthew 8:28–34; Luke 8:26–37
3. Jesus teaches the parable of the good Samaritan – Luke 10:25–37
4. Jesus forgives a woman accused of adultery – John 7:53–8:11
5. Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath in Jerusalem – John 5:1–15

 
On the Road to Jerusalem: Power Made Perfect in Weakness

1. Jesus foretells his crucifixion and second coming – Luke 12:35–59
2. Jesus teaches about the narrow way – Luke 13:22–30 / Jesus teaches about humility – Luke 14:7–14
3. Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem – Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–44; John 12:12–19
4. Jesus institutes the meal of remembrance – Luke 22:14–23
5. Jesus’ farewell to his disciples – John 14:1–16:33

 
Crucifixion and the Resurrection

1. Jesus is resurrected – Matthew 28:1–10
2. Women discover the empty tomb – Matthew 28:5–7; Mark 16:5–8; Luke 24:3–8; John 20:1–2
3. Jesus appears to two on the road to Emmaus – Luke 24:13–35
4. Jesus appears to Thomas and other disciples – John 20:26–29
5. Jesus commissions disciples to continue his work – Matthew 28:16–20; Mark 16:14–18; Acts 1:4–8

Product Details

• Title: Footsteps of Faith: A Global Anabaptist Devotional
• Authors: John D. Roth, César García
• Publisher: Herald Press
• Print Publication Date: 2025
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781513815176, 9781513815169, 1513815164, 1513815172
• Resource ID: LLS:9781513815176
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-09-10T01:37:09Z

About the Authors

John D. Roth is project director of MennoMedia’s Anabaptism at 500 initiative. Prior to that role, Roth was a professor of history at Goshen College (1985–2022), where he also served as director of the Mennonite Historical Library and editor of the Mennonite Quarterly Review. Roth has published widely on topics related to Anabaptist-Mennonite history, theology, and church life. He is also the founding director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism at Goshen College and is active in Mennonite World Conference. He and his wife Ruth enjoy spending time with their six grandchildren and are members of Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen, Indiana.