After spending time reflecting on the Practicing the Way model of discipleship, I’ve begun to see how its core movements—Be with Jesus, Become like Jesus, and Do as Jesus did—aren’t just helpful categories; they’re deeply rooted in Scripture. These aren’t new ideas—they’re ancient rhythms found throughout the Bible, in passages that shape how we relate to God, ourselves, and others.

One verse in particular caught my attention: Micah 6:8. This single sentence, tucked away in the words of an Old Testament prophet, captures the whole-life transformation of a disciple. It’s short enough to memorize, but deep enough to form a life. As I sat with it, I realized: this verse mirrors the exact flow of apprenticeship to Jesus.

What follows is a reflection that draws those connections and unpacks how Micah 6:8 serves as both a mirror and a map for every apprentice of Jesus. 

1. Walk Humbly with Your God → Be with Jesus

At the core of discipleship is not just doing the right things, but walking with God—in humble, ongoing relationship. This phrase is deeply personal. It implies rhythm, direction, and companionship with God. To “walk humbly” means to stay close, yielded, attentive—not assuming we know better, not racing ahead or lagging behind, but choosing to let His pace and presence guide our steps.

This is exactly what it means to be with Jesus. Apprenticeship begins not with action but presence. It’s a life lived alongside Him—in prayer, silence, Scripture, worship, and awareness. Jesus calls His disciples first to be with Him (Mark 3:14), and out of that nearness flows everything else.

To walk humbly with God is to let Jesus lead the way—and to remain near enough to hear His whisper.

2. Love Mercy → Become like Jesus

To “love mercy” is more than showing occasional kindness. It speaks to a reoriented heart—one that delights in forgiveness, compassion, patience, and grace. It’s not just about doing merciful things, but loving the kind of person Jesus is: merciful, meek, gracious, and slow to anger.

This is the path of becoming like Jesus. Apprenticeship is not just about belief or behavior; it’s about character formation. The Holy Spirit reshapes our interior world so we not only act like Jesus but begin to want what He wants—to value mercy over judgment, restoration over revenge, and grace over pride.

To love mercy is to desire what Jesus desires—and to let His heart become your own.

3. Do What is Right → Do as Jesus did

Doing what is right (or “acting justly” in other translations) is not simply about following rules—it’s about embodying the justice and righteousness of God in real, concrete ways. It means stepping into the brokenness of the world with the authority and compassion of Jesus: lifting up the oppressed, telling the truth, defending the vulnerable, and making wrong things right.

This is the essence of doing as Jesus did. The life of a disciple doesn’t stop at contemplation—it moves into action. It looks like healing the sick, welcoming the outsider, feeding the hungry, resisting evil, and announcing the good news of the Kingdom. It’s faith with sleeves rolled up.

To do what is right is to participate in God’s restoration project—by living on mission with Jesus, for the sake of others.

Final Reflection: Micah 6:8 as a Framework for Discipleship

Micah 6:8 is more than a list of moral values—it’s a vision for life as a disciple. It holds within it the same tri-fold movement of the Practicing the Way model:

Practicing the Way > Micah 6:8 > Core Invitation

1. Be with Jesus > “Walk humbly with your God” > Live in intimacy, surrender, and daily presence

2. Become like Jesus > “Love mercy” > Let His heart reshape you

3. Do as Jesus did > “Do what is right” > Join Him in making wrong things right
   
   

Together, these movements form a whole life of discipleship—where the with-ness of Jesus fuels inner transformation, and that transformation overflows into mission.

Discipleship is not about balancing three tasks—it’s about living from one source: life in Jesus. From walking humbly with Him, we grow to love like Him, and we move to act on His behalf.