The Booth Brothers - Steps Lyrics
Lyrics
Steps beginning in a manger down in Bethlehem
Winding their way into a hopeless sinner's soul
Steps imprinted in the sandy shores of Galilee
Tell a story of love that never will grow old
Chorus
For these weren't the steps of an ordinary man
He had all the power of heaven and earth at His command
And He could have chosen the bitter cup to pass
And if He had I fear, my brother, we'd all be lost at last
Steps beginning in the lonely hills of Judah
All the way up to the hill of sin and shame
Steps that beckon to the world to come and follow after
And because of those steps the world will never be the same
Chorus
Steps that beckon to the world to come and follow after
And because of those steps the world will never be the same
Because of the steps of Jesus
Video
Steps
Meaning & Inspiration
"Steps" by The Booth Brothers, released on November 8, 2014, offers a powerful and reflective journey through the life and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, presenting His earthly walk not just as historical events but as a series of deliberate, redemptive movements that forever altered the course of human destiny. The song's profound message unpacks the very essence of Christian faith, inviting listeners to contemplate the monumental significance of every step Jesus took from His humble birth to His triumphant ascent.
The song immediately establishes its narrative by pointing to "steps beginning in a manger down in Bethlehem," a direct and tender reference to the Nativity as recounted in Luke 2:7, where Christ, though divine, entered the world in profound humility. These initial steps are not merely physical but spiritual, "winding their way into a hopeless sinner's soul," illustrating the immediate and personal impact of His incarnation on individuals seeking salvation. The imagery then transitions to "steps imprinted in the sandy shores of Galilee," bringing to mind Jesus' active ministry, His teaching, healing, and calling of disciples along the Sea of Galilee, as seen in passages like Mark 1:16-20. These tangible imprints, the song affirms, "tell a story of love that never will grow old," speaking to the timeless and enduring nature of God's agape love, a truth echoed in Jeremiah 31:3 and John 3:16, emphasizing its eternal relevance and unchanging quality.
The chorus serves as the theological anchor, elevating the narrative by declaring, "these weren't the steps of an ordinary man." This line powerfully underscores Jesus' divine nature, distinguishing Him from all humanity and aligning with scriptural truths found in John 1:1, proclaiming Him as the Word made flesh, and Philippians 2:5-8, which describes His pre-existent divinity and humble condescension. The assertion that "He had all the power of heaven and earth at His command" reinforces His absolute authority and sovereignty, a truth Jesus Himself proclaimed in Matthew 28:18 after His resurrection. The pivotal moment arrives with the contemplation that "He could have chosen the bitter cup to pass," a poignant allusion to His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed for an alternative to His impending suffering (Matthew 26:39). This "bitter cup" represents the full weight of humanity's sin and the separation from God it entailed. The profound consequence is then laid bare: "And if He had I fear, my brother, we'd all be lost at last." This stark reality emphasizes the absolute necessity of His atoning sacrifice for humanity's salvation, reminding us of Romans 5:8, where God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The second verse continues to trace this sacred journey, noting "steps beginning in the lonely hills of Judah," which could evoke His early life, His time in the wilderness enduring temptation, or His early ministry in the region before moving north. The path then leads "all the way up to the hill of sin and shame," an unmistakable reference to Calvary, the place of crucifixion (Luke 23:33), where the greatest act of love and sacrifice unfolded. Here, the "shame" of humanity's sin was borne by Christ, yet through it, God's glory was ultimately revealed. These steps, the song asserts, "beckon to the world to come and follow after," acting as an enduring call to discipleship, echoing Jesus' invitation in Matthew 16:24 to take up one's cross and follow Him. The final, triumphant declaration, "And because of those steps the world will never be the same," perfectly encapsulates the transformative power of the Gospel. It signifies a fundamental shift in human history and spiritual reality, offering new creation to those in Christ, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17, and challenging the world to conform to His example, as Romans 12:2 teaches. The song concludes by reinforcing this eternal truth, that "because of the steps of Jesus," everything is changed, forever. "Steps" by The Booth Brothers is more than just a song; it is a profound devotional, a concise theological treatise that encourages a deeper appreciation for the unparalleled love and sacrifice embodied in every deliberate move Christ made on earth.