What Did Jesus Command Us to Do
Today we will talk about what did Jesus command us to do. Many Christians do not know what this means. Jesus, during His time on earth, gave us specific instructions on how to live our lives, treat others, and connect with God. Understanding these commands can transform our daily walk and deepen our relationship with Him. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word and reflect on how these teachings can shape our lives today.
Love One Another
At the heart of Jesus’ commands is the call to love. The Greek word for love in this context is “agape,” which signifies a selfless, unconditional love that seeks the best for others. It isn’t merely a feeling; it’s an action. When Jesus commands us to love one another, He emphasizes that love should be our default mode in all interactions—be it friends, family, or strangers. This command is a reflection of God’s nature; God is love (1 John 4:8). By loving others, we are demonstrating God’s character to the world around us.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” This passage makes it clear that our love for one another is a testament to our relationship with Christ. It’s how we identify ourselves as His followers.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of this love in action. In Matthew 5:43-44, Jesus challenges us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This command goes beyond mere tolerance; it invites us to actively bless those who may wish us harm. This radical form of love breaks down barriers and fosters reconciliation.
Moreover, Ephesians 4:2 instructs us to be “completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Being humble and gentle while showing patience encapsulates the essence of agape love—considering the feelings and circumstances of others before our own. This is crucial, as love often demands sacrifice and self-denial.
In Galatians 5:13-14, Paul succinctly states, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” By serving and loving others, we fulfill God’s commands, showcasing our faith through our actions. Love, therefore, stands as a central pillar of our Christian conduct.
Make Disciples
Jesus calls us not only to love but to share the good news with others and to make disciples. The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20, commands us: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This call to evangelism is a responsibility given to every believer, not just church leaders. Through it, we participate in God’s mission to bring people into a relationship with Him.
The act of making disciples involves more than just preaching; it’s about walking alongside people as they grow in their faith. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul tells Timothy: “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” This mentorship model is crucial. It’s not just about conversions, but about raising others up in their walk with Jesus, encouraging them to continue the cycle of discipleship.
In Mark 16:15, Jesus says, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” This monumental task requires us to be proactive and intentional. We are not to wait for opportunities to arise but to actively seek them out. Colossians 4:5 encourages us to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” Every interaction can be an opportunity to share Jesus’ love and truth.
Moreover, in Acts 1:8, we are reminded of the Holy Spirit empowering us in this mission: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Knowing we are not alone in this assignment brings comfort and assurance. The Spirit guides, equips, and emboldens us as we fulfill this divine mandate.
Serve Others
Another vital command from Jesus is to serve others. He modeled this throughout His ministry, reminding His followers that greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured by humility and service. In Mark 10:45, Jesus stated, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This is a striking reversal from worldly standards of power and influence, indicating that true leadership involves putting others first.
As believers, we are called to follow His example. In Galatians 5:13, we are instructed to “serve one another in love.” This service can manifest in countless ways—helping the needy, assisting a neighbor, volunteering at a local shelter, or even listening to a friend in distress. Additionally, in 1 Peter 4:10, we find, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Recognizing our unique gifts allows us to serve effectively, contributing to the body of Christ in diverse and essential ways.
Jesus also highlighted the importance of serving those considered least in society. In Matthew 25:40, He tells us, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Serving others is ultimately serving Christ. It emphasizes the inherent value each person holds, reminding us to treat everyone with dignity and care.
Moreover, serving others fosters a sense of community and unity among believers. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul encourages us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” By genuinely considering the needs of others, we cultivate a loving and supportive environment that mirrors the heart of God.
Forgive One Another
Another integral command from Jesus revolves around forgiveness, a challenging yet essential practice in our lives. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus replied in Matthew 18:22, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” This response indicates that forgiveness should be limitless, embodying the grace we’ve received from Christ.
In Ephesians 4:32, we find an encouraging reminder: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Recognizing the depth of our own forgiveness should motivate us to extend the same mercy to others. When we hold onto grievances, it only hinders our spiritual growth and peace. By practicing forgiveness, we reflect the love and grace of Christ in our lives.
Jesus also emphasized the necessity of forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer. In Matthew 6:14-15, He states, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” This linking of our forgiveness to how we treat others highlights the importance of cultivating a forgiving spirit.
Forgiving others often requires humility and vulnerability. It means letting go of past hurts and choosing to release others from the debt of their actions against us. In Luke 6:37, Jesus advises us not to judge others or condemn them but rather to forgive, indicating that in doing so, we invite grace into our own lives. This process can be challenging, but it is also liberating; it frees us from the chains of bitterness and resentment.
Pray
Jesus placed a great emphasis on prayer, modeling this vital practice throughout His earthly ministry. In Luke 11:1, the disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray,” indicating their recognition of its significance. Jesus teaching them the Lord’s Prayer illustrates the framework for communicating with God, reinforcing the need for connection, worship, gratitude, and submission in prayer.
Prayer is meant to be a foundational aspect of our lives, allowing us to express our worries, joys, and desires to God. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” This instruction reassures us of God’s readiness to hear us and the peace that comes from entrusting our concerns to Him.
Moreover, Matthew 7:7-8 encourages us to “ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Prayer is an invitation to engage in a two-way relationship with God—where we bring our requests and expectantly await His direction and answers. This engagement builds our faith and strengthens our trust in His goodness.
Additionally, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul instructs us to “pray without ceasing.” This command emphasizes the importance of maintaining an ongoing conversation with God throughout our day, integrating prayer into the fabric of our everyday lives. Whether through formal prayer, spontaneous prayers in moments of need, or quiet reflections in our hearts, we are encouraged to keep communication open.
Finally, in James 5:16, we are reminded of the power of prayer: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Our prayers can bring change; they have the potential to impact situations, people, and circumstances through God’s intervention. Acknowledging this potency compels us to be diligent in our prayer life.
Follow Him
Jesus calls us to follow Him continually. This command, found in Matthew 4:19, where He says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men,” signifies that our walk with Him is about imitation and discipleship. Following Christ isn’t merely about adhering to a set of rules or doctrines; it’s about developing a personal relationship with Him that transforms our hearts and actions.
To follow Jesus means to live according to His teachings. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” His guidance illuminates our path, showing us how to navigate life’s challenges and making decisions that honor Him. Following Him leads us away from harmful practices into a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Moreover, following Christ requires self-denial and taking up our cross, as expressed in Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This daily commitment is essential to becoming a true disciple. It’s about surrendering our desires and ambitions in favor of God’s will. In doing so, we experience the joy and fulfillment that come from being aligned with His purposes.
In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” As we develop our relationship with Him through prayer and Scripture, we grow in our ability to discern His voice, guiding us in our decisions and actions. This relationship fosters a deep trust where we rely on Him for guidance in every aspect of our lives.
Furthermore, our commitment to follow Jesus naturally leads us to witness to others. As we grow in our walk, others are encouraged to seek Him as well. In John 15:8, Jesus states, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” Our lives then become testimony to His goodness, drawing others closer to Him through our example and the fruit we bear.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Jesus commands us to embody love, make disciples, serve others, forgive, pray, and follow Him. These commands are foundational to our Christian journey and reflect the heart of God in our interactions with others. Each command calls us to pursue a deeper relationship with Him and to live out our faith in tangible ways that reflect His grace and truth.
By loving others, we fulfill the essential law that Jesus laid out for us. Making disciples extends the reach of His message and encourages spiritual growth in ourselves and others. Serving is an expression of our love, showing that we value and uplift those around us. Forgiveness releases us and restores relationships, highlighting the mercy we’ve received from God. Prayer is our lifeline, keeping us connected to His guidance and support. Lastly, following Him shapes our character and leads us into a life of purpose.
As we meditate on these commands, let them transform our hearts and guide our actions. Let us strive to live out these teachings daily, becoming reflections of Christ in our world. Together, we can create a community that lives for Him and embodies His love and grace in everything we do.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4