What Does Jesus Command Us To Do
Today we will talk about what does Jesus command us to do. Many Christians do not know what this means. Jesus’ commands cover various aspects of our lives. They invite us to love, serve, share, and live according to God’s principles. These commands are foundational for our walk in faith and serve as guidelines to help us reflect His character in our lives. Through understanding and obeying His teachings, we cultivate our relationship with God and others. Let us be open to learning from His words as we read through God’s word together.
Love One Another
One of the most significant commands Jesus gave us is to love one another. The essence of Jesus’ teachings can be encapsulated in this simple yet profound command. The Greek word for love, “agape,” speaks of an unconditional, selfless love that seeks the best for others. This concept was revolutionary in the cultural context of Jesus’ time, which often emphasized reciprocal relationships shaped by social norms.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34, NIV). This is not just a suggestion; it is an expectation for those who follow Him. Jesus modeled this love through His interactions with people from all walks of life, emphasizing that love should transcend social, racial, and economic boundaries.
He further explains that our ability to love one another is a demonstration of our discipleship. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35, NIV). Love is the most recognizable mark of being a follower of Christ. When we exhibit this love, we shine a light in a world that often overlooks kindness and compassion.
Paul echoes this command in his letter to the Romans, stating: “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8, ESV). Here, love is not only a command but a fulfilling of all other commandments. It is the essence of living according to God’s will.
In 1 John 4:7, we also read, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” This relationship between knowing God and loving others underscores that love is intricately tied to our faith. To command us to love is to call us to reflect God’s nature. Therefore, when we fail to love, we distance ourselves from the nature of God.
Serve Others
Another command Jesus emphasizes is the call to serve others. In Luke 22:26-27, Jesus teaches His disciples about the nature of leadership in His kingdom, stating: “But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” Here, Jesus turns the common understanding of greatness on its head, highlighting that true leaders are those who serve rather than seek power.
The Greek term “diakoneo,” which means to serve, points to the idea of waiting on tables or attending to others’ needs. Jesus exemplified this servanthood during the Last Supper when He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:5). In this act, He modeled humility and selflessness, demonstrating that no task is too lowly for those who follow Him. When we serve others, we imitate Christ and fulfill His commands.
In Mark 10:45, Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This statement encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message. Jesus did not come to elevate Himself; instead, He came to meet the needs of others, ultimately sacrificing His life for humanity. Through our service, we fulfill a divine purpose and express love in tangible ways.
Paul writes in Galatians 5:13, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” In doing so, we obey God’s commands while also experiencing the joy that comes from helping others. Serving, in a biblical sense, is not just about performing tasks; it’s about an attitude of love, humility, and grace.
Spread the Gospel
Jesus’ command to share the Gospel, or the Good News, is clear and compelling. The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20, summarizes His command to His followers: “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 command urges us to be active participants in spreading the message of Jesus and making disciples.
The Greek word for ‘disciple’ is “mathetes,” which means a learner or a follower. Discipleship involves teaching, mentoring, and nurturing others in the faith, helping them to become followers of Jesus. This process isn’t confined to a geographical location or a specific people group; rather, it transcends boundaries and cultures. Jesus’ message is universal, and His command is a call to us to share that message with the world.
In Acts 1:8, He reinforces this charge: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This shows us that the responsibility of sharing our faith starts at home, spreads to our community, and eventually extends to the entire world. We do not undertake this task alone but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness effectively.
In 1 Peter 3:15, we read: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Being prepared to answer questions and share our hope signifies that we’re taking Jesus’ command seriously and that we actively engage in discussions about our faith.
Forgive Others
Forgiveness is another essential command that Jesus conveys to us. In Matthew 6:14-15, He teaches: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Forgiveness is not only a command but also crucial to our relationship with God.
The Greek term for forgiveness, “aphiemi,” means to let go, release, or send away. When Jesus commands us to forgive, He calls us to release others from the debt they owe us because of wrongs committed. This kind of forgiveness is challenging, especially when we feel deeply hurt, but it reflects God’s grace towards us. Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35), emphasizing that our forgiveness of others should mirror the forgiveness we receive from God.
Moreover, in Colossians 3:13, Paul encourages believers to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Here, we see the essence of why we should forgive: it’s about embodying Christ’s love and grace. When we choose to forgive, we not only align ourselves with Jesus’ command but also experience healing and freedom.
Pray Continuously
Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer in our lives. In Luke 18:1, He tells a parable “to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Prayer is an essential aspect of our faith that keeps us connected to God. It serves as a way to seek guidance, express our hopes and fears, and commune with the divine.
The Greek word for prayer, “proseuchē,” denotes a closeness and fellowship between the pray-er and God. Jesus modeled prayer throughout His ministry, often retreating to quiet places to spend time with the Father. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul urges believers to “pray without ceasing,” highlighting that prayer should be a continuous part of our lives, both in times of joy and challenge.
When we pray, we are commanded to come boldly, as Hebrews 4:16 encourages us, stating, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This gives us assurance that God desires to hear our prayers and respond to them. We must actively engage in prayer as an act of obedience to Jesus’ teaching.
Additionally, in Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus provides a model for prayer, known as the Lord’s Prayer, demonstrating the kind of relationship we should seek with God—one built on reverence, dependence, and trust. When we prioritize prayer, we ensure we are aligned with God’s will and empowered for service.
Be Humble
Humility is a critical attribute that Jesus commands us to embody. In Matthew 23:12, He states, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” This command serves as a reminder that true greatness in God’s kingdom emerges from humility and servanthood, rather than pride.
The Hebrew word for humility, “anavah,” implies lowliness or meekness, suggesting that a humble heart acknowledges its dependence on God. Jesus exemplifies this humility in His life, notably during the Last Supper, where He took on the role of a servant by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). He taught that we must be willing to serve others and recognize our place before God.
In Philippians 2:3-5, Paul further emphasizes the importance of humility: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This call to personal humility and communal care signifies that we reflect Christ’s character when we deem others worthy of our love and attention.
Follow God’s Commands
Lastly, Jesus commanded us to obey God’s commands. In John 14:15, He states, “If you love me, keep my commands.” This connection between love and obedience lays the foundation for our relationship with God. The Greek word for commandments is “entolé,” indicating divine orders intended for our benefit as we navigate life.
Obedience to God is not merely about following rules; it’s about establishing a trusting and loving relationship with Him. In the Old Testament, we see a similar call when God instructs His people to follow His laws, promising blessings for obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). Jesus affirms this in the New Testament by emphasizing that true discipleship is marked by our willingness to follow His commands, which often revolve around love, service, and humility.
In 1 John 2:3-5, the apostle John writes, “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.” This reinforces that our actions should reflect our knowledge of God. Obedience becomes an outward expression of an inward faith.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on what Jesus commands us to do reveals a beautiful pathway to living a life that honors God and positively impacts others. Love, service, sharing the Gospel, forgiveness, prayer, humility, and obedience are not simply tasks; they are expressions of a heart transformed by grace. When we embody these commands, we display the character of Christ and build a community centered around love and faith. As we commit to living out these principles, we not only grow closer to God but also foster a loving environment that can be a light in the world.
Let us consciously seek to implement these commands in our daily lives, being encouraged by the profound impact they can have—both on us and on those around us. May our hearts be ever open to loving selflessly, serving humbly, and seeking God earnestly. Together, let us walk in obedience, bringing His love and truth to a world that desperately needs it.
Through understanding Jesus’ commands, may we thrive in our faith and extend His love to all we encounter, following Him wholeheartedly in everything we do. Amen.
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