What Would Jesus Do
Today we will talk about What Would Jesus Do. Many Christians do not know what this means. This phrase challenges us to reflect on the actions and teachings of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. It encourages us to align our choices with the values exemplified by Jesus during His time on Earth. By pondering this question, we are reminded of the importance of living a life that mirrors His love, compassion, and wisdom. As we turn the pages of the Bible, let’s meditate on the essence of Jesus’ character and teachings, seeking to embody that in our everyday actions.
The Importance of Asking “What Would Jesus Do?”
Asking the question “What Would Jesus Do?” invites us into introspection regarding our behavior, decisions, and interactions with others. This phrase, coined in the 1890s, challenged many youth to think about their actions through the lens of Christ. The acronym WWJD became a popular reminder for Christians—especially in tough situations—to pause and consider how Jesus would respond based on biblical principles. It reflects a desire to live out our faith actively and purposefully.
Another layer to this question involves understanding the character of Christ through Scripture. In the New Testament, Jesus exemplified kindness, humility, service, and love. For instance, in John 13:15, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, demonstrating servitude; He said, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” Such moments in the Gospels reveal the heart of Jesus and give us a template for how we should live our lives in alignment with His teachings.
In the Hebrew language, the word for “the way” is “derek,” which illustrates a path or a way of living. This can apply to our spiritual lives as well—by following the way of Jesus, we live out our faith aptly. Similarly, in Greek, the term “synagōgē,” which refers to gathering, signifies that we are not to walk this journey alone. When we consider how Jesus would act, we’re often community-driven, seeking to uplift those around us while adhering to His teachings.
Throughout the Bible, Jesus calls on us to act with love and to serve each other. We see this in Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus stresses the importance of loving God and loving our neighbor. These commandments serve as the guiding principle for our actions and decisions. When we ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” we are opening our hearts to embody His love in a view of our circumstances and challenges.
Understanding Jesus’ Teachings
To live like Jesus means we must first understand His teachings. The core of His message can be framed around love—love for God, love for others, and love for ourselves. In Matthew 5-7, which contains the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus articulates profound ideas on relationships, forgiveness, peacemaking, and morality. These chapters provide practical guidance for us today as we strive to mirror His heart and life.
For instance, in Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus proclaims that we are “the light of the world.” This metaphor encourages us to shine brightly through our actions and words. When faced with a decision, we might ask ourselves if what we are about to do reflects that light or obscures it. In times of conflict, Jesus advises us in Matthew 5:23-24 that reconciliation is more important than religious observance; we should prioritize making peace with others. These teachings urge us to act in ways that honor our relationships and uphold values of compassion.
Moreover, understanding Jesus’ parables unlocks a wealth of wisdom. The Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:25-37) teaches us to help those in need, irrespective of societal lines or preconceived boundaries. Instead of turning a blind eye, we should ask, “What would Jesus do in these circumstances?” His example leads us toward grace and action that tears down barriers. This lens of compassion shapes our communities and breaks forth the love of Christ within us.
We are also reminded of the importance of humility in Philippians 2:5-11, where Paul encourages us to have the same mindset as Jesus. He demonstrated humility by becoming a servant, ultimately sacrificing Himself for humanity. By embodying this attitude in our lives, we exemplify the spirit of Christ, navigating our lives as He did—through acts of love, service, and humility.
Jesus as Our Role Model
Jesus is not only our Savior but the ultimate role model for the way we should lead our lives. Throughout the Gospels, we see Him reach out to the marginalized and oppressed, showing us that love knows no boundaries. In Mark 2:15-17, Jesus dines with sinners and tax collectors, emphasizing the importance of sharing His love with everyone, regardless of their background. He challenges societal prescriptions of who is worthy of love and acceptance.
We learn about forgiveness most explicitly from Jesus on the cross, who, in Luke 23:34, says, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This selfless forgiveness reveals Jesus’ depth and height of love. It urges us to consider forgiveness in our lives, no matter how challenging it may seem. By embodying this forgiveness, we reflect His heart to the world and foster healing in our relationships.
Jesus’ commitment to prayer and connection with the Father in moments of solitude is another lesson for us (Luke 5:16). When facing tough situations, He would often withdraw to pray—this teaches us the value of seeking divine guidance before making decisions. When we reflect on “What Would Jesus Do?” we should ponder how He would balance action with seeking wisdom through prayer, assuring we walk in alignment with the will of God.
Jesus also called us to action regarding social justice. In Matthew 25:35-40, He equates service to others with service to Him, teaching us that how we treat the least among us reflects our heart toward God. He stood up for the oppressed, and today we are called to uphold justice—fighting against inequality, poverty, and prejudice, imitating Him by standing for what is right and true.
Making Christlike Decisions
Putting ourselves in the shoes of Jesus, we can assess situations to make Christlike decisions. When confronted with challenges, we should evaluate if our potential actions align with the values Jesus embodied while He was on Earth. This evaluative process involves asking questions: Would this action bring love, healing, and hope to others? Does it reflect Jesus’ humility and quiet strength?
The Bible encourages us to seek wisdom, as seen in James 1:5, which reminds us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God, who gives generously. By fortifying our lives in prayer and counsel, we can cultivate an understanding of what it means to live out the question, “What would Jesus do?” in our resolutions. It is not merely about replicating His actions but understanding His heart, principles, and mission.
When faced with moral dilemmas, it is equally important to ground our decisions in the truth of Scripture. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul teaches that all Scripture is inspired by God and aids us in being equipped for every good work. This reinforces the idea that aligning ourselves with Christ requires a commitment to the Word of God; by filling ourselves with His truths, we will naturally gravitate towards Christlike behavior.
Ultimately, transforming our behavior to reflect Jesus requires a daily commitment to living in His grace and love. We are called to constantly renew our minds through Romans 12:2, ensuring that we don’t conform to the patterns of this world but instead allow the Holy Spirit to shape us according to the likeness of Christ. As we walk this journey together, intentionality in our choices rooted in love will guide us toward the life Jesus exemplified.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, pondering the question, “What Would Jesus Do?” challenges us to evaluate our actions, decisions, and interactions on a deeper level. By using Jesus as our role model, we can navigate the complexities of our lives with love, humility, and grace. His teachings serve as a foundation for our actions, allowing us to reflect His heart to those around us.
As we strive to live out these principles, let’s remember that growth is a journey. Seeking His wisdom, embracing prayer, and diving into God’s word equips us to respond like Jesus, embodying love and kindness in every situation. Together, let’s commit to living lives that exemplify His profound compassion and truth, allowing the light of Christ to shine through us.
Ultimately, our goal is to not just answer the question but to embody the answer in the way we live, serve, and love. As we continue on this journey, may we always be inspired to reflect on the life of Jesus and make decisions that honor Him.
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