We have all heard the question asked, what would Jesus do? I have seen the wrist bands as well as hearing this mentioned in different circumstances. Well, what would Jesus do? He would do as He did when He walked the earth. He would love without judging, showing no difference is His blessings. Before we answer that, think of what He did. Think of His compassion He had for those who didn’t even know or believe Him.
He taught us that love is number one in the interaction of people. Love without judging or showing bias. Favoritism was not in His way of speaking or in His actions. Not once did He tell anyone to clean up their act before He would heal them, or preach to them. Not once did He turn anyone away in favor of someone else.
So this statement seems to crop up and is not without merit. It is a good question, but is it being asked correctly? It is also a good question to keep in mind when interacting in our daily life. Jesus gave a perfect example of how we should live by showing how God deals with us. God approaches us with love and invitation, we are the ones who choose to live righteous or not.
What would Jesus do if He were here today? I think He would do just as He did when He walked the earth before. He would preach salvation and love. He would preach forgiveness and compassion. When we look at the words spoken, the message never changed. It was said differently, but still the same message given.
I believe that often the question, when asked is only to condemn. What would Jesus do if He were here today? This is used when applying His judgement to a situation. That is not what His concern was. His concern was to bring salvation and to reconcile us to our Heavenly Father God that was His sole purpose. His sacrifice was enough to forgive our sins. It was a once and for all sacrifice. No need to make this sacrifice over, and over again for the generations. It was final. Jesus stated Himself that He only did and said what the Father told Him. Jesus was focused on the reconciliation that God the Father was offering. His message was about the kingdom of heaven. His was a task so awesome that only He could fulfil it.
We have the Holy Word of God in our Bible to guide us as we go through life. We have the “what would Jesus do” guidance in scripture and Gods Word. We have salvation in our grasp by the grace of God. The Lord God has given us a path to His Glory and we are asked to take it. He is not forcing it upon anyone. He only has the door open if we choose to enter. This is our decision to make solely on faith and belief. Imagine in today’s world, a criminal only has to ask forgiveness, and his past transgressions would be forgiven and he could be set free. That would be an amazing offer and one that would be liked and disliked by the public. This is the same offer God has made for mankind. No matter your sins, no matter the past, be forgiven, made righteous and set free from condemnation.
So, what would Jesus do if He were here today, well exactly as He did before, nothing would change. The message would be the same. The message that He is the Son of the living God and only through Him can we receive salvation, as well as forgiveness of our sins. There is no other way to heaven or the Father than through Him. His willing sacrifice was more than enough for all our sins and that of the whole world. His blood washed us clean if we have accepted Him.
He did not concern Himself with politics, wars, or the opinions of man. His purpose was higher. He was not concerned that some in the public would not like or agree with the way the Lord God has made this way to salvation. But God did not ask man if it was ok, He is God and He alone decides what is right and wrong.
I think the better question to ask is, are we following what Jesus would do? We can accept Christ as the Son of God, but we must also live His commandments. He is Lord, and we should follow His command.
Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor. But what does that mean in our daily lives?
We think of our neighbor as the one's living nearby. Or those we know. Although that is true, it is much more. The whole earth is filled with our neighbors. I think we can look into our memories of some of the times when we had great love for someone. Now we should have that same forgiving and nurturing love for others. We don’t have to like the things people do or say, but we should still love them as our Father loves us in spite of the things we do and say.
That is the kind of love we should have for each other. We can love without considering what we will get in return. When we hold to this kind of love in obedience to our God, His blessings will surely make your cup run over.
Consider all that is written in the Gospels. Consider what is taught in your church. Your preacher, pastor, or priest has an awesome job. He is trying with all his strength and with help from our Lord to get the message across. We must help him in this endeavor. We are the church body. We should continually try to live the phrase, what would Jesus do in our lives. We must learn as a child, to become Christ like. Being converted, and saved does not automatically make us Christ like, but it the beginning. Think back on the disciples, they walked with Jesus for three years and yet when He died, they were at a loss of what to do. They had to grow just as the early church did.
How can we help? Missionary work? Duties at the church? Why not a living testament to the Word?
Our lives will prove God and His Word. The blessings we receive daily, both large and small attest to the truth of His word. Remember, God is still working. He does not rest and He is still in charge of all that happens in this world. Jesus reminds us that our God allows what He allows and directs what He directs. God showed us in the book of Job that He alone is in charge. He may allow things to come into our lives, but He is still very much active in our lives.
So many things in our lives are a choice. What we think of others, how we respond to others and situations. We can choose to accept the word of God and obey, or we can choose to not. God wants us to love Him because He is God, our creator and Heavenly Father. He wants us to obey Him out of love. Just as we want our children to obey us out of love and respect. There is no difference, our Father is our Father and we are His children through His love and grace.
How can we obey and be His good children? How can we know what He wants from each of us? How are we supposed to approach our God?
The answer and guidance are flowing through the Bible. His living Word is there to reference. The Holy Spirit will guide us if we will only listen. God peaks to each of us through His word. Through the Holy Bible the Lord God speaks.
We can see it in the Gospels as well as in the Old Testament. God’s Word, IS His Word. Both Old and New Testaments reflect God's love, mercy, blessings, etc.
So, when we ask ourselves, what would Jesus do? Ask this, what am I doing? Am I wanting the Lord to condemn something or someone? Am I being judgmental? What are my reasons for asking? Then pray, for the Lord will surely answer. He is sure to answer those who trust in Him.
Finally, we are to share His word. Share the understanding of who Jesus is and what He wants from us. Share the good news of the gospel. The more people know of Him, the more willing they may become to want to learn more. We know that not all will want to hear. This was evident while He was on the earth walking and preaching. If some would not believe Jesus in person, how will they believe us? The truth is they may not, but we only need to reach one. This would bring great celebration in Heaven. This will be an act of obedience. Sometimes, someone will approach you, just think to yourself when being approached, what would Jesus do or say?
May the Peace of God be with you all, and the Holy Spirit give you understanding of the word of God as given by Christ Jesus. Amen