The phrase “What would Jesus do?” (often abbreviated WWJD) became popular in the 1990s as a personal motto for Christians, particularly in the United States. The intention behind the motto is to encourage people to make decisions and act in a manner that follows and honors the example set by Jesus Christ. But is this a biblical concept that Christians should seek to live by? Let’s explore what the Bible has to say.
The Importance of Following Jesus’ Example
The Bible makes it clear that Jesus left us an example to follow. 1 Peter 2:21 says “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” Jesus lived a sinless life in perfect obedience to God, setting an example of righteousness, love, humility, and service that we as Christians should strive to emulate. Several verses encourage us to follow Jesus’ example:
- “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2:6)
- “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)
- “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)
Clearly, as disciples of Christ we are called to shape our lives after his pattern of love, character, priorities, and service. The phrase “What would Jesus do?” is meant to remind us to live as He lived and follow His supreme example in all things.
The Need for Biblical Discernment
However, while Christ’s example is perfect and we are to emulate Him, we must also exercise biblical discernment. Some challenges arise when trying to specifically determine “What would Jesus do?” in various situations:
- We lack Jesus’ divine nature – He was fully God and fully man. We must depend on His Spirit to empower us beyond our human capabilities.
- We do not have Jesus’ firsthand knowledge – He had limitless wisdom, understanding, and insight into every situation. We see through a glass dimly (1 Cor 13:12).
- Context and culture have changed – Jesus lived in first century Jewish culture which was very different than modern society.
- Many of Jesus’ actions were specific to His mission and ministry – Such as miracles, atonement, teaching new covenant principles.
While Jesus’ moral example remains relevant, we cannot presume to know exactly what actions He would take in any given modern-day scenario. His earthly ministry and historical context must be taken into account. We need wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit to truly walk as Jesus walked.
Primary Principles Jesus Exemplified
Rather than obsessing over specifics we think Jesus might do, it is most beneficial to focus on emulating the overriding principles that Christ exemplified:
- Love – Christ’s love for God and others was complete and selfless (John 13:1).
- Humility – He humbled himself taking the form of a servant (Phil 2:8).
- Compassion – Jesus was moved with compassion for people (Matt 9:36).
- Righteousness – He perfectly obeyed the will of His Father (John 8:29).
- Self-sacrifice – Jesus willingly gave up His life for us (1 John 3:16).
- Service – He came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).
If we walk by the Spirit and demonstrate these Christlike virtues, we can trust that we are following Jesus’ example. Our actions will naturally flow out of a character conformed to Christ.
Asking for Wisdom, Not Presumption
When facing difficult decisions, rather than presuming we know “What would Jesus do,” the Bible instructs us to seek wisdom from God:
- “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Asking “What would Jesus do?” can foster humility, reverence, and Christlike thinking. But we should pray for true discernment rather than presuming we can know the specifics. Our focus should be conforming to the Spirit of Christ in our inner person.
Being Led by the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised His disciples He would send the Holy Spirit who would teach and guide them into all truth (John 14:26, 16:13). God’s Spirit leads, prompts, checks, and guides the believer into the righteousness of Christ. As Romans 8:14 says, “All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.” Rather than independently asking WWJD, we are called to depend on the imparted wisdom of the Holy Spirit Who enlightens our hearts and minds to know the will of God.
Imitating Paul’s Example Too
In addition to the example of Christ, the Bible calls Christians to follow the positive examples of godly men and women of faith who followed the Lord. The apostle Paul said multiple times:
- “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)
- “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” (Philippians 3:17)
- “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9)
Paul imitated Christ and set an example for others to follow as He followed the Lord. God can use the examples of His faithful servants who walk by the Spirit to illustrate His life lived out in men and women. We have many biblical role models beyond just the life of Jesus.
The Danger of Subjectivism
Some dangers can also result in trying to subjectively ascertain “What would Jesus do?” in specific situations:
- It can lead to spiritual pride if we think our actions are what Jesus would do.
- Our human judgment can be wrong when applied to difficult issues.
- It can foster self-righteousness and legalism if we judge others’ actions.
- Our sinful flesh can imagine actions Jesus would affirm that He would not.
- Ministry methods can be presumed that may not actually be biblical.
Due to human short-sightedness and sin, our conclusions of what Jesus would do in hypothetical situations can be misguided. We must instead look to His objective example in Scripture and rely on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, not our own.
In All Things, Look to Christ
The motto “What would Jesus do?” can have value in directing our thoughts to consider Jesus’ example. However, we must avoid subjective assumptions of what we think Jesus would do. Our primary focus should be yielding our hearts to His Spirit so that He produces His fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). As 1 John 2:6 summarizes, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” This happens not by external imitation but by internal transformation into Christ’s image by the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, “What would Jesus do?” is a mindset we should cultivate – conforming our character to that of Christ in all things. However, we must rely on the Spirit’s wisdom, not presumption. Our lives should be conformed to follow Jesus’ example as revealed in Scripture, not subjectively imagined. As the apostle Paul declared, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). Our lives are to emulate Jesus’ life by the power of the Spirit at work within us.