WWJD

by Bryan Gibson

July 19, 2008

They are not as popular as they were in the 1990’s, but millions have bracelets have been sold bearing the initials WWJD. These initials stand for, “What Would Jesus Do?” The design of these bracelets is to remind people to ask this question before any big decision is made, or before engaging in various activities. While it may not be necessary to actually wear a bracelet, this is an important question to ask. But how can we know what Jesus would do in any particular situation? The only way we can know is through what is revealed in His word, through His teachings and His example. Let’s ask this question, “What would Jesus do?” about various situations, using what we know from the Scriptures to help answer the question.

What would Jesus do if there was a movie in town that contained sexual scenes, scenes that could easily cause someone to lust?

Based on what Jesus says in Matthew 5:27-30, we can say with confidence that Jesus would not go.

What would Jesus do if someone called Him names, mistreated Him, even hit Him?

We know for a fact that Jesus would not return evil for evil (1 Pet. 2:21-23; Luke 23:34; Romans 12:17-21).

What would Jesus do if His parents told him to do something?

He would do it, because in Luke 2:51, we learn that He was subject to His parents. He also clearly taught that children must honor and obey their parents (Eph. 6:1-3).

What would Jesus do if the government passed a law that was not in conflict with God’s law?

He would obey it, just as He always did (Matthew 17:24-27; 22:17-21), and just as He taught us to do (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13).

What would Jesus do to avoid becoming weary and discouraged?

Among other things, He would think about the “joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2).

What would Jesus do if the devil tempted Him to do anything wrong?

He would absolutely refuse to give in to Satan (Luke 4:1-11; Matthew 4:1-11).

What would Jesus do if He saw people adding to His word, taking away from it, changing it, etc.?

He would remind them that anyone who does so will be “accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9), that they will indeed be punished by God (Revelation 22:18-19).

What would Jesus do if He saw people dividing up into different denominations, with different names and different doctrines?

He would remind them of His prayer in John 17:21, that all His followers be “one.” He would also remind them of His teaching in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “that all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions.”

Now, what would you do in all these situations?