WWJD

January 13, 2025

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12 NLT

WWJD is an acronym for "What would Jesus do?" The phrase originated in 1896 with the publication of Charles Sheldon's novel, In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do? Sheldon had been very impacted by a sermon from Charles Spurgeon about the necessity of living like Jesus. Sheldon had become concerned about lowered church attendance in his congregation, and he decided to preach a series of sermon-stories on Sunday nights. He would tell stories of life situations, and then ask the congregation, “What would Jesus do?” The intriguing story and question became immensely popular.

He authored a book titled In His Steps on the same premise about life in a town where people began to truly consider what it would be like to live as Jesus did. In His Steps became an instant classic in the 1890s. But about 100 years later, the slogan from Sheldon's sermons would speak to a whole new generation. A Michigan youth leader began challenging her students to live as Jesus would live, and even created bracelets for each student to wear each day as a reminder. The acronym and the idea behind it caught on with other churches and eventually moved into the mainstream, including movies, books, and many other outlets.

The question "What would Jesus do?" is a way of considering, “In light of all that I know about Jesus’ character, His love, His example, His command to love as He has loved us, how would He want me to respond in my family, my relationships, my community, and the world?” The answer is not hard to find. Many accounts tell us of Jesus’ complete openness on what He wanted from His followers. He wanted them and us to learn from Him and be like Him. He wanted us to pick up His mission, the mission He had received from His Father, and make it our own. He wanted us to be true followers – to do what He did, to walk in His steps.

Jesus believed in us and in the mission He was giving us so deeply that He promised us His power when we are obedient. He said that a sign of our belief and His authority and power given to us is that we will do the same works He did, and even more. We can do it because we have the Holy Spirit He sent to each of us, and we are all on the team to fulfill the mission. The mission? The same as His, doing the same things He did: seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10).

The mission is clear. Our calling, responsibility, and privilege is clear. We do the work He did, in His power.

• Jesus, help me see the people I know and the circumstances I face with Your eyes, love as You love, and then do what You do.