"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” - Jesus Christ (Luke 4:18-19 NIV)
Are you familiar with the WWJD question? What Would Jesus Do? I know many people who have adorned themselves with some of the WWJD products found in stores.
Maybe they wore it because it was cool, or perhaps hoping to find inspiration in the midst of confusion, controversy, or indecision through the reminders offered. The real question is, do we really know what Jesus would do in a given situation?
As the United Methodist Church begins to redefine its role in an ever-changing culture, we Christians are faced with the reality of answering that "WWJD" question on a deeper, more meaningful level.
The good news… is that we have the answer. And it's been in print for a long time. In the above passage from Luke, Jesus Christ told us why He came to walk among us and what His plan included. He gave us His mission statement and told us what He was going to do. And Hid did it.
So, looking at His example - let's ask the question again, "what would Jesus Do?" Would He spend his entire ministry behind the closed doors of a fancy building? No. He did ministry everywhere except the synagogue.
Would He set aside only one day, 12 days, or one month to celebrate His birthday and help the less fortunate? No. Christmas is everyday.
Would Jesus spend his talent, energy, and gifts on Himself? No. He gave his time and talents to others and us - including His life.
Would Christ ignore the hungry, the hurting, and the marginalized people due to inconvenience? No. He went out of His way to offer Hope.
Would the Messiah spend His time debating the nuance of God's Holy Scripture? No. He was generally disgusted by the "scholars" and how they manipulated the Torah to justify their actions. He actually called them "sons of hell". Beginning to see a pattern?
When applying the mission statement of Jesus Christ to the question, "What would Jesus Do?" The answer is consistently clear - and already answered. Jesus Christ came to earth, showed us how to do what He did, and then instructed us to do the same.
Today, as a Christian living in the world which is your present home… don't ask what Jesus would do. Instead, Do What Jesus Did.
Jesus brought undeserved grace to a hurting world. He brought sacrificial love to those who loved him and to those who hated him. He took the judgement burden away from us and took that on Himself.
Jesus Christ basically said, "Drop your rocks, unless you are better than me. And stop condeming people." Then he forgave all of us for things we have done and will do.
We should strive to do what Jesus did.
THE RIGHT NEXT STEP: Read the passage again. Write Jesus' mission statement and pick one item you will accomplish in the next 30 days.
PRAY: God, I want to be a man that has a purpose - and I want that purpose to match what you taught us through your Son. Remind me when my agenda overtakes the mission you called me to as a Disciple of Christ. Give me opportunities to accomplish Your mission today - and make them plain to me. Amen.