Walking as Jesus Walked

The phrase ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ became popular among Christians in the United States in the 1990’s. WWJD bracelets, necklaces, bookmarks, plaques and coffee mugs were everywhere. It was a marketing bonanza! The idea was simple. Before you do or say anything, simply ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” Then just do it! The movement was inspired by Charles Sheldon’s 1896 book, In His Steps, subtitled What Would Jesus Do? In the fictional book, Sheldon tells the story of the transformation that takes place in one person’s life, and as a result, in their church and in their community, as a result of asking this simple question.

Now I have a confession to make. I wore a WWJD bracelet. As a youth pastor, I bought the WWJD curriculum and taught it to my students. It was both inspiring and convicting. In fact, I ordered an entire bag of WWJD bracelets so all my students could wear one.

But what if ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ was the wrong question to ask. Instead of WWJD, wouldn’t we be better served to consider WDJD. Shouldn’t we be asking, “What Did Jesus Do?”

We often look at the Gospels as a collection of stories about Jesus. In them, we find the message of Jesus. We see what He taught. We marvel at His words. Maybe we find the methods of Jesus. We see what He did. We are amazed by His miracles. And so, we’re in awe and we worship Him as our Lord. But imitating Jesus? Now that’s impossible, right?

But look at what Jesus said to his disciples.

“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:15

We need to see Jesus for more than just His message and His methods. We need to see Him as our model. More than just modeling what to say and what to do, Jesus modeled how to live.

Read 1 John 2:6.

Re-write this verse in your own words.

It’s impossible to ask, ‘What would Jesus do?’ and truly do it without first asking ‘How did Jesus live?’ and following His model. How did Jesus relate to the Father? What were His habits and priorities? What were the convictions that guided His habits and priorities? How did what Jesus would say and do flow out of who He was?

For those of us who feel like it is an impossible challenge to ‘walk as Jesus walked,’ listen to His words to the disciples who were with Him day after day for three and a half years and witnessed His radical love, amazing teaching and awe-inspiring miracles firsthand.

“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

Do you believe Him? Jesus says, “I tell you the truth!” Jesus would not say, “I have given you and example to follow” if it were not possible. John would not write, “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did,” if John himself had not walked as Jesus walked. Yes, it is entirely possible for you and me to be like Jesus, to walk as Jesus walked, and to do what Jesus did. This challenge is a command, but it is also a promise, and that should give each of us confidence for the journey that lies before us.