A few years ago the buzz words “What would Jesus do” were very popular. T-shirts, back packs, patches, books, and bracelets carried the phrase. I still see bumper stickers proudly displaying those words. In fact, just use the anagram WWJD and every Christian more than likely will know what it means.
Not to miss a marketing opportunity, the jargon was even modified into “what would Jesus buy” or “what would Jesus wear” and so on. I must admit that last one always reminds me of the old Ray Stevens song Would Jesus Wear a Rolex on His Television Show – well worth listening too – but I digress.
The funny part about all of this hype is that most people just make assumptions about what Jesus would do. They don’t even take the time to read the first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) to find out. If these records of Jesus’ time here on earth were read without prejudice and preconceived ideas, what Jesus would do might surprise people. Consider the following…
Would Jesus drink beer? Maybe. His first miracle was turning water into wine. I can’t help but think he would have a little taste, too. But drinking an alcoholic beverage and getting drunk are two different things. (John 2:1-10, Matthew 11:19)
Would Jesus be filled with compassion? Would he cry? Maybe. The Bible says he wept when Lazarus died. (John 11:35)
Would Jesus hang around with sinners? Maybe. He did in Biblical times. In fact he was called a friend to sinners. (Matthew 11:19)
Would Jesus get angry? Maybe. Anger in itself is not wrong but wrong use of that anger is. The Bible says, “Be angry and sin not.” (Ephesians 4:26) Jesus turned over the tables of the moneychangers outside the temple, which indicates he was a tad bit upset. (Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15)
Would Jesus have apprehension? Maybe. The night before he was crucified he asked God if there was any other way. (Matthew 26:39)
Would Jesus get frustrated? Maybe. He seemed a little irritated with three of the disciples when he took them on the mountain so he could pray and they kept falling asleep. (Matthew 26:40)
Would Jesus confuse the issue? Maybe. He certainly did when he said those who don’t eat my flesh and drink my blood have no part of me. Many left his side that day because they thought he was speaking literally. (John 6:53-66)
Would Jesus have a best friend? Maybe. The Bible alludes to the fact that he was a little closer to John than the other disciples. (John 21:20)
Would Jesus have modern ideas? Maybe. He was certainly progressive for his time. He treated all people, even Samaritans and women with dignity and respect. That was unheard of in those days. (John 4:7-9)
A little research will show that Jesus wasn’t a pseudo sanctimonious recluse preaching platitudes. He enjoyed life. In fact, he came eating, drinking, and joining in the midst of life at that time. (Luke 7:34) He associated with everyone including tax collectors, prostitutes, scribes, and sinners, so they called him a glutton and a drunkard. (Matthew 9:10, 11; Luke 5:27-30). But we know he wasn’t those things because he was able to have a good time and relate to people of all walks of life without sinning! (1 Peter 2:22)
I’m not saying a marketing ploy that gets people thinking about Jesus and what he would do is wrong. I’m just suggesting we do our homework and get the facts before we preach it to others. What Jesus would or would not do might surprise you!
