What Would Jesus Do? (And Why It Still Matters)
Jon Augusta
I remember being a kid, my imagination running wild. A random piece of rubber found at Magic Mountain became the seatbelt for a backyard roller coaster. Hibachi dinners turned into morning egg-chopping extravaganzas. Every doctor’s visit meant begging for masks and gloves, turning me into a mini-professional. Even raking leaves involved stealing Dad’s woodworking mask to combat dust.
Of course, reality eventually set in. My backyard theme park dreams were dashed by a failed bike jump (and a hole in the fence). Dentistry and medical school faded into the distance. But one thing I never saw coming was the mask. The very thing I once coveted became a symbol of division and frustration. Who would have thought a simple 6.5 x 3.5 piece of fabric could ignite so much outrage?
I’m not here to debate masks or politics. What I’ve noticed is how these divisive issues have revealed the true colors of people, especially within the church. I see non-believers navigating the rules, and then I see fellow Christians ranting about mandates and politics. It made me wonder: What would Jesus do if He were here today?
We’ve all heard the phrase, “What would Jesus do?” But let’s dig deeper and see what the Bible actually tells us about how Jesus lived and how we’re called to live.
Finding Peace in Division
Many great thinkers and theologians have spoken about the importance of peace within the church. Richard Baxter warned that division directly demolishes the church. Ray Ortlund reminded us that churches should be places of reconciliation and peace, reflecting the message of the Gospel. Jerry Bridges emphasized our responsibility to initiate peace, regardless of who is at fault.
As believers, our lives should reflect the transformation we’ve experienced through the Holy Spirit. Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” is a powerful reminder.
1. Peace and Love: A Call to Action
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount lays out the highest moral standard. We see in Romans 1:7 that grace and peace come from God. Romans 5:1 tells us that Jesus made peace with God on our behalf. Philippians 4:7 promises that we can walk in that peace.
My friend Chad and I have a running joke: “Peace and love.” It started when I flew off the handle at a driver who cut me off. He reminded me that we were safe and asked, “Is that how Jesus would respond?”
Matthew 5:9 tells us that peacemakers are called sons of God. If that’s the reward, how much more should we be striving to make peace? Charles Spurgeon said, “The little world within us, like the great world without, is full of confusion and strife; but when Jesus enters it, and whispers ‘Peace be unto you,’ there is a calm, 1 a rapture of bliss.”
Jesus’ life was marked by peace, even amidst constant turmoil. We are called to love God above all else and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:35-40). Philippians 2:3-5 urges us to treat others as more important than ourselves.
Imagine how different the world would be if we all lived by this principle. I recently chose to wear a mask on a plane, not because I wanted to, but to make the person next to me feel more comfortable. Contrast that with those who aggressively push their views on others.
As believers, we are called to seek peace by loving others, even our enemies.
2. Care for Those in Need: Breaking Down Barriers
Jesus always cared for the marginalized. He ate with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9), spoke with a Samaritan woman at a well (John 4), and defended a woman caught in adultery (John 8). His love knew no boundaries.
In Matthew 5:43-6:4, Jesus tells us to love our enemies and care for those in need. It’s easy to love those who love us, but Jesus calls us to a higher standard. His love extended to everyone, regardless of their status or background.
3. Rely on the Father: The Power of Prayer
Jesus, though fully God, relied on the Father through prayer. We see Him withdrawing to pray throughout His ministry (Matthew 14:13, 14:23, 26:39; Mark 1:35). Spurgeon said, “Though infinitely better able to do without prayer than we are, yet [Christ] prayed much more than we do.”
Jesus taught us how to pray in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), a model of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Martin Luther said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”
Living Like Jesus: A Call to Transformation
We need Christmas because we need hope. Jesus came to reconcile us to God. What would He do today? He would be a peacemaker, love others, care for the needy, and rely on the Father.
We are called to live lives of peace and love, to care for the outcasts, and to depend on God through prayer. Imagine the impact we could have if we lived this way. Let’s go out and change the world for His glory.
Jon Augusta 
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