The journey of following Jesus is not merely about belief or understanding; it is about transformation and action. As disciples, we are called not just to be with Jesus and become like Him but also to do as He did. This is the natural outworking of a faith that is deeply lived rather than passively held.
The Heart of Discipleship
In Jesus’ final instructions to His followers, He made it clear that discipleship is not just about knowledge but about action. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is a call to go, to teach, and to make disciples. It is a continuation of the very work that Jesus Himself started, a work that is both deeply personal and outwardly transformational.
Doing as Jesus did is not about striving to replicate every miracle or moment of His earthly ministry. Instead, it is about embodying His mission, His love, and His commitment to the Kingdom of God. The miracles and signs that followed Jesus’ ministry were not the foundation of His work but rather the overflow of His presence, love, and obedience to the Father.
A Wider Perspective
Too often, the idea of ‘doing as Jesus did’ is reduced to performing supernatural acts. While healing the sick and casting out demons were part of His ministry, they were not its totality. Jesus’ life was defined by compassion, justice, hospitality, and an unrelenting commitment to bringing the Kingdom of God into every space He entered.
He taught and lived out radical love—welcoming the outcast, showing mercy to the sinner, and lifting up the broken. He proclaimed freedom for the oppressed and hope for the weary. To follow in His footsteps is to embrace these same priorities.
Doing the Work of the Kingdom
Jesus’ works included preaching the gospel, showing kindness, challenging injustice, and creating a community that reflected heaven’s values. These are things that every believer is called to participate in. Doing as Jesus did means loving as He loved—serving others, showing hospitality, standing up for justice, and living in a way that reflects God’s heart for humanity.
This calling is not meant to be carried alone. The Church is a body, made up of many parts, each playing a vital role. Some are called to pray for the sick, others to teach, some to give generously, and others to serve with acts of compassion. The Holy Spirit empowers each believer with different gifts, ensuring that together, the Church can truly reflect the fullness of Christ’s ministry.
A Personal Invitation
The question is not just ‘What would Jesus do?’ but rather ‘What would Jesus do if He were me?’ How would He live if He were in your workplace, in your family, in your community? The answer is found in the small, daily choices to embody His love, truth, and presence.
Each person has a part to play in bringing the Kingdom of God into their world. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing the gospel, offering hospitality, or seeking justice, every step taken in faith reflects the life of Jesus to those around us.
May we each step into this calling with courage, knowing that we do not walk alone. The same Spirit that empowered Jesus now empowers us to do as He did—bringing hope, love, and transformation wherever we go.
