Beech Tree News Network

At times, we see the question asked, “What would Jesus do?” In this article, however, I wish to ask whether or not Jesus would do what we are doing. Would He be practicing what we are practicing? May we take these thoughts to heart …

    Would it be a logical thing to assume that if Jesus were on earth today that He would not assemble to worship God and study His word? Jesus gave His body and His life’s blood to purchase His church (Jn. 19:33-34; Acts 20:28). Therefore, is it logical to think that Jesus would do what many today do and not attend every worship service of His church, and offer lame excuses as to why He thought it necessary to neglect the worship to God (Heb. 10:24-25; Jn. 4:24)? People are not assembling to worship the God of Heaven. Would Jesus do this?

    Knowing that some folks are hypocrites, would Jesus be a hypocrite? The Bible reveals the answer. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for being hypocrites. They said one thing and did something else (Matt. 23:13-36). In contrast, Jesus practiced what He preached! Notice that in Matthew 23:3-4, Jesus told His disciples to “observe and do” what these people said. Jesus did not exalt Himself, or act in a hypocritical way to those He was teaching. Knowing this truth, why do we think we can get away with acting one way on Sunday, and living another way the rest of the week? Would Jesus do this? If not, why are we doing it (Col. 3:17)?

    Another thing we find men doing is relying upon their opinions rather than the Word of God. We do not have to look far to see this! Too many live their lives based upon what they feel rather than upon what has been taught in Scripture. Would Jesus do this? While upon this earth, Jesus never relied on what He wanted to do. He did what God told Him (Lk. 2:51; Jn. 12:49-50; Matt. 26:39, 42, 44). Jesus kept the law without fail (I Pet. 2:22). Knowing that this is the case, would Jesus do what we are doing? Who are we to think we can do something that the Son of God did not do?

    Lastly, there is a cry today from men who say that we ought not offend anyone by our teaching, but “be as Jesus was.” Let us find out how Jesus was! One example of how our Lord taught is seen in Matthew 15. After Jesus condemned the Pharisees for honoring their traditions more than God’s commands, the disciples said, “Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?” (Matt. 15:12). Jesus answered by saying, “Leave them alone…” (Matt. 15:14). Some men allow hurt feelings, angry looks and the like (or the potential for such) to keep them from speaking the truth. Would Jesus do this? No, Jesus did not allow these things to get in the way of teaching and preaching the Truth! It is a sad commentary when we see people refuse to spread the gospel because they do not want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Beware of those who act like this, and let us act and speak as Jesus did (Col. 3:17; I Pet. 2:21-22).