"WWJD?" a sermon for 14 Pentecost (8/30/26)

 

WWJD?

What Would Jesus Do?

 

            About a generation back, this was a popular question.  Folks even had bracelets to remind themselves to ask “WWJD?”  The question itself is inspired by Charles Sheldon’s In His Steps.  In the book, a tiny congregation finds itself upended by the visit of a homeless man.  Inspired by the man’s witness, the pastor gathers a group.

            For one year that group is to ask “WWJD?” before making any decisions.  The group meets for mutual support and accountability.  A businessman invites the pastor to hold a devotional time for his workers during lunch.  A budding singer starts singing gospel songs down by the bars instead of chasing stardom.

            Last week, Jesus established His identity as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (vs 16).  Today, Jesus goes on to clearly outline just exactly what that identity means.  Jesus tells His closest friends that to be God’s Son does not mean a life of privilege and power.  It means a life of suffering and hardship, and ultimately, death.

            Simon Peter does not want to hear that.  Fresh off Peter’s correct identification of Jesus’ identity, the disciple takes Jesus to task.  Peter tells Jesus, in no uncertain terms, that those bad things cannot happen to Jesus.  Not on Peter’s watch!  Peter now receives Jesus’ harsh rebuke after having just been praised.

            Jesus then goes on to say that those who truly want to follow Him must take up their cross to follow.  No easy path, this.  The Way of Jesus, the Way of Love, involves losing one’s life in order to gain life eternal.  The Way of Love means following Jesus’ self-giving example that leads to suffering and hardship.

            The Romans know a little bit about the Way of Jesus.  They are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus.  Paul writes to them to encourage them in their faith.  Paul writes hoping that he will visit soon and be able to support them in person.  Meanwhile, Paul encourages them to continue to walk Jesus’ path.  Paul writes:

^9-10 Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it.

Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good.

Be good friends who love deeply;

practice playing second fiddle.

^11-13 Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame.

Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.

Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.

Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

^14-16 Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath.

Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy;

share tears when they’re down.

Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up.

Make friends with nobodies;

don’t be the great somebody.

^17-19 Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone.

If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody.

 

            Paul offers good advice for you and me as we seek to follow Jesus.  Especially in our current times.  Asking WWJD is a great idea- and will necessarily lead to changes.  What needs to change in your life?  In my life?  Here are just a few suggestions to get us started.  The possibilities, though, are endless and as unique as each of us.

Perhaps it is using our time differently.  Use that free time to volunteer as a classroom Grandparent.

Maybe it is taking a serious look at what we read or watch.  Feed our eyes only good things that honor God.

Or it could be an unhealthy relationship that needs to be let go.  Foster healthy relationships instead.

            We don’t need to offer a lunch time Bible study.  Nor do we need to go singing outside the bars.  But you and I should find ourselves looking more and more like Jesus.  Christ spent His time with the least and the lost.  Jesus made room for the outcast and the sinner.  Christ touched lepers and healed the sick.

            So faithfully did Jesus’ first followers walk the Way of Love, that they were called “Christians.”  “Little Christs” who were changing the world not with power and prestige, not with wealth and worldly goods.  But with serving others as Jesus modeled and commanded.  Such love was so radical that it caused scandal.

Could the same be said of you and me?  Could people look at us and know Jesus’ love?  Could folks look at us and say, “Those Christians!  Look at how they love one another!”  Perhaps asking ourselves, “What Would Jesus Do?” is a great place to start.  Let’s start each day this week asking “WWJD?” and then pray for the strength and courage to do it.