I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS!
Several years ago the slogan WWJD – What Would Jesus Do? – became popular, especially among young people. The acronym was featured prominently on jewelry, bumper stickers, and on the Internet. While I share the skepticism voiced by many about the appropriateness of the public displays, and the motives of some people in displaying them, I also applaud the sincere desire to be motivated by the example of Jesus in making decisions.
The New Testament is clear that we should be striving to imitate Jesus in our lives. Paul asked the Corinthians to “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Peter reminded his readers that the sufferings of Christ served the purpose of “leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). So, when I hear Christians saying that they want to “be like Jesus,” it inspires me. The optimist in me feels positive and proud.
The pessimist in me, however, cannot help but be concerned when I hear the phrase “I want to be like Jesus” chanted almost as a mantra. I find myself wondering, as noble as the sentiment is, do these folks really understand what it means to be like Jesus? My fear is that to many people, wanting to “be like Jesus” is pretty much one-dimensional.
I have asked a number of people who expressed the desire to “be like Jesus” exactly what they meant. Almost without exception, the replies focused on one particular aspect of the earthly life of Jesus – His compassion and concern for the “less fortunate.” It is certainly true that Jesus showed love and a desire to serve those He encountered who had various physical needs. The four [Gospel accounts] contain numerous references to Jesus’ acts of mercy toward those who were suffering (cf. Matthew 9:1-7). Jesus ate with sinners, touched lepers, and healed the blind, lame, deaf and dumb. And, He ministered to others without prejudice. He served regardless of class, race, or social status (cf. John 4:4-26). Serving others, meeting their physical needs without prejudice, is a vital part of what it means to be a Christian, what it means to “be like Jesus.”
I wonder, however, if many of those who profess a desire to “be like Jesus” have considered the full implication of that ambition. I am convinced that the motto “I want to be like Jesus” is sometimes put forward to promote a view of the Scriptures that is seriously at odds with the earthly life of Jesus. Often when someone says that what life is all about is just trying to “be like Jesus,” what is really being advocated is the view that Christians are not under law of any kind. In their view, the only thing that matters to God is the effort we put forth as both individuals and local congregations to meet the “felt needs” of other people, both saints and non-saints. This view overlooks a vital fact about the earthly life of Jesus – His attitude toward the will of God. Jesus cared deeply about both knowing and doing the will of the Father.
All four [Gospel account] writers reveal Jesus’ attitude toward the scriptures and the will of the Father. For the sake of space, however, just a few examples will suffice from the [Gospel account] of John.
Jesus was determined to “be like the Father.” In John 5:19, Jesus affirms, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.”
Just a few verses later, Jesus says that He does “nothing on My own initiative.” He add, “I do not seek my own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 5:30).
In John 8:29, Jesus made an amazing claim – “For I always do the things that are pleasing to Him!”
Jesus was so concerned about doing the will of the Father that even as His own suffering and death were imminent, He asserted that He did “not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak … I speak just as the Father has told Me” (John 12:49-50).
“The Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing …. I can do nothing on My own initiative …. I always do the things that are pleasing to Him …. I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak …. I speak just as the Father has told Me!” Has it ever occurred to you that to practice the noble philosophy of trying to live your life so you can truly “be like Jesus,” you must be diligently seeking to know the will of the Father and putting it into practice in your life?
If I am really sincere about a desire to “be like Jesus,” I will be conscientious to share His concern. Concerns not only for serving others, but also for serving the Father to the best of my ability according to His revealed will, the Scriptures.