WWJD. What would Jesus do? Simply put, this is a call for each of us to be “like Jesus” in this world. But could we really ever be like Jesus? On the one hand, we say it, we sing it, we study about how to do it, we strive for it. But on the other hand, most of us would consider it blasphemous to even suggest such an idea—that we could ever be like the perfect, sinless Son of the Most High through whom the world was created.
So which is it? I have carefully studied out this crazy notion, wondering if there is really any validity to the question WWJD for mere, fallen mortals. Obviously, I’m not sinless, or even close to perfect (except maybe when I’m sleeping), and it’s all I can do to keep from losing socks in the laundry, let alone holding the world together.
As in all things, what does the Word say? Can we or will we ever be truly like Jesus? The answer is, absolutely yes!
“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren…” (Rom. 8:29).
Do you see? Jesus is our prototype, the firstborn of “many brothers and sisters.” We are in the process in this mortal lifetime of being conformed into His image and likeness. And at the heart of all this, is a great story of family. God is the Father, Jesus is brought forth “out of” the Father as His offspring and firstborn Son. And out of Jesus proceed the rest of all people, who are being made into the likeness of the first prototype and Son.
When will this transformation process be complete in us? When will we be like Jesus? Consider what John said in 1 John 3:2:
“We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”
At first glance, you may easily agree. But I have grown up in Church with the idea that Jesus will ever be on a higher plane above us, or ruling over us. There simply is no evidence for this in the Greek Scriptures (maybe one could infer from modern mistranslations). As a matter of fact, the Scriptures teach that when we have become like Christ, and all rule and authority outside of His own has been conquered, and everyone is on the same team—Team Jesus—Jesus will stop ruling over us and will become one of our equals as the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruit, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet” (1 Cor. 15:22-25).
Today, let the thought warm your heart and transform your thoughts as you revel in the mystery of the process that is transforming you into the very likeness of Jesus. All things you endure in this lifetime are truly working together for good. You are being birthed into a great miracle. And drawing from the last entry on Bible codes, here is yet another hint of the glory that awaits you in your future resurrected state:
“Then THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN (Jesus) in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear” (Matt. 13:43).
And lastly, Paul further emphasizes this beautiful truth in Romans 8:16-18:
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us.
Bask in these wonderful, mind-boggling truths today!