Doing what Jesus did: Making Space and Sharing Good News

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to follow Jesus? It's more than just learning about Him or trying to be a good person. The heart of discipleship is an invitation to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and ultimately do what Jesus did.

This journey begins with two simple yet profound words: "Follow me." When Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, it wasn't just a casual request. In the context of first-century Jewish culture, it was a rabbi's way of saying, "I believe you can become like me and do what I do." It was a life-changing call to apprenticeship.

The book of Acts opens with a powerful statement about Jesus's ministry: "In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach" (Acts 1:1). The key word here is "began." This implies that the work Jesus started would continue through His followers. As disciples of Jesus, we're called to carry on His mission, to do as He did.

But how do we live our lives as Jesus would if He were in our shoes? It's not about asking, "What would Jesus do?" (WWJD) in every situation. Instead, we should ask, "What would Jesus do if He were me?" (WWJDIHWM). How would Jesus navigate your specific circumstances, job, relationships, and challenges?

This idea might seem daunting. After all, Jesus was divine. But remember, He was also fully human. The New Testament refers to Jesus as the "first fruit" or "prototype" of a new kind of humanity. He showed us not just what God is like, but what a fully alive human being in harmony with God can do.

Jesus even made a startling promise: "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father" (John 14:12). The same power that was in Jesus is available to us through the Holy Spirit.

So how do we begin to do what Jesus did? Two key rhythms emerge from His life:

1. Making Space for the Gospel
2. Intentionally Sharing the Gospel

Making space for the Gospel is about hospitality. In a world that can be hostile or apathetic to Christianity, we need to create welcoming environments where people can encounter God's love. Jesus often did this through shared meals. He ate with tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts – actions that scandalized religious leaders but opened doors for transformation.

The Greek word for hospitality, philoxenia, literally means "love of strangers." It's the exact opposite of xenophobia. Christian hospitality turns outsiders into neighbors and neighbors into family. It's about seeing the image of God in every person and using our homes and resources to further God's kingdom.

Intentionally sharing the Gospel can feel uncomfortable in our postmodern world. Many of us hesitate to share our faith for fear of appearing judgmental or intolerant. Yet, everyone is "preaching" some kind of gospel – whether it's consumerism, politics, or self-improvement. The question isn't whether we're sharing a message, but what message we're sharing.

The Gospel of Jesus isn't just about an afterlife ticket to heaven. It's the good news that through Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, God is restoring all of creation. It's an invitation to experience full, abundant life in relationship with Him – a life available to all people.

Sharing this Gospel doesn't have to mean street preaching or handing out tracts (thank goodness). It can look like:

- Cooking a meal for a neighbor
- Offering a gentle, truth-filled word to a friend
- Serving quietly in your city
- Simply being present with someone who feels alone
- Meeting someone in their place of pain

Jesus's final command was to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15). But a more literal translation would be, "As you are going into all the world..." This isn't just about planned evangelism; it's an invitation to live with eyes wide open to what God is doing around us every day.

Jesus had an incredible ability to see people – really see them – and discern what God was doing in their lives at that moment. He then partnered with the Father to bring love, healing, and transformation. We're called to do the same.

To live like Jesus lived, we need to slow down and be present. We need to cultivate an awareness that we're walking through God's world, where He is near in everything we see and touch, and in everyone we encounter.

Every day, Jesus invites us to walk with Him into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and relationships. He invites us to see with His eyes, love with His heart, and act with His hands. We're called to make space for the Gospel through radical hospitality and to share the good news of God's love in ways that meet people where they are.

This is the adventure of discipleship – not just learning about Jesus, but becoming so formed by His presence that we naturally do what He would do. It's about allowing His life to flow through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to a world in need.

As you go about your day, remember: you carry the presence of Jesus with you. Look for opportunities to make space for others and to share the love of God. Be open to divine appointments and unexpected encounters. You never know how a simple act of kindness, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement might be used by God to change a life.

The invitation is clear. The power is available. The world is waiting. Will you follow Jesus today, not just in belief, but in action? Will you be His hands and feet, making space for the Gospel and sharing His love in your unique context? The adventure of a lifetime awaits.

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Matthew 4:19 - Reflects Jesus's invitation to become "fishers of men," setting the stage for discipleship.
Acts 1:1 - Highlights the continuation of Jesus's work through his disciples.
1 John 2:5-6 - Encourages believers to live as Jesus did.
1 Corinthians 15:20 - Describes Jesus as the "first fruits," or prototype, of a new humanity.
John 14:12 - Jesus's statement about his followers doing greater works.
Romans 8:11 - Discusses the power of the Spirit living within believers.
Luke 19:1-10 - The story of Jesus and Zacchaeus, illustrating hospitality and inclusion.
Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission to preach the gospel to all creation.
John 5:19 - Shows Jesus’s example of being attuned to the Father’s work.
Luke 7:34 - Addresses the association that comes with Jesus's choice of dining with sinners.