The phrase was also used by the preacher Charles Spurgeon—who was inspired by Kempis—in a sermon in 1881 and by the hymn writer A.B. Simpson in 1891.
The History Behind the Popularity of “WWJD”
“WWJD” became widely known after the publication of a bestselling book by Rev. Charles Sheldon in 1896, titled In His Steps: What Would J**** Do? Sheldon’s book was based on the narrative sermons he had delivered to his Congregationalist church in Topeka, Kansas, where he challenged his congregation to imagine how Yeshua would act in various situations. It was essentially a guide for ethical decision-making.
The book follows several characters who take up this challenge and try to apply it to their personal and professional lives. It portrays the struggles and transformations of these characters as they confront issues such as poverty, labor, journalism, politics, and entertainment.
A Minor Tweak to WWYD
Now we come to the principle behind What Would Yeshua Do? In essence, this phrase is problematic and will be difficult to live out accurately. Let me explain.
When we look at the life of Yeshua, the path he walked was perfect. The path we walk is not. Many of the situations we find ourselves in would never have extended to him. Even in his day, Yeshua didn’t do what those around him did in many instances. If we think of his life and attempt to apply it to our own, we’re merely operating on false notions.
Say you’re a UPS driver, healthcare worker, teacher, childcare provider, or what have you. Yeshua would be none of these things if he were sent to Earth today. While he became what is translated as a “carpenter” during his time on Earth, that occupation has a unique relevance.
For one thing, the root word is G5045, tektōn. It relates to one who worked with wood. But it can also extend to any craftsman or artificer. He could have worked with wood, stone, metal, clay, or even fabrics. The word also carries the sense “planner” and “author.” The root of tektōn, timōria, means “a rendering help,” “support,” and quite vividly “vengeance, punishment, penalty.”
All very telling definitions that apply to our King. Yet Yeshua walked away from this prophetic profession to begin his true purpose: spreading the Good News of the Kingdom, bringing healing, and working out the ultimate plan of salvation through sacrifice.
So, when you deliver packages for UPS, and you come across an irate customer who berates you for being late, asking What would Yeshua do? doesn’t quite do it. Yeshua wouldn’t have donned a UPS uniform.
He was acquainted with tax collectors (Luke 19:1–10), Pharisees (John 3: 1 – 21), and Roman centurions (Matthew 8:5–13). But he would never occupy their stations. Neither did he command that these people leave their occupations to follow him.
When we look at Scripture and the Messianic Writings as a whole, it all points to Yeshua (John 5:39). In essence, the Word we have from Yah in the form of this great book is ultimately authored by the one it points to. For this reason, I believe the question, “What Would Yeshua Do?” would be more valid if it were rephrased to “What Does Yeshua Tell Us to Do?”
And we don’t need to look solely to the red letter words in the “New Testament” for these answers. The entire inspired Word serves as validation. Take John the Immerser, for instance, who prepared the way for Yeshua. Yah sent John as a witness of Yeshua. He was Yah’s anointed.
Let’s revisit two of Yeshua’s acquaintances—the tax collector and centurion—from this standpoint.
When John prepared the way in the wilderness, crowds flocked to him.
12Tax collectors also came to be immersed and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
—Luke 3: 12–14
This is wise, spiritual counsel. And it has already been said succinctly and with force. We don’t have to suppose what would be said on the matter today. This is how all of life’s situations should be treated and addressed. Rather than snatching random, hypothetical things from the air that we think Yeshua might have done were he standing in our shoes, and rather than guessing at what he would have said to us, we have the answer.
When we encounter tough situations and face questionable circumstances, we need to ask, “What Does Yeshua Tell Us to Do,” and search out those words in the Scriptures.
If you’re already versed in Scripture and the Messianic Writings, the Spirit will bring verses immediately to mind. For others, it may take a while. For still others, a thorough prayerful search will have to take place.
The question of What Would Yeshua Do? is not as helpful as it may seem. It is based on a false premise that we can imitate the life of Yeshua in every situation or that his life can mirror ours when in fact, his life was unique and incomparable. Instead of speculating about what he would do, we should focus on what he has already told us to do through his Word.
By searching the Word and listening to his voice, we can find the guidance and wisdom we need to live a life that pleases him and glorifies his name.
This is the true way to follow Yeshua and walk In His Steps.
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