What Would Jesus Do?

Small Group Discussion Guide

What Would Jesus Do?

Key Scripture:
1 Peter 2:21
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”

Opening
For many years, Christians have used the question “What Would Jesus Do?” as a reminder to consider how Jesus would respond in the situations we face.

It is a good question.

Jesus left us an example of how to live, how to love, how to forgive, how to serve, and even how to respond when we are mistreated. Peter reminds us that Christ suffered without retaliating, threatening, or responding in bitterness. Instead, He trusted Himself completely to the Father.

But following Jesus is about more than simply trying to imitate His behavior.

Jesus also gave His followers the Holy Spirit and power to continue His work.

Before returning to the Father, Jesus told His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them and that they would become His witnesses throughout the world. Acts 1:8

After Pentecost, we see the difference this made.

Peter, who had once been fearful enough to deny knowing Jesus, became bold and courageous. At the Beautiful Gate, when he encountered a man who had been unable to walk from birth, Peter said:

“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.”
— Acts 3:6

Peter knew what he had received.

He had the presence and power of the Holy Spirit working through him.

The early believers did not merely ask, “What would Jesus do?” They began doing the things they had watched Jesus do.

They preached the Gospel.

They served the poor.

They forgave their enemies.

They prayed for the sick.

They ministered to the hurting.

They boldly testified about Jesus.

Acts 10:38 tells us that God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power and that He went about doing good and healing those who were oppressed by the devil.

Both are important.

We should never stop doing good, showing mercy, helping people, feeding the hungry, caring for those in need, and loving our neighbors.

But neither should we forget that God has also given His people the Holy Spirit.

Jesus did not leave His Church powerless.

The same Holy Spirit who empowered Peter, Stephen, and the early believers is still at work today.

So when you face a situation today, ask:

What would Jesus do?

Would He forgive?

Would He show compassion?

Would He speak truth?

Would He stop and help?

Would He pray?

Would He believe God for healing?

Would He share the Gospel?

Then take it one step further:

Holy Spirit, help me do what Jesus would do.

Today’s Reflection

Where is God giving you an opportunity to represent Jesus today?

Is there someone you can encourage, serve, forgive, pray for, or tell about Christ?

Do not simply admire the life of Jesus.

Follow in His steps.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for leaving us an example to follow. Teach us to love, forgive, serve, pray, and minister the way You did. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and give us courage to represent You wherever we go. Help us not only ask what You would do, but give us the faith and obedience to do it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DCC Small Group Discussion Guide

Key Scripture:
1 Peter 2:21 — Christ left us an example so that we should follow in His steps.

Opening Thought

The phrase WWJD — What Would Jesus Do? became extremely popular through bracelets, shirts, books, and other Christian products.

But the real challenge is not simply wearing the letters or asking the question.

The challenge is actually following Jesus’ example and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us.

Jesus demonstrated compassion, forgiveness, service, boldness, healing, truth, and supernatural power.

He then told His followers that they would continue His mission.

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Read Together

1 Peter 2:21–24

Discuss

1. What stands out to you about the way Jesus responded when He was mistreated?
2. Why can it be difficult to respond like Jesus when someone hurts, insults, or disappoints us?
3. What does it mean practically to “follow His steps”?

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Jesus Went About Doing Good

Read or discuss:

* Matthew 7:12
* Luke 10:25–37
* Matthew 25:31–46
* Galatians 6:9–10

Jesus consistently demonstrated compassion toward people.

Discuss

1. What are some practical ways Christians can “do good” in their everyday lives?
2. Why is serving people an important part of our witness?
3. Is there a danger in talking about faith without demonstrating love and compassion? Explain.
4. Who is someone God may be putting in your path that you can help this week?

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Jesus Gave Us Power

Read

Acts 1:8

Jesus told His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them.

They were not expected to fulfill His mission in their own strength.

Discuss

1. Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before beginning their mission?
2. What is the difference between trying to live the Christian life through willpower and depending upon the Holy Spirit?
3. In what areas of your life do you need greater dependence upon the Holy Spirit?

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Peter: From Failure to Boldness

Read

Luke 22:31–32

Peter confidently believed he would stand with Jesus no matter what happened, yet he later denied Him.

Jesus knew Peter would fail, but He also knew Peter would return.

After Pentecost, Peter became a remarkably different man.

Discuss

1. What does Peter’s story teach us about failure?
2. How can God use someone even after a major mistake?
3. Why do you think Peter was so different after Pentecost?
4. Have you ever experienced a situation where God used a past failure to strengthen you or help someone else?

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“What I Have I Give You”

Read

Acts 3:1–8

When Peter encountered the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, he said:

“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.”

Peter understood that the Holy Spirit had given him something he could minister to others.

Discuss

1. What do you think Peter meant by, “What I do have I give you”?
2. What has God placed in your life that you can give to others?
3. Why is it important for believers to know who they are and what they have received through Christ?
4. How would our daily lives change if we truly expected God to work through us?

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Following Jesus in Word and Power

The early Church continued the ministry of Jesus.

Consider:

Stephen — Acts 6–7
He boldly testified about Jesus and forgave those who were killing him.

Aeneas — Acts 9:32–35
Peter declared that Jesus Christ healed him.

Tabitha — Acts 9:36–42
Peter prayed, and Tabitha was restored to life.

Acts 10:38
Jesus went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil.

Discuss

1. Why is it important to hold together both compassion and the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit?
2. What happens if the Church emphasizes good deeds but ignores the power of the Holy Spirit?
3. What happens if Christians talk about spiritual power but neglect compassion and practical service?
4. What would a healthy balance look like?

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The WWJD Challenge

Think about the situations you will face this week.

When you encounter:

Conflict:
What would Jesus do?

Someone in need:
What would Jesus do?

Someone who has hurt you:
What would Jesus do?

Someone who needs prayer:
What would Jesus do?

Someone who does not know Christ:
What would Jesus do?

Then ask:

“Holy Spirit, help me do what Jesus would do.”

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Personal Application

Choose one area to intentionally practice this week:

* Forgive someone.
* Encourage someone.
* Serve someone.
* Share the Gospel with someone.
* Pray for someone who needs healing.
* Help someone in practical need.
* Respond differently to someone who has hurt you.
* Ask the Holy Spirit to use you in a new way.

Closing Question

What is one situation in your life right now where you need to ask, “What would Jesus do?”

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Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us how to live. Help us follow in Your steps. Teach us to love, forgive, serve, speak truth, and show compassion as You did. Fill us with the Holy Spirit and give us boldness to be Your witnesses. Give us faith to believe that You can still work through ordinary people who surrender themselves to You. Help us go into our homes, workplaces, schools, churches, and communities ready to do what You would do.

In Jesus’ name, amen.