Jesus gave clear instructions on how His followers should live. He did not leave us to figure it out on our own. His teachings show us what God expects. Loving God and others is at the core of His message. He calls us to follow Him, make disciples, and serve.
He teaches us to forgive, pray, and live with integrity. Jesus also wants us to seek peace, stay humble, and bear good fruit. Obeying His commands brings purpose and joy. This study will explore what Jesus wants us to do in His name and how to apply it in daily life.
Understanding What Jesus Wants Us to Do in His Name
Jesus made it clear that following Him is not just about belief but about action. He calls His followers to live in a way that reflects God’s love and truth. The Bible provides direct commands from Jesus, showing us how to honor God and impact others. Each command is rooted in His teachings and example.
Below are ten key things Jesus wants us to do in His name, along with biblical references and explanations of their importance.
#1. Love God and Love Others (Matthew 22:37-40)
Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). The second is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). These two commands summarize all of God’s laws. Loving God means prioritizing Him above everything else, obeying His word, and seeking Him in prayer. Loving others means showing kindness, patience, and forgiveness. This love is not based on feelings but on a decision to act selflessly.
Jesus demonstrated this love through His actions. He healed the sick, forgave sinners, and had compassion for the outcasts. He calls us to do the same. In John 13:35, He said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love is the defining mark of a true follower of Christ.
#2. Follow Him (Matthew 16:24)
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Following Jesus requires surrender. It means putting aside selfish desires and obeying His teachings. This is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment.
Following Jesus also means trusting Him completely. In Luke 9:57-62, He warned that following Him requires sacrifice. Some people hesitate because they do not want to leave their old ways behind. But Jesus calls us to make Him our top priority. True discipleship is about faithfulness, obedience, and willingness to go wherever He leads.
#3. Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This is not just for pastors or missionaries. Every believer is called to share the gospel.
Making disciples involves more than just telling people about Jesus. It means walking alongside them, teaching them, and encouraging their spiritual growth. Jesus spent three years discipling His followers. He modeled patience, teaching, and correction. We are to do the same by investing in others and helping them grow in faith.
#4. Serve Others (Mark 10:45)
Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15), healed the sick, and cared for the poor. Serving is an essential part of Christian life.
True service is about humility and love. It means putting others’ needs before our own. Galatians 5:13 tells us to “serve one another humbly in love.” Serving is not about recognition but about reflecting Christ’s heart. Whether through small acts of kindness or major sacrifices, every act of service glorifies God.
#5. Live with Integrity and Compassion (Matthew 5:16)
Jesus calls us to be “the light of the world” and to let our good deeds shine before others (Matthew 5:14-16). Integrity means living honestly, even when no one is watching. Compassion means caring for others, even when it’s inconvenient. Both are crucial to a Christ-centered life.
Jesus confronted hypocrisy and emphasized the importance of sincerity. He warned against doing good deeds just for show (Matthew 6:1-4). Instead, He calls us to live in a way that genuinely honors God. When we live with integrity and compassion, we reflect Jesus to the world.
#6. Forgive Others (Matthew 6:14-15)
Jesus taught that forgiveness is not optional. He said, “If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15). This is a serious warning. Holding onto bitterness hinders our relationship with God.
Jesus demonstrated forgiveness on the cross, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). If He could forgive His enemies, we can forgive those who wrong us. Forgiveness frees us from anger and allows us to experience God’s peace.
#7. Pray and Stay Close to God (Matthew 6:9-13)
Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16). He taught His disciples to pray with sincerity, not just with empty words (Matthew 6:7). The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) provides a model for how to seek God in daily life.
Prayer is essential for spiritual growth. It keeps us connected to God and strengthens our faith. Jesus taught that we should pray persistently (Luke 18:1) and with faith (Mark 11:24). A strong prayer life leads to a stronger relationship with God.
#8. Be Humble and Serve in Love (John 13:34-35)
Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34-35). He showed this love through humility and service. He did not seek power or status but served others selflessly.
Humility is essential in Christian life. Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to consider others more important than ourselves. Serving with love reflects Christ’s character and draws others to Him. A humble heart is one that truly understands God’s grace.
#9. Live Peacefully and Reconcile with Others (Matthew 5:9)
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). He taught that reconciliation is more important than religious rituals (Matthew 5:23-24). If we have conflicts, we should seek peace and make things right.
Living peacefully does not mean avoiding difficult conversations. It means handling conflicts with love and wisdom. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Being a peacemaker reflects Christ’s heart and leads to healing in relationships.
#10. Bear Good Fruit (John 15:8)
Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8). Good fruit refers to godly character and actions. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
A life connected to Jesus will naturally produce good fruit (John 15:5). This is not about trying harder but about staying close to Him. The more we abide in Christ, the more His character is reflected in our lives. Our actions should bring glory to God and point others to Him.
Practical Ways to Live Out Jesus’ Call
Knowing what Jesus commands is important, but applying His teachings in daily life is essential. Faith is not just about knowledge; it must be lived out (James 2:17). Each of Jesus’ commands calls for practical action. This section provides real-life ways to follow His teachings and make a meaningful impact.
Living as a disciple of Christ affects how we interact with God, others, and ourselves. The following ten actions demonstrate obedience to Jesus’ call. Each is supported by scripture and a real-life example of how it can be lived out today.
#1. Spend Time in Prayer and Scripture
Jesus frequently withdrew to pray, setting an example for His followers (Luke 5:16). He also quoted scripture, showing its importance in guiding our lives (Matthew 4:4). Spending time with God through prayer and Bible study strengthens faith and helps believers make wise choices.
Real-life example: A young mother, overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, decides to wake up 30 minutes earlier to pray and read her Bible. Over time, she notices a change in her patience and peace. When challenges arise, she recalls scriptures that give her strength. Her deeper connection with God transforms her perspective on daily struggles.
#2. Serve Others
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15) and healed the sick, showing that serving others is a key part of following Him. True service is not about recognition but about meeting others’ needs with humility.
Real-life example: A businessman volunteers at a homeless shelter on weekends. At first, he thinks he is just “giving back,” but he soon realizes the people he serves are teaching him about gratitude and humility. By putting others before himself, he grows in Christ-like character.
#3. Love Your Neighbors
Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). This includes showing kindness, generosity, and respect to everyone, not just those we naturally get along with.
Real-life example: An elderly woman lives alone and struggles with loneliness. A family in her neighborhood notices and begins visiting her, bringing meals and including her in celebrations. Their simple acts of love make a profound difference in her life, showing her the love of Christ.
#4. Share the Gospel
Jesus told His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Sharing the gospel is not just for pastors or missionaries; every believer is called to spread the good news.
Real-life example: A college student prays for opportunities to share his faith. One day, a friend asks why he seems so peaceful despite stress. He takes the opportunity to talk about his faith in Christ. Though his friend does not immediately believe, the conversation plants a seed that leads to deeper discussions.
#5. Forgive and Reconcile
Jesus said we must forgive others as God has forgiven us (Matthew 6:14-15). Holding onto grudges leads to bitterness, but forgiveness brings healing and peace.
Real-life example: A man is deeply hurt when his business partner betrays him. For years, he holds onto resentment. One day, during a sermon, he feels convicted to forgive. Though difficult, he reaches out to his former partner and lets go of the bitterness. This act of forgiveness brings him unexpected peace and freedom.
#6. Live with Integrity
Jesus warned against hypocrisy and called His followers to be people of truth (Matthew 5:37). Integrity means doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
Real-life example: A high school student finds a wallet full of cash in a parking lot. Instead of keeping it, he tracks down the owner and returns it. The grateful owner is amazed by his honesty, and this simple act becomes a testimony of Christian integrity.
#7. Seek Peace
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). Christians are called to resolve conflicts with love and patience, rather than causing division.
Real-life example: Two coworkers constantly argue, creating tension in the office. A Christian colleague intervenes, listening to both sides and helping them find common ground. His efforts bring peace to the workplace and demonstrate Christ-like wisdom in conflict resolution.
#8. Practice Gratitude
Jesus often gave thanks to God (Luke 17:15-16, John 6:11). Gratitude shifts focus from what we lack to what God has provided, leading to greater joy and contentment.
Real-life example: A woman struggling with financial difficulties starts a gratitude journal. Every day, she writes down three things she is thankful for. Over time, she realizes that even in hardship, God is providing. Her outlook changes, and she becomes a source of encouragement to others facing similar struggles.
#9. Cultivate Humility
Jesus humbled Himself to serve others, even though He was God (Philippians 2:5-8). True humility means putting others before ourselves and recognizing that all we have comes from God.
Real-life example: A successful CEO decides to mentor young professionals for free, sharing his knowledge without seeking personal gain. His humility and generosity inspire those around him, showing that leadership is about serving, not dominating.
#10. Live Out the Fruits of the Spirit
Jesus said His followers would be known by their fruit (John 15:8). The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—should be evident in the lives of believers.
Real-life example: A man working in a high-stress job chooses to respond to challenges with patience and kindness rather than anger. Over time, his coworkers notice his self-control and joy, leading some to ask about his faith. His Christ-like character opens doors for spiritual conversations.
Each of these actions reflects Jesus’ teachings and transforms both the individual and those around them. When believers commit to living out their faith, they become true representatives of Christ in the world.
Closing Thoughts
Jesus’ commands are not just ideals to admire—they are actions to live out daily. He calls us to love God and others, follow Him wholeheartedly, and serve with humility. He teaches us to forgive, seek peace, and live with integrity. These are not optional; they define what it means to be His disciple.
Living out Jesus’ teachings requires commitment and dependence on God. It is not always easy, but the Holy Spirit empowers believers to obey. As we apply His words in real life, we reflect His love to the world. True faith is seen in action. Let’s live as He calls us to.