How Jesus Made Decisions—A Guide for Modern Christians
How Jesus Made Decisions—A Guide for Modern Christians
The Crossroads Moment
Have you ever stood frozen in a grocery aisle, paralyzed by the simple choice between two brands of cereal? Now imagine facing decisions like:
Should I heal this man on the Sabbath and risk angering religious leaders?
Do I go to Jerusalem knowing it will lead to my death?
How do I respond when Peter pulls a sword to defend me?
Jesus faced real decisions—with eternal consequences. Yet He never seemed stressed, rushed, or unsure.
How?
Turns out, Jesus didn’t just make decisions—He modeled decision-making. And His method? Surprisingly practical for our daily choices today.
1. He Started With Prayer (Not Pros & Cons Lists)
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." (Mark 1:35)
Modern Problem: We Google, poll friends, or flip coins.
Jesus’ Way: He sought His Father first.
Before choosing the 12 disciples? "He spent the night praying." (Luke 6:12)
Facing the cross? Three hours in Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:36-44)
Try This: For your next decision (career move, relationship, etc.), spend 5 minutes in silence before researching options. Ask: "God, what do You see here?"
2. He Filtered Choices Through His Mission
Jesus said no to good things to say yes to the best:
Crowds wanted to make Him king? He withdrew. (John 6:15)
His family sought Him? "My mission is to do God’s work." (Mark 3:31-35)
Modern Problem: We say "yes" to everything—then burn out.
Jesus’ Way: Every decision answered: Does this align with why I’m here?
Try This: Write your personal mission statement (e.g., "To love God and serve others through my teaching"). Next time you’re asked to volunteer, lead a project, or attend an event, ask: Does this fit?
3. He Valued People Over Rules
When religious leaders criticized Him for healing on the Sabbath, Jesus replied:
"Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil?" (Mark 3:4)
Modern Problem: We get stuck in "shoulds" ("I should take this job for the salary").
Jesus’ Way: He asked: What’s the most loving choice?
Feeding 5,000? Compassion over convenience.
Eating with sinners? Connection over reputation.
Try This: Facing a tough call? Ask: Which option shows more love to God and others?
4. He Moved When the Time Was Right
At the wedding in Cana, Jesus initially told Mary:
"My hour has not yet come." (John 2:4)
But when He saw the need, He acted.
Modern Problem: We rush (impulse buys) or stall (analysis paralysis).
Jesus’ Way: He discerned kairos (God’s timing), not just chronos (the clock).
Try This: For time-sensitive decisions, pray: "God, is this Your ‘hour’ for me to act?" Watch for peace (Colossians 3:15) or red flags.
5. He Trusted the Father’s Will—Even When It Hurt
In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed:
"Not my will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42)
Modern Problem: We fear making "wrong" choices.
Jesus’ Way: Surrender trumps control.
Try This: Write your decision on paper, then pray over it: "God, I trust You to redirect me if needed."
Your Turn: Decision-Making Like Jesus
Next time you’re stuck:
Pause to pray (before overthinking).
Check your mission ("Why am I here?").
Choose love (over rules or fear).
Watch for timing (God’s "hour").
Release control ("Your will, not mine").
The Freedom of Following
Jesus’ method wasn’t about perfect outcomes—it was about perfect trust. When we decide His way, we trade anxiety for assurance.
Because the best decisions aren’t made.
They’re surrendered.