WWJD: What Would Jesus Do?

WWJD stands for "What Would Jesus Do?" While the abbreviation is most famous for its popularity on 1990s youth bracelets, the question itself has been around for over a century.

The four-letter abbreviation surged into modern pop culture in 1989 when Janie Tinklenberg, a youth pastor in Holland, Michigan, created woven bracelets featuring the acronym. They were designed as a tangible, visual reminder for teens to reflect on their faith and morals before acting.

What Would Jesus Do?

Jesus sacrificed Himself for humanity, embodying humility, servanthood, and obedience to God, even unto death. The core message is to consider Jesus’ example in every situation and act with selfless love. Jesus was crucified on a cross for the sins of everyone. Much of what Jesus would do is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Other Major “J” Figures in the Bible

Jabez was doomed to be cursed because his mother gave birth to him in pain. He prayed boldly for blessings for God's presence and His protection despite his name (1 Chronicles 4:9–10).

Jacob tricked his older twin brother, Esau, out of his birthright (Genesis 27:28–29). Even though Jacob had a life of struggle, he persisted in seeking God’s blessings.

Jael is a heroine of the Bible who killed Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army. When he sought refuge in Jael's tent, she killed him by driving a tent peg through his skull (Judges 4:17–21).

Jairus pleaded with Jesus, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." Jairus is known for having great faith, according to Mark 5:21–43.

James (Jesus’ brother) was initially a skeptic who doubted Jesus. He became a pillar of the Jerusalem church following a post-resurrection appearance by Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7).

Jason of Thessalonica is celebrated for providing vital refuge and harboring early apostles Paul and Silas. By opening his home to these traveling missionaries, he shielded them from an angry mob, ultimately putting his own safety and property on the line (Acts 17:1–9).

Jehoshaphat was faced with an overwhelming invasion from Moab and Ammon. King Jehoshaphat modeled a powerful spiritual crisis response by seeking the Lord, declaring a national fast, and rallying the people of Judah to pray together for deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:3–4).

Jephthah made a rash vow to offer whatever first came out of his house as a burnt offering upon his safe return from battle. He was met by his only child. His rash vow resulted in the sacrifice of his daughter (Judges 11:30-31).

Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. He delivered God's unpopular messages of judgment for 40 years. Despite facing constant persecution, he found he could not stop speaking God's message. He described it as "a fire shut up in my bones" (Jeremiah 20:9).

Jeroboam led the nation into idolatry, setting a pattern for future kings. Eighteen kings followed, none giving up the idolatry that Jeroboam started (1 Kings 12:25–33).

Jesse played a major part in the humble descent of the Messiah. He was the father of King David, according to 1 Samuel 17:12.

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, advised Moses to delegate responsibilities to prevent burnout, according to Exodus 18:17–23.

Jezebel, wife of King Ahab, corrupted him and the nation with pagan worship. She was an evil queen. It was prophesied that she would be eaten by dogs in 1 Kings 21:23 and fulfilled in 2 Kings 9:35-37, that the dogs ate every part of her body except her skull, feet, and hands.

Joanna was one of several women in the Bible healed of “evil spirits and diseases” by Jesus (Luke 8:2). After being healed, Joanna helped support Jesus' ministry from her own wealth (Luke 8:1–3).

Job lost all his possessions and his ten children. Even so, he maintained his integrity despite immense suffering. He refused to admit to sins he hadn’t committed, trusting God in all circumstances, according to the book of Job.

Jochebed, the mother of Moses, protected her newborn from Pharaoh’s command to kill boy babies by placing him in the Nile River. After Pharaoh's daughter discovered Moses in the river, the baby was given to Jochebed to nurse him for her (Exodus 2:1-10) .

Joel was one of the 12 minor prophets. He is best known for warning of God's coming judgment (the "Day of the Lord") and passionately calling the people to repentance. He is also famous for prophesying the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He promised restoration after repentance and predicted the Day of Pentecost.

John was "the disciple whom Jesus loved" . . .(John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 21:20). He was the one sitting next to Jesus at the Last Supper (John 13:23). He was the one Jesus entrusted with the care of His mother (John 19:26-27) at His crucifixion.

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus to come. He was the forerunner of Jesus in four areas. He was born a few months before Jesus. He baptized before Jesus. He preached the same message before Jesus. He was beheaded (Mark 6:27) before Jesus was crucified.

Jonah was told by God to go to Nineveh to preach, but he disobeyed and went in a boat in the opposite direction (Jonah 1:3). He was thrown overboard during a storm and ended up in the belly of a big fish. After Jonah prayed, the fish vomited him up on dry land. Then Jonah went to Nineveh and preached to the Ninevites, who repented and were spared from destruction.

Jonathan made a covenant with David, his soulmate to "show unfailing kindness like that of the Lord as long as they should live" (I Samuel 20:15).

Joseph (Jacob's Son) found in Genesis 37-50 had the gift of dreaming and interpreting dreams. His jealous brother put him in a pit and sold him into slavery. Many years later, Joseph eventually said to his brothers, "But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph (Mary's Husband) was a righteous man who took Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:19-20) and became the earthly father of Jesus as part of God's redemptive plan.

Joseph of Arimathea asked Pontius Pilate for permission to take down Jesus' body from the cross. He gave his grave for Jesus to be buried in it after Jesus' crucifixion, according to John 19:38.

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign in Jerusalem for thirty-one years. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his ancestor David. He eliminated the worship of foreign gods. He has been described as "one of Judah’s most important kings."

Joshua was Moses' devoted aide who became the leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses. He led the people into the Promised Land, conquering the city of Jericho, and dividing the territory among the twelve tribes of Israel, according to the book of Joshua.

Judah saved Joseph's life by suggesting that his brothers sell Joseph to Ishmaelite merchants instead of killing him. Judah's suggestion was the lesser of two evils (Genesis 37:26-28).

Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Mark 14:10-11). After betraying Jesus and feeling remorse, Judas threw his payment of silver into the temple, went away, and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5).

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, was one of Jesus’ four brothers. Like James, Jude did not believe in Jesus until after His resurrection, according to the book that bears his name in the New Testament.