Searching for Jesus' worldview

Reading a book called 'Culture Changers' this week, I was struck by the writer's point that as Christians we need to be imitating Jesus, and this should profoundly affect our worldview ('the lens through which we see life and the universe'- Matt Bird, p83). He suggested an exercise of thinking about the worldview Jesus had, with the aim of identifying where our thinking is influenced by the world rather than God. I read through the gospel of John in one sitting and made the following notes on Jesus' worldview. I hope as you read them, like me, you'll be challenged about ways of living and thinking you need to change.


Eternal 'In the beginning was the Word' (1.1)

Humble 'The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us' (1.14)

Open 'They said, "Where are you staying?" "Come," He replied, "and you will see."' (1.39)

Inviting "Follow Me" (1.43)

Social 'Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding' (2.2)

Respecting God above men 'He made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area... "How dare you turn My Father's house into a market!"' (2.15-16)

Prioritising salvation 'no-one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.' (3.3)

Worth telling people uncomfortable truths 'whoever does not believe stands condemned already' (3.18)

Disregard common prejudice 'You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?' (4.9)

Show people the way to true satisfaction 'whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.' (4.14)

Highlight sin 'Go, call your husband.' (4.16)

See the needs of others, physical and spiritual 'look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.' (4.35) 'Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.' (5.8)

Never panic, trust God 'Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.' (6.11)

Keep a right perspective 'Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life.' (6.27)

Always remember that God is in control 'No-one can come to Me unless the Father has enabled him.' (6.65)

Don't seek fame 'after His brothers had left for the Feast, He went also, not publicly but in secret.' (7:10)

Work for God's honour, not your own 'He who speaks on his own does so to gain honour for himself, but he who works for the honour of the one who sent him is a man of truth.' (7.18)

Encourage people to judge themselves, not others 'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her' (8.7)

Do everything to please God 'I always do what pleases Him' (8.29)

Understand that true freedom is being free from sin 'everyone who sins is a slave to sin' (8.34)

See the devil for what he is: a liar 'there is no truth in him' (8.44)

See God's glory in tough situations '[Lazarus' sickness] is for God's glory' (11.4)

Mourn with those who mourn 'Jesus wept' (11.35)

Hold your life loosely for God's glory 'the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.' (12.25)

Be a servant to others '[Jesus] began to wash His disciples' feet' (13.5)

Subject yourself to God's refining 'every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful' (15.2)

Love others 'Love each other as I have loved you.' (15.12)

Remember you don't belong on earth 'you do not belong to the world... That is why the world hates you.' (15.19)

Be unified with all believers 'May they be brought to complete unity' (17.23)

Go God's way, even if that means suffering 'Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?' (18.11)

Remember God has ultimate authority 'You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above' (19.11)