What Would Jesus Think?
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5 (NKJV)
Many of us have heard the phrase, “What would Jesus do?” It is a helpful question when facing decisions, conflicts, or temptations. But perhaps an even deeper question is this: “What would Jesus think?” Before Jesus acted, He thought differently. His priorities, values, and perspective were shaped by perfect love, humility, and obedience to the Father.
The apostle Paul invites believers into something remarkable in Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Paul is not merely encouraging better behaviour; he is calling us to a transformed mindset—a heart and mind shaped by Jesus Himself.
So, what did Jesus value?
When we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus prioritized people over position. Though He was the Son of God, He humbled Himself and served others (Philippians 2:6–8). Jesus noticed the overlooked, welcomed children, touched lepers, and sat with sinners. He valued compassion over convenience.
He also prioritized obedience over comfort. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, NKJV). Even when obedience cost Him deeply, He trusted the Father completely. This reminds us that developing the mind of Christ means learning to ask, “What honours God?” instead of merely, “What feels easiest?”
Jesus valued eternal things over temporary distractions. He taught in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” While our minds are often pulled toward worry, status, or success, Jesus continually focused on what mattered most: God’s kingdom and the transformation of hearts.
But how do we actually develop a mind that thinks like Jesus?
First, immerse yourself in Scripture. Our thoughts are shaped by what fills our minds. Paul later writes, “Whatever things are true… noble… just… meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8, NKJV). The more we dwell on God’s Word, the more our thinking begins to align with Christ’s.
Second, walk closely with the Holy Spirit. The mind of Christ is not something we manufacture through willpower. The Spirit renews us from the inside out. Paul reminds believers that “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16, NKJV). This is both a gift and a calling. We learn His thoughts by staying close to Him in prayer and surrender.
Third, practice humility. Before Paul speaks about the mind of Christ in Philippians 2:5, he urges believers to consider others above themselves (Philippians 2:3–4). Humility creates space for God to reshape our thinking. Pride says, “My way.” Jesus says, “How can I serve?”
Biblical scholar Gordon D. Fee notes in his commentary on Philippians that Paul presents Christ as the ultimate model of self-giving humility, not merely for admiration but for imitation. Likewise, pastor and author Tim Keller often emphasized that spiritual growth happens as the gospel reshapes not only our actions but our instincts and desires.
The truth is, learning to think like Jesus takes time. It happens one prayer, one act of surrender, and one renewed thought at a time. So perhaps today, before reacting to a situation, pause and ask:
“What would Jesus think about this? What would He value here?”
As we do, we may discover that God is slowly shaping our hearts to reflect the beautiful mind of Christ.
Sources:The Letter to the Philippians by Gordon D. Fee (NICNT); Scripture quotations from the NKJV Bible.