The Commands of Jesus

A devotional study by bestselling novelist and devotional writer Michael Phillips, identifying 120 commands of Jesus from the gospels.

Jesus often introduces the subject of obedience with the tiny but eternally significant word if. He recognizes that there are always two paths—obedience and disobedience. He commands obedience. But many will not obey.

This obedience is a natural outgrowth of love:

• If you love me, you will obey my commandments. (John 14:15)

• He who has my commands and keeps them, he it is who loves me. (John 14:21)

• If a man loves me, he will keep my word. (John 14:23)

• You are my friends if you do what I command you. (John 15:14)

Jesus is well aware of the games people play with spiritual things. He wants none to mistake what it means to be his follower. Many will claim to love him. Many will pretend to love him. Many will talk about loving him. Many will analyze what it means to love him. However, a Christian is distinguished and defined by one, and only one, thing: Obedience.

Obedience to the Commands of Jesus is a daily, moment-by-moment choice. We make it over and over. We are continually making it. It is a progressive and ongoing choice that defines what it means to love Jesus and be his follower.