Way of the Master Week 4: What Did Jesus Do (WDJD)?

2005 Archive: Learning the WDJD Strategy

What Jesus taught actually works—just not from a chair.

If Way of the Master Week 3 turned on the spotlight, then Way of the Master Week 4 handed us the map—showing the path Jesus walked and how we can follow in His steps.

We stopped just looking in the mirror and started learning how to move—following the exact footprints Jesus left for us.

You could feel the hunger in the room. Even with choir practice calling some away, many people leaned in close to see the "WDJD" (What Did Jesus Do) strategy in action.

This wasn't just another lecture; it was the moment our training got hands-on.

We moved past the "fluff" and got down to the heart of the matter: learning the simple, biblical way Jesus started conversations that changed lives forever.

Let’s rewind the church calendar to 2005 and step into a Wednesday night where Way of the Master filled the room, notebooks were open, and WDJD was taking shape.

September 7, 2005: A Packed House and a Pastoral Charge

During Way of the Master Week 4, we played the "WDJD - What DID Jesus Do" video. It was a powerful night!

Choir practice started at the same time as the class, taking about 25-30 people, but we still had 89 believers there.

Before I went up to teach, Pastor Mark Shorey said he wanted to talk a little. He said that it is every Christian's responsibility to preach the Word and witness to others.

It is not only for pastors and church staff. He said if we can get a group to go out and street witness, we will win this city to Christ.

We will be going out as a church group to witness on Saturday, September 17, 2005 in downtown Branson, MO.

Leann, my wife, went over the Ten Commandments memorization page with everyone, one by one.

We had lots of compliments about showing them how to memorize the Ten Commandments.

There is a little picture beside each commandment that will keep you from ever forgetting them. It will even help you remember the correct order in which they go.

I read a letter from a Christian I know who lives in Australia. He was recently attacked while open air preaching. Their laws are different. We have freedom of speech here in America.

I mentioned that the worst thing that is likely to happen to us is that we will be told, "I don't want that gospel tract" or "I don't want to talk" when they are trying to do one-to-one witnessing.

If a Christian can put up with being attacked and keep preaching, then we can put up with a "No thanks" from someone.

The WDJD Blueprint: A Biblical Witnessing Encounter

As we continued Way of the Master Week 4, the WDJD video walked us through the process step-by-step , and suddenly faces shifted—from "I could never do that" to 'wait, I can actually do this.'"

Everyone is beginning to understand how important it is to use the Law, the Ten Commandments, when witnessing to someone.

Here is an easy to remember guide — an acronym starting and leading someone through a witnessing encounter.

W.D.J.D. - What Did Jesus Do (See John 4:7-26) Start a conversation in the natural and swing it to the spiritual.

Use this WDJD roadmap to bridge the gap between everyday small talk and eternal truth.

Ask someone:

W – Witnessing Kickoff: The Good Person Test

W – "Would you consider yourself to be a good person?"

D – Divine Standard: The Ten Commandments

D – "Do you think you have kept the Ten Commandments?”

Most everyone believes that some amount of good works is enough to get them into heaven.

Let's ask a few questions to see if God will consider you "good enough" to go to heaven. Be honest with yourself and before God as you answer these questions.

Have You Ever Told a Lie? 

The Ninth of the Ten Commandments is "You shall not lie" (Exodus 20:16).

Telling just one lie, according to God's standards, makes you a "liar." In Revelation 21:8, God says, all liars shall have their part in the lake of fire.

Have You Ever Stolen Anything?

The Eighth of the Ten Commandments is "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15).

Stealing just one thing — regardless of its size or monetary value — according to God's standards, makes you a thief. In 1 Corinthians 6:10, God says, no thief will inherit the kingdom of God.

Have You Ever Looked With Lust?

The Seventh of the Ten Commandments is "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14).

If you've ever looked at another person with lustful thoughts, according to God's standards, that makes you an "adulterer."

In Matthew 5:28, Jesus replied, you have heard it said you shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that whoever looks on a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, God says that no adulterers shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Have You Ever Used God’s Name in Vain?

To include Jesus or Christ as a curse word — one example is "Oh my G-d!"

The Third of the Ten Commandments is "You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain" (Exodus 20:7).

If you've ever used the name God in vain, or as a curse word, what you've done is take the name of the God who gave you life, and you've used it as if it were a four-letter filth word to express disgust.

That offense is called "blasphemy," and according to God's standards, you are a "blasphemer." In Leviticus 24:16, God says, he that blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death.

That was only four of the 10 Commandments that we’ve gone through. There are still six more. Let me ask you a question.

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Now, let’s finish the WDJD blueprint with the final two steps of the encounter:

J – Judgment Day: Innocent or Guilty?

J – "On the Day of Judgment, if God judges you by the Ten Commandments, will you be innocent or guilty?"

D – Destiny: Heaven or Hell?

D – Destiny. Gently ask them, “Will you go to heaven or hell?" and "Does that concern you?"

Listen to their answers. If they are concerned and appear to be convicted of their sin, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Remind them that we broke God's law but Jesus paid our fine.

You may be led to share more salvation-related Bible verses and lead them in a prayer.

Doors Opening and Hearts Stirring

There was a lady from another church there tonight. She wanted to know how to get this info to her pastor. I gave her my card and the Way of the Master website address.

She said that her pastor may be calling me to discuss this evangelism training with him.

The Enduring Takeaway and Call to Action: Your Turn

You’re not calling anyone a sinner—the Ten Commandments simply hold up the mirror and let them see it for themselves.

If you are still nervous about getting started witnessing to others, remember this:

If a Christian in Australia can keep preaching the Gospel after getting attacked, we can definitely handle someone saying "no thanks" without crying about it. 😉

Your Mission: Trying the "Good Person Test" This Week

Call to Action:

Stop waiting for a "perfect" moment. If you want to learn how to share your faith effectively, just start a sincere conversation using the "Would you consider yourself a good person?" hook.

You have the Gospel in your hands—now get off the sidelines and into the game.

In other words, don’t be like I was when I first started this. I sat around and memorized this stuff and delayed using it with real people.

Instead, get out there and try the "Good Person Test" on a friend this week. The worst they can say is they don’t want to answer the questions.

This week, find one friend and ask if they'll take the "Good Person Test" with you. They might say no. They might say yes.

Either way, you're not stuck on the sidelines anymore. Worst case? They say no thanks. Best case? You just opened a door.

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← Previously: The Mirror of the Ten Commandments— Week 3 | Next Up: Gospel Tracts as Ice Breakers — Week 5