To understand what Jesus wants from us, it’s essential to look at His teachings, commandments, and the broader New Testament teachings on salvation and living a life that reflects His will. Here’s a framework based on Jesus’ teachings and the New Testament to guide individuals towards what Jesus desires from His followers:

Love God and Love Others

1. The Greatest Commandments: Jesus summarized all the Law and the Prophets with two commandments: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). This encapsulates the essence of what Jesus wants from us— a life centered on love.

Follow Jesus’ Teachings and Example

2. The Beatitudes: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus laid out the Beatitudes, blessings for those who embody virtues such as meekness, righteousness, mercy, purity in heart, and peacemaking (Matthew 5:3-12).
3. Forgiveness: Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving others, teaching that we should forgive as we have been forgiven by God (Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:21-22).
4. Service and Humility: Jesus modeled servanthood and humility, teaching that greatness in the Kingdom of God comes from serving others (Mark 10:42-45; John 13:12-17).

Live Righteously

5. Moral Integrity: Jesus taught that His followers should exhibit righteousness that surpasses that of the religious leaders of His time, focusing on the heart’s intentions rather than just external compliance with the law (Matthew 5:20; Matthew 23:25-28).
6. Spiritual Practices: Jesus encouraged practices such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, done not for show but as genuine expressions of faith (Matthew 6:1-18).

Faith and Belief in Jesus

7. Salvation Through Faith: The New Testament teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, acknowledging His death and resurrection as the basis for forgiveness and eternal life (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10).
8. Baptism: Baptism is seen as an outward expression of faith in Jesus and identification with His death and resurrection (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4).

Community and Fellowship

9. Participation in the Body of Christ: Believers are encouraged to be part of a community of faith, supporting one another, worshiping together, and partaking of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Witness and Discipleship

10. The Great Commission: Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).
11. Love and Witness: Believers are called to live out their faith in such a way that others are drawn to Christ through their love and witness (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:15).

Template for Personal Application

To become closer to what Jesus wants, individuals can:

• Cultivate a Personal Relationship with God: Through prayer, reading the Scriptures, and worship.
• Practice Love and Service: Actively seek ways to love and serve others in daily life.
• Pursue Personal Holiness: Strive for moral integrity and righteousness in thoughts, words, and actions.
• Engage in Community: Participate in a faith community for mutual support, accountability, and growth.
• Share the Gospel: Be prepared to share the hope of the Gospel with others through words and actions.

This framework is not a checklist for earning salvation, as salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Instead, it’s a guide for living a life that reflects Jesus’ teachings and His desire for His followers to experience the fullness of life in Him.