When we talk about what Jesus wants for us, we need to remember that His desires come from love—not selfishness or control. In John 15:9, Jesus says, “Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love” (NASB). That’s not a temporary or shallow feeling. It’s a strong, lasting love that led Jesus to give His life for us. He wants us to stay close to Him, enjoy His grace, and build our lives on the truth found in His Word.
Jesus isn’t far off. He came to earth to be close to us and show us how to live. His death on the cross shows how much He wants to save us. His rising from the grave shows how much He wants to give us victory. And His Word shows us what kind of lives He wants us to live.
Let’s take a closer look at what Jesus desires for each of us—and let’s ask ourselves: Do I want these things too?
I. He Wants Us to Be Saved
Jesus said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10, NASB). Jesus came to rescue people. He didn’t come to point fingers—He came to bring us back to God. As John 3:17 says, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.”
God wants everyone to be saved. In 1 Timothy 2:4, Paul says God “desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” That includes you. Jesus died for everyone, but not everyone will accept Him. He gives the invitation, but we must respond—by believing in Him, turning away from our sins, and being baptized (Acts 2:38).
Jesus wants to save you. He left heaven for you. He gave His life for you. And He rose again for you. But He won’t force you—you have to choose Him.
II. He Wants Us to Be Made Holy
Jesus not only wants to save us—He wants to make us holy. That means He wants to clean up our hearts and help us live better. In John 17:17, Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (NASB). To be sanctified means to be set apart for God and to live differently from the world.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Paul writes, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.” God wants us to live clean, honest, and faithful lives. Being holy means we don’t just stop doing wrong—it also means we start doing what’s right. We grow a little more like Jesus every day.
This isn’t always easy. It’s a daily journey. But Jesus wants our hearts to be pure—not just on the outside, but deep inside. He died not just to forgive our sins, but to help us overcome sin.
III. He Wants Us to Be United
Before Jesus went to the cross, He prayed that His followers would be united. He said, “I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one” (John 17:20–21, NASB).
Jesus doesn’t want His people to fight and divide. He wants us to be one—to love each other, to stand together, and to follow Him with one heart. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul told the church, “Now I urge you… that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you.”
We may have different backgrounds and opinions, but Jesus wants us to be united in truth and love. A united church shows the world what Jesus is like. A divided church only causes confusion. Jesus wants us to work together.
IV. He Wants Us to Grow and Do Good
Jesus wants our lives to show real change. In John 15:8 He said, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (NASB). Bearing fruit means showing the results of following Jesus.
This includes our attitude and character—the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23, NASB). It also includes doing good works—helping others, teaching about Jesus, and living faithfully. Jesus said, “I chose you… that you would go and bear fruit” (John 15:16, NASB).
We won’t be perfect. But we should be growing. Are we becoming more like Jesus? Are we doing things that help others see Him in us? Jesus wants us to grow and live in a way that honors Him.
V. He Wants Us to Serve Others
Jesus showed us what serving others looks like. He said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, NASB). Jesus helped people, healed people, and even washed His disciples’ feet.
He wants us to have the same attitude. Philippians 2:5 says, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (NASB). That means we don’t live just for ourselves—we live to help others.
We serve not because we have to, but because we love Jesus. Galatians 5:13 says, “Through love serve one another.” Service is how we show love. Even small acts of kindness matter when they come from a heart that follows Jesus.
Conclusion: Do I Want What Jesus Wants?
Jesus has made it clear what He wants for our lives. He wants us to be saved. He wants us to live holy lives. He wants us to be united with other believers. He wants us to grow and do good. And He wants us to serve others with love.
These things aren’t meant to weigh us down—they’re meant to lift us up. When we live this way, we find joy, purpose, and peace. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart” (NASB). When we want what Jesus wants, we find what truly matters.
So here’s the question: Do I want what Jesus wants for me? Or am I holding back? Jesus is waiting for us to respond. He’s calling each of us to follow Him—not just in word, but in life.
Let’s say yes. Let’s live the kind of life Jesus wants for us. And let’s show the world what it means to truly follow Him.
The Simple Gospel 