What Will You Do With Jesus?

Good Friday stirs deep thoughts. Thoughts of the cross. Of sacrifice. Of love so immense it’s beyond our grasp, yet somehow, we know it’s real.

As we pause to reflect on the meaning of this day, one question rises above the rest.

It’s a question first posed by Pontius Pilate, but it echoes still. One old hymn puts it plainly:

“What shall I do with Jesus? What shall my answer be?

Question with question I answer, What will He do with me?”

Written in the late 1800s, this hymn captures a truth that remains personal, and pressing. It invites us to wrestle with something we often avoid.

Sin.
Forgiveness.
Redemption.

These are not easy topics. Sin, especially, is uncomfortable. It makes us squirm, or want to look the other way. But to God, it’s serious. Serious enough that He provided a costly, beautiful solution.

The Hope of the Cross

The Easter story tells of Jesus Christ, His journey to the cross, His glorious resurrection, and His triumph over sin and death. It tells of a Savior who paid the penalty we could not. One who died in our place so we might live in freedom and forgiveness.

       “It is finished.”

Those three words, spoken by Jesus on the cross, mark the turning point of history. The burden of sin was lifted. The chasm between us and God was bridged. Through Jesus, we are welcomed into eternal fellowship.

That is grace. That is Good Friday.

Neutral You Just Can’t Be

One line from the hymn continues to ring in my heart:

There’s no middle ground. Each of us is invited to respond, not because guilt is ignored, but because guilt has been dealt with. Jesus took our sin and bore its full weight. The penalty was paid, not passed over. And that’s what makes His love so amazing.

We come not just out of guilt, but in response to grace. Out of awe. Out of the realization that we are seen, known, and still loved beyond measure.

If you’ve never answered that question, or if your heart has wandered and you long to come home, maybe today is the day to pause and consider.

What will you do with Jesus?

A Song and a Savior

Throughout the years, hymns and songs have asked the question that matters most: What will you do with Jesus? It’s a question that doesn’t fade with time. It finds us still, wherever we are, and calls us to respond.

Hope you will find a moment to listen to this short video from Alistair Begg. With clear, heartfelt truth, he reminds us what Jesus accomplished on the cross, and why that changes everything. It’s a message of substitution, grace, and certain hope.

And if you’d like to read the full original hymn by Albert B. Simpson (1905), you’ll find the lyrics just below. The words still speak today, reminding us of the most important decision we’ll ever make.

Jesus Is Standing in Pilate’s Hall
by Albert B. Simpson (1905)

Jesus is standing in Pilate’s hall,
Friendless, forsaken, betrayed by all;
Hearken! what meaneth the sudden call!
What will you do with Jesus?

Chorus:
What will you do with Jesus?
Neutral you cannot be;
Someday your heart will be asking,
“What will He do with me?”

Jesus is standing on trial still,
You can be false to Him if you will,
You can be faithful thro’ good or ill:
What will you do with Jesus? (Chorus)

Will you evade Him as Pilate tried?
Or will you choose Him, whate’er betide?
Vainly you struggle from Him to hide:
What will you do with Jesus? (Chorus)

Will you, like Peter, your Lord deny?
Or will you scorn from His foes to fly,
Daring for Jesus to live or die?
What will you do with Jesus? (Chorus)

“Jesus, I give Thee my heart today!
Jesus, I’ll follow Thee all the way,
Gladly obeying Thee!” will you say:
“This I will do with Jesus!” (Chorus)

Scripture for Reflection

May this Good Friday draw you closer to the heart of the One who gave everything for you. He’s still asking. And He’s still knocking.

So… what will you do with Jesus?