35 Important Bible Verses About Putting Jesus First (With Commentary)

Jamie Wilson

Putting Jesus first in our lives is important for every Christian. When we focus on Him and His teachings, we find guidance and peace. The Bible is full of verses that remind us why placing Jesus at the center of our lives can change everything. It helps us to prioritize what truly matters, leading to a more fulfilling life.

Today, we will look at some powerful Bible verses that encourage us to keep Jesus as our top priority. These verses show us how to trust Him more, seek His direction, and love others as He loves us. Let’s see what the Bible says about keeping Jesus first!

Bible Verses About Putting Jesus First

Prioritizing Our Relationship with Jesus

In our walk of faith, it is essential that we prioritize our relationship with Jesus. By doing so, we reinforce our commitment to follow Him in every aspect of our lives. This relationship serves as the foundation for everything else we pursue. When we put Jesus first, we develop a profound sense of love, trust, and devotion in our hearts, allowing us to engage with the world around us from a place of divine strength. Ultimately, prioritizing Jesus in our daily lives helps us face challenges with courage and clarity.

Matthew 6:33

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God’s kingdom and righteousness. When we make His glory our focus, everything else will fall into place according to His plans. We acknowledge that our needs matter to Him and trusting Him brings the assurance we desire.

Philippians 3:8

“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” – Philippians 3:8

This verse highlights the idea of valuing our relationship with Jesus above all else. Everything pales in comparison to knowing Him intimately. It encourages us to let go of worldly distractions and embrace the eternal treasure of Christ.

John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

In this verse, Jesus teaches us the vital connection we must hold with Him. We bear spiritual fruit when we prioritize Jesus and align our lives with His purpose. Apart from Him, our efforts fall short, emphasizing our dependence on Him.

Colossians 3:2

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2

This scripture reminds us to focus on spiritual matters rather than temporary earthly concerns. When we prioritize our relationship with Jesus, we naturally shift our perspective towards eternal values that truly matter.

Matthew 22:37

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'” – Matthew 22:37

Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving God fully. When we put Jesus first, we reflect this command in our lives, allowing our love for Him to shape our thoughts, motives, and actions.

Seeking Jesus in All That We Do

As we pursue our goals, it is crucial that we seek Jesus in all our endeavors. When we do this, we invite His wisdom and guidance into our decision-making processes. By placing Jesus at the forefront, we recognize that our pursuits should align with His will. Trusting in Him helps us navigate through uncertainties and obstacles, enabling a deep sense of peace and purpose as we journey through life. We can be confident that when we seek Him diligently, He will guide our paths along the way.

Psalm 37:4

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

This verse assures us that when we delight in the Lord, our desires align with His. Seeking Jesus first ensures that our wants reflect His perfect plan for us, leading to fulfillment and satisfaction.

James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5

This scripture encourages us to seek God for wisdom when facing decisions. By inviting Jesus into our lives, we can rely on Him to provide direction and insight, ensuring our paths lead toward His intended goals.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Here, we are reminded to trust Jesus wholeheartedly. By submitting our plans to Him, we can confidently expect His guidance in every decision, knowing that He will lead us in the right direction.

Lamentations 3:25

“The Lord is good to those who hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.” – Lamentations 3:25

This verse teaches us that seeking Jesus promises goodness in our lives. When we make an effort to pursue Him earnestly, we can rest assured that He takes care of our needs and desires with love and kindness.

Matthew 7:7

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7

Jesus encourages us to seek Him actively and confidently. Our approach should be persistent, ensuring that we continuously pursue Him, knowing that He is faithful to answer our prayers and provide what we need.

Obeying Jesus’ Commands

Following Jesus also entails obeying His commands. When we prioritize Him, we establish a commitment to live by His principles. Obeying Christ’s teachings leads to a life rooted in love, patience, and grace. It allows our character to be shaped by His words, propelling us toward a more fulfilling relationship with Him. As we willingly choose to live according to His commands, we become witnesses of His love and truth in our own communities and the world beyond.

John 14:15

“If you love me, keep my commands.” – John 14:15

This verse underlines the connection between love and obedience. When we truly love Jesus, our desire becomes to follow His commands and adhere to His teachings, reflecting our devotion to Him.

1 John 5:3

“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” – 1 John 5:3

Here, we learn that genuine love for God is shown through our obedience. When we prioritize Jesus, His commands no longer feel heavy; they become the guiding light that leads us toward joy.

Matthew 28:19-20

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

This Great Commission directs us to share Jesus’ teachings with others. Obeying His commands equips us to fulfill His mission and spread His love throughout the world, making a difference in the lives of others.

James 1:22

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

This verse encourages us to take action. Listening to Jesus’ teachings is not enough; we must be proactive in applying them to our lives, ensuring we truly live out our faith.

Luke 11:28

“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'” – Luke 11:28

When we obey the word of God, we find true blessing. Our commitment to Jesus’ teachings enables us to experience His joy, peace, and assurance in our lives.

Trusting Jesus in Difficult Times

Life can be full of challenges, but when we put Jesus first, we learn to trust in His presence and strength through adversity. Trusting Jesus allows us to rest in the knowledge that He guides us through hardships. We can face difficulties with hope, knowing that His plans are ultimately for our good. By prioritizing Him in hard times, we demonstrate our faith and reliance upon Him, finding comfort in His steadfast love and faithfulness.

1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

This verse reminds us to release our burdens to Jesus, trusting in His loving care. Putting Jesus first means giving our worries to Him, allowing us to find peace even in life’s toughest moments.

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

In this scripture, we find assurance that God is always with us. When we prioritize Jesus, we know that we are never alone, receiving strength to face whatever comes our way.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

This passage encourages us to seek Jesus in all situations. Through prayer, we discover His peace guarding our hearts and minds, equipping us for challenges we might face.

Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

This verse reassures us that, even in difficult times, God is working for our good. Trusting Jesus helps us understand that challenges are part of a greater plan, reminding us of His faithfulness.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Here, we learn that Jesus comforts us in our struggles. When we prioritize Him during challenging times, we can also share that comfort with others, reflecting His love and care in the world.

Living Out Our Faith in Everyday Life

Putting Jesus first impacts every aspect of our daily lives. It’s more than just reading our Bibles or attending church; it’s about bringing His love and teachings into our actions and interactions with others. When we prioritize Jesus, our faith becomes evident in how we treat those around us. We reflect His character and values in our choices, forming genuine connections that exemplify our commitment to Him. Living out our faith allows us to be agents of change in our communities, shining His light in the world.

Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

This verse illustrates the transformation that occurs when we prioritize Jesus. Our lives become reflections of Him, enabling us to live boldly for His glory each day.

1 Timothy 4:12

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

Here, we learn that we have the power to inspire others. By prioritizing Jesus in our daily lives, we can set an example through our actions and words, illustrating our commitment to Him.

Matthew 5:16

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

This verse encourages us to be a light to others. Our actions should showcase Jesus’ love in tangible ways, ultimately bringing glory to God through our choices and deeds.

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17

This scripture emphasizes that our daily lives should reflect our dedication to Jesus. Every word and action should be an expression of our relationship with Him, rooted in gratitude and love.

Romans 12:1

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1

Here, we are called to surrender ourselves to God as an act of worship. Prioritizing Jesus means living sacrificially as we serve Him and others in every area of our lives.

Final Thoughts

Putting Jesus first is essential for living a fulfilling Christian life. We must prioritize our relationship with Him, seek His guidance in all we do, and obey His commands. Trusting Jesus during difficult times helps us find peace, while living out our faith in everyday life shines a light on His love and grace. As we commit ourselves to keeping Jesus at the center of our lives, we create a strong foundation that allows us to experience His joy and purpose more deeply.

I encourage you to continue exploring more topics that can enrich your faith journey. Don’t forget to check out this [guidance on putting God first in your marriage](https://explainingthebible.com/bible-verses-about-putting-god-first-in-your-marriage/) and how to [put God above all](https://explainingthebible.com/bible-verses-about-putting-god-above-all/). Each new insight can strengthen your connection with Jesus and deepen your understanding of His Word.