Two young men were heard discussing the quote Jesus Take the Wheel while sitting in their car.  

The first young man asked his buddy, “You know that saying Jesus take the wheel? Where did that even come from? There’s no biblical evidence that Jesus even knew how to drive.”

The second young man answered, “Bro, Jesus drove a Honda.”

Startled, the first young man questioned, “WHAT?”

The second young man responded with great confidence in his knowledge of scripture, “Do you not read the bible? He didn’t like talking about it. John Chapter 12 verse 49, He says, “For I do not speak of my own accord.”  😀

While that second young man clearly does not understand the true meaning of this verse, I’m proud of him because at least he knew what the verse said. I didn’t know the verse so of course I looked it up to read the whole chapter and learn why Jesus said that. John 12:47-50 reads:

47 “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.

48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.

49 For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.

50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

Basically, the last verses in John 12 can be quickly summarized like this: Some folks believed in Jesus and some did not. Pretty much sums up today, doesn’t it? And, what really breaks my heart is Christianity has dropped almost 12% in the last few years (Max Lucado, 2022). So sad!

When I get frustrated with circumstances or people or whatever, a way to call out to Jesus can be a simple “Jesus, take the wheel.” In his song “See Me through It” Brandon Heath explains why this works… “Things are gettin’ real, Jesus take the wheel. I don’t got this, I know YOU got this. I know you’ll see me through it!” In other words, “HELP, Lord, this is out of my control, and you are bigger than any burdens I will face so I need your help.”

My colleague and friend is often heard saying this. Out of the blue, I’ll hear the voice in the corner office next to mine say out loud, “Jesus! Take the wheel.” Advising almost 100 students can do that to a professor. It’s her code for asking “let’s go for a walk or something” so out the office doors we go to walk the hallways for a little while. I appreciate this about her. She’s real and open and honest, and she would do the same for me. All I would have to say is “Jesus, take the wheel” and she would just know.

Is there someone in your office or school district or classroom who is struggling and may need to go for a walk? Share the code with them and make a promise to each other that when you hear “Jesus, take the wheel,” you’ll take a Jesus break together.  

Yes, Jesus, take the wheel. I give you thanks and honor and glory today and every day (Psalm 86:12). I believe, Lord! Help my unbelief (Mark 9:24). When life gets me down protect me from trouble and keep your loving eye on me (Psalm 32:7-8). Give me the courage to totally trust you today (Proverbs 3:5) and to know you will see me through all my troubles because with you all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Take the wheel, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Stay Calm & Let Him Take the Wheel!
Profs Dr. Wendy & Dr. V.