Dancing: What Did Jesus Say about Dancing

Jesus Christ does not directly address the topic of dancing in the Gospels, and there are no direct quotations from Jesus about dancing in the New Testament. Dancing, as a form of expression or celebration, is mentioned in the Bible, but not specifically in the teachings or sayings of Jesus. That said, the Bible does reference dancing in various contexts, both positively and negatively, but these instances are generally in the Old Testament or not directly related to Jesus’ teachings.

One reference to dancing in a positive light is found in the Old Testament, in the context of celebration and joy before God:

• Exodus 15:20-21: “Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.'”

This instance reflects dancing as a form of worship and celebration of God’s deliverance.

Three main takeaways related to dancing, based on the broader context of the Bible, might be:

1. Dancing as an Expression of Joy and Worship: In biblical contexts, dancing is often associated with joy, celebration, and worship, suggesting that it can be an appropriate response to God’s blessings and deliverance when done with pure intentions and in a manner that honors God.
2. Mindfulness of Context and Conduct: While the Bible doesn’t explicitly prohibit dancing, it emphasizes the importance of behaviors that honor God. Christians are encouraged to be mindful of their actions and the contexts in which they engage in activities like dancing, ensuring that their conduct reflects their faith and values.
3. Focus on God’s Priorities: Jesus’ teachings, while not addressing dancing directly, consistently point towards loving God and loving others as oneself (Matthew 22:37-39). The principle takeaway from Jesus’ teachings would be to prioritize actions and behaviors that align with these commandments, whether in dancing or any other aspect of life.

In summary, while Jesus does not specifically mention dancing, the broader biblical narrative offers guidance on how activities like dancing can be viewed within the Christian faith—as potential expressions of joy and worship when approached with the right heart and intentions.