Knowing Jesus
READ
Matthew 7:21-23, John 17:25-26
CONSIDER
Did you know it’s possible to believe in Jesus, but not include him in your daily life? It’s even possible to give him credit for things even though you haven’t included him in the process at all. This is what I would characterize as the difference, in 21st century America, as the difference between what it means to be a Christian and a disciple.
It is by grace through faith that you are saved. It is by how you steward that salvation that you will be judged. That’s true of all of us.
The difference is that Christians believe in Jesus. Disciples know him. They experience him. They have a vibrant relationship with him. Jesus is not only their Savior. He is their Lord.
That’s the distinction Jesus makes in Matthew 7:21-23 and it’s what he’s getting at in John 17:25-26. The world doesn’t know – doesn't have a loving, dependent, submissive relationship with Jesus. His followers, his disciples, do.
REFLECT
Jesus knows you. He made you. Sometimes we let that be an excuse to lay hard on the grace button, saying, “Jesus loves me just as I am.” That’s absolutely true! He does! He also loves you too much to leave you there.
Jesus can know you in every intimate detail of your life without you knowing him in every intimate detail of your life. To know Jesus is to experience him, to submit to him, to life in such close connection with him that he guides your whole life.
Is there anything in your life in which you do not know Jesus? Do you know him in your entertainment, in your politics, in your eating habits, in your rest, in your stress management, in your relationships, in your job, in your finances, in your serving, in your [fill in the blank]?
PRAY
Jesus, I want to know you like you know me. In every possible way. With every facet of my life. Jesus, show me how to know you more. Amen.