Getting to Know Jesus

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. — John 20:31

Imagine Jesus savoring boiled fish for breakfast. See his face light up as he delights in a child’s antics. Observe him as he keeps the party going, turning water at a wedding into choice wine.

This is the human Jesus — a man who cried, laughed, slept, conversed and shared affection freely. Few knew Jesus’ personal habits like his twelve disciples. And John, whom Jesus called “beloved,” may have known him best of all.

As an insider, John offers an up-close view of seven of Jesus’ miracles and shares the compelling details of Jesus’ death and resurrection. After all of these real-life stories, John is quick to admit that Jesus did many more miracles: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).

“Trust me,” John seems to say. “I knew him. I loved him. I watched him do miracles, die and come back to life again. Jesus is God’s Son. He proved it!” Though we cannot walk beside human Jesus today, millions have seen him through John’s eyes.

Centuries later, a Jesus-follower named Sundar Singh said this about knowing Jesus Christ: ”There are many Christians who do not feel his glorious presence as something real . . . only when someone surrenders his heart to Jesus can he find him.” Singh knew in his mind who Jesus Christ was — but when he surrendered his heart, he found peace even while he was in prison.

How do you know Jesus? Knowing details about his life and ministry isn’t enough. When you receive his forgiveness, you can go beyond knowing him to loving him. When you spend time with him in prayer, you can go beyond loving him to sensing his presence.

How well do you know Jesus? Knowing details about his life and ministry isn’t enough. When you receive his forgiveness, you can go beyond knowing him to loving him. When you spend time with him in prayer, you can go beyond loving him to sensing his presence. Spend some time this next week reading the book of John and get a closer look at who Jesus is.

Questions for Reflection

1. Do you think you know Jesus or just know about Jesus?
2. How much time each day do you spend with him?
3. How has time in his Word and in prayer helped you to know and love him more?

Article drawn from a devotional in the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible.