Do you know Jesus? Most everyone does in some way.
What do you think of Jesus?
- Are you willing to let Jesus be himself with you?
- When you pray, is it more about your own outcomes than Jesus’ higher ways?
- Can you explain seven steps to success, or the threefold office of Christ, or the doctrinal differences between denominations but struggle to recall an intimate moment with Jesus when you experienced his truth?
- Do you bristle at calling Jesus your friend, because he’s not that chummy and occupies a much more professional and ecclesiastical position?
Jesus healed people, put his reputation on the line for prostitutes, called a tax collector guilty of extortion to be his disciple, and upended the legalistic church authorities because he wanted to change lives.
How has Jesus changed your life?
There is a difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus. Just like there is a difference between talking about the sea and diving into its fierce, salty waves.
There is a religious approach that prefers knowing about Jesus to knowing Jesus.
It’s just safer that way. More controlled and objective. The Pharisees in Jesus’ day fit this model. Which is why he avoided them, except to rebuke their hypocrisy.
Church services are presented like seminars, with the right content either intellectual or motivational and certainly doctrinal. Rather than means, this content becomes the end. It’s been presented, there, and God’s people say, “Amen.” We did our duty for another Sunday.
Jesus wasn’t an encyclopedia salesman or a blogger engaging more followers into his content. He was—and still is—the Savior. That means he changes people. Changes lives.
When Jesus asks, “Do you believe in me?” he’s asking, “Do I change you?” It includes faith, repentance, forgiveness, sanctified obedience and spiritually growing closer to Jesus and his friends.
The apostle Paul wrote, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6,7).
Choose your friends and leaders wisely. Connect with people who are connected to Jesus not just professionally or ecclesiastically, but personally and intimately.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, I want friends, mentors and a church fellowship where people who follow you are connected to you. Not just casually. Not just knowing about you. But living their lives as encounters of your truth, your presence, and your life-changing grace. Help me to be that also to others. Amen.
Further Meditation
Explore Colossians chapter 2. The apostle Paul gives a host of clues about his intimate, personal faith as it connects with Jesus. It has changed his life. Where do you see this in his writing? Which of these clues attracts your interest for improvement in your life with Jesus?
