A Simple Look at a Life-Changing Relationship
Have you ever wondered what it really means to “know Jesus”? The Bible uses everyday pictures to help us understand this amazing idea. Let’s break it down in plain language.
Four Everyday Pictures
The Bible says knowing God is a lot like these four relationships:
- A child knowing their father — someone you look up to and trust to take care of you.
- A wife knowing her husband — a close, loving partnership where you support each other.
- A subject knowing their king — showing respect and following someone who leads you.
- A sheep knowing its shepherd — relying on someone to guide and protect you.
In all these examples, the person “knowing” looks up to someone who takes responsibility for their well-being. The Bible teaches that to know God is to be loved and cared for by Him.
Knowing God Through Jesus
But how do we get to know God like this? The Bible says we can only truly know God by knowing Jesus Christ. Jesus is God in human form. He once said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” In other words, if you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus.
When Jesus lived on earth, his followers were just regular people. Jesus called them to himself, became their friend, and shared his mission with them. They realized that Jesus wasn’t just a great teacher—he was God’s Son, the one sent to bring eternal life. This realization changed everything for them. Their lives were never the same after they came to know him.
Knowing Jesus Today
After Jesus rose from the dead, the Bible tells us he’s still alive and available to anyone, anywhere. So, you and I can have the same kind of relationship with Jesus that his first followers did. There are a few differences, though:
- We don’t see Jesus with our eyes; his presence with us is spiritual and invisible.
- We get to understand who Jesus is and what he did for us right from the start, thanks to the Bible.
- Jesus speaks to us now through the words he spoke in the Bible and by helping us understand them in our hearts.
But the heart of it is the same: knowing Jesus means following him, trusting him, and letting him lead our lives.
What Does It Look Like in Everyday Life?
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” That means we “hear” Jesus when we accept his claims about who he is, trust his promises, and say “yes” to his call. He promises to give eternal life and never let go of those who follow him.
To know Jesus is to be saved by Jesus—from guilt, from fear, from death, and from all that separates us from God. It’s not just about knowing facts about him; it’s about having a relationship where he is your guide, friend, and Savior.
In Simple Terms…
Knowing Jesus is like having the best kind of relationship—one where you are loved, protected, and never alone. He invites you to walk with him, learn from him, and trust him with your life. When you know Jesus, you are truly known and cared for by God himself.
Minister A Francine Green, April 2026
afrancinegreen.com 