How to Get to Know Jesus
Today we will talk about how to get to know Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. Getting to know Him is more than just learning facts; it’s about developing a personal relationship with the Son of God. Just as we build friendships with people in our lives, our connection with Jesus should also grow and strengthen over time. We can approach this by reading the Bible, praying, joining a community, and practicing what He taught. As we reflect on God’s word, let’s open our hearts to deepen our understanding of who Jesus truly is. If we take the time to meditate on His teachings and actions, we can better appreciate His love, grace, and purpose for us.
Understanding Who Jesus Is
To genuinely know Jesus, we first need to understand who He is. The name “Jesus” comes from the Hebrew name “Yeshua,” which means “Yahweh is salvation.” This is fitting, as His mission on Earth was to save humanity from sin and bring us closer to God (Matthew 1:21). In the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John, Jesus is referred to as the Word (John 1:1). The Greek term for “Word” is “Logos,” which signifies reason, order, and divine wisdom. This means that Jesus represents the ultimate revelation of God to humanity and embodies the very essence of God’s character.
His divine nature as the Son of God is affirmed by numerous scripture passages. In John 10:30, He states, “I and the Father are one.” This indicates His unity with God and His divine authority. A historical view of Jesus shows that He wasn’t just a great teacher or prophet; He was the Messiah foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament (Isaiah 53:3-5). By understanding His nature and purpose, we can begin to establish a personal relationship with Him, one grounded in truth and faith.
Reading the Bible
One of the best ways to get to know Jesus is through reading the Bible. The Scriptures are filled with accounts of Jesus’ life, teachings, and His incredible love for humanity. As we flip through its pages, let’s be excited to discover the countless stories and lessons that reflect His character.
The New Testament provides four distinct perspectives on Jesus’ life—known as the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel serves a unique purpose, revealing different aspects of Jesus’ nature. For example, the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the King and Messiah (Matthew 1:1), while Mark presents Him as the Servant (Mark 10:45), Luke paints Him as the Savior of all people (Luke 19:10), and John intricately discusses His divine nature and relationship with the Father (John 1:14). By reading all four during our personal study, we get a fuller picture of who Jesus is.
Moreover, the Bible is not just an ancient text; it’s alive and active, as stated in Hebrews 4:12. As we read God’s Word, it speaks to us, guides us, and molds our hearts to align better with Christ’s. Setting aside daily time to read Scripture helps us understand His teachings, His sacrifice, and ultimately His love for us (Romans 15:4). To truly know Jesus, we should approach the Bible with an open heart and a thirst for knowledge.
Prayer: Our Communication with Jesus
Prayer is a vital part of getting to know Jesus. It’s how we communicate with Him and build a relationship, similar to how we chat with friends and family. Through prayer, we express our thoughts, concerns, gratitude, and admiration, allowing us to connect with Jesus in a deeper way.
Jesus emphasized the importance of prayer in His ministry. In Matthew 6:6, He encourages us to pray in private, indicating that our conversations with God are personal and intimate. When we speak to Jesus, we invite Him into our lives. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God. As we share our worries and joys with Him, we develop trust in His plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11).
Moreover, prayer opens the door for God to respond. He may communicate through His Word, bringing clarity or offering guidance. James 1:5 tells us to ask for wisdom, and God generously gives it. As we pray, we deepen our understanding of His will, leading us closer to His heart.
It’s essential to be persistent in our prayers, as seen in Luke 18:1-8, where Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow. This determination shows our faith and dedication to fostering our relationship with Him. As we pray more often, we can truly say we know Jesus better, as we are actively engaging with Him.
Joining a Community of Believers
Being part of a community is vital for growing in faith and getting to know Jesus. Being around fellow believers allows us to share experiences, learn from one another, and grow collectively in our understanding of God’s Word. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that two are better than one, emphasizing the benefit of companionship.
Attending church services is an excellent way to gather with other Christians and worship together. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to not give up meeting together, as this strengthens us in our faith. We can join study groups or Bible studies focused on learning more about Jesus and discussing His teachings. Sharing our thoughts and insights allows us to witness different perspectives while fostering unity in the faith.
Additionally, participating in missions or serving others helps us embody Jesus’ love and compassion (Matthew 25:40). It allows us to see Him in action and reminds us of the importance of serving those around us. Serving others opens our hearts and helps us learn more about His character, moving beyond head knowledge to a heartfelt understanding.
Building relationships with other Christians provides accountability in our faith. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals encourages us during challenging times. As we support one another, we foster a deeper sense of community and connection to Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Sharing our struggles and victories gives us a more profound understanding of Jesus’ role in our lives.
Living Out His Teachings
One of the most meaningful ways to get to know Jesus is to put His teachings into practice. Action brings understanding. When we live out His principles in our lives, we experience firsthand the impact of His love, grace, and wisdom. Jesus summed up the law and the prophets in Matthew 22:37-40, emphasizing love—love for God and love for others. By embodying this love, we begin to grasp the essence of His character.
In our everyday lives, we can choose kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. For instance, in Matthew 5:16, Jesus instructs us to let our light shine before others, reflecting His glory through our actions. When we choose to respond to conflicts with grace or lend a helping hand to those in need, we are practically demonstrating Jesus’ teachings.
Additionally, the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls us to share the message of Jesus with others. This isn’t just about spreading the Gospel but living it out through our personal conduct. As we share our faith, we grow closer to Jesus and understand His desire for all humanity to know Him.
Living out His teachings requires effort and commitment. It also invites challenges as we navigate life’s unpredictability. However, 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that His grace is sufficient for us. In our weaknesses, we can find strength in Him, which further enhances our connection to Jesus.
Final Thoughts
In summary, getting to know Jesus is a journey, not a destination. It involves reading Scripture to understand His identity, praying to communicate with Him, surrounding ourselves with a community of believers, and living out His teachings in our daily lives. Each step we take strengthens our relationship with Him and deepens our appreciation for what He has done for us. As we embark on this journey, let’s remember that the process is just as important as the outcome. Together, let’s commit ourselves to truly knowing Jesus, so we can experience the fullness of His love and grace.
As we seek Him with our hearts and minds, we will discover the joy of walking alongside our Savior. Let’s take the time to create moments of prayer, study, fellowship, and action. He is waiting with open arms, ready to reveal more of Himself to us as we take our steps of faith.
Ultimately, knowing Jesus transforms our lives, guiding us in love, purpose, and faith. Let’s encourage one another to continue this beautiful journey together.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4