There is a canyon of difference between knowing about someone and knowing them. Knowing about someone is easier now than ever. Search a name on the Internet, and all kinds of information tumbles out. Explore Social Media, and you may even learn some intimate details about someone. But all of that still falls short of knowing them. Knowing Jesus is the key to The Jesus Way.
Nearing the end of his sermon, Jesus said this. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”
Jesus is emphasizing doing the Father’s will. He will underline that again in the Sermon’s finale. How do we know God’s will? That’s a big question, but Jesus gave us the answer. Do you know that this is an open-book test?
We know someone’s will, their passion, desires, and motives by getting to know them. Prophesying, casting out demons, and performing miracles aren’t proof of knowing Christ. Going to church, reading the Bible, and tithing aren’t proof of knowing Christ either. Neither is having a ministry that touches hundreds, thousands, or millions of people. Some of these things do lead us towards knowing Christ, and others may be outflows of knowing Christ. But never confuse the doing with the being.
Jesus invites us into a relationship with Him. A connection more intimate than that of a husband and wife. Jesus knows our innermost thoughts and motives – better than ourselves. And He invites us into His thoughts and motives. We discover those with the help of the Holy Spirit through prayer, the Bible (especially the Gospels), and in doing Christ’s will towards those near and far. What that means specifically for you is unique.
However, a finite person never comes to the end of discovering more about an infinite person. While we are fully known by Christ, we do not yet fully know. There is always more to discover and grow into. And with those discoveries come new avenues of doing the Father’s will. However, in God’s estimation, a fledgling newly formed believer is just as welcomed and valued as us seasoned veterans with decades of growing in Christ.
On that last day, many will come and show all of the things they did in Christ’s name. None of those things will impress Christ. For on that day, you are either known by Jesus or not known – and that is all that matters. A cup of water given with the love of Christ is more powerful and valuable than all the church buildings and bank accounts combined. Why? Get to know Jesus, and you’ll discover that for yourself.
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