Do you want too? Is usually the next ? I get after being asked if I know him. I’ve heard this ? Several times in my life and it always set me back. When I really think about it the answer was always no. And the answer is yes I would love to know him. It always made me feel bad after being asked these questions until a couple years ago when I was reading my Bible and came across the quote no one knows the son but the father! Kinda set me back. And I no longer felt bad for not knowing our lord. Since I have asked a few pastors the ? And they say yes they know him. What does that mean?
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“If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” – John 14:7
The Importance of Knowing Jesus
As we reflect on knowing Jesus personally, we discover that this relationship goes beyond mere knowledge of His existence. It’s about understanding who He is and what He means to us. Knowing Jesus means more than learning facts; it involves experiencing His love and grace in our everyday lives. This knowledge transforms us, guiding us through challenges and helping us grow spiritually. We are reminded that Jesus is more than a historical figure; He is our Savior and friend, and knowing Him can change everything. Let’s open our hearts to Him and allow this intimate connection to flourish in our lives.
Philippians 3:8
“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” – Philippians 3:8
John 17:3
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3
Colossians 3:3
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:3
Ephesians 3:19
“And to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:19
2 Peter 1:2
“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” – 2 Peter 1:2
The Relationship We Develop
As we grow in our knowledge of Jesus, a beautiful relationship develops. This bond shapes our identity and influences our choices. Knowing Jesus personally lets us experience His love, forgiveness, and guidance. It’s like discovering a true friend who is always there for us. In our times of joy and in moments of struggle, His presence brings comfort and strength. This relationship invites us to share our thoughts, fears, and dreams with Him. Let us embrace the closeness that comes from knowing Jesus and seek to deepen this vital connection each day.
Romans 5:1
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
John 15:15
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15
1 John 5:20
“We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true— by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” – 1 John 5:20
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
The Role of Faith in Knowing Jesus
Faith plays a crucial role as we strive to know Jesus personally. It is through our faith that we open the door to a relationship with Him. Trusting in His promises allows us to experience His presence within our hearts. Faith encourages us to seek Him earnestly in prayer and in His Word. As we nurture our faith, we discover deeper insights into who Jesus is and how much He loves us. Our faith grows stronger as we witness His work in our lives and the lives of others, reminding us that knowing Jesus is a journey of trusting and believing in His goodness.
John 20:29
“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'” – John 20:29
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
The Comfort of Knowing Jesus
Knowing Jesus personally brings incredible comfort to our lives. When we face challenges, fears, or heartbreak, His presence reassures us that we are never alone. Jesus walks beside us, offering His love, understanding, and peace. We can face any storm with the knowledge that He cares for us deeply. His words remind us of the hope we have in Him, which gives us strength to carry on. In knowing Jesus, we find a friend who supports us, comforts us, and shares in our joys and sorrows. Let’s take solace in this truth, finding peace in His presence each day.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Psalms 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalms 34:18
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Psalms 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalms 46:1
The Power of Jesus’ Love
35 Important Bible Verses About Knowing Jesus Personally (Explained) - Bible Repository.
This may help you.
J.
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It’s difficult to explain in words what it means to know Jesus. This word ‘know’ in the Bible means something more than what our word know means. It’s actually used to describe relations between a man and woman. For example: Adam knew his wife. But basically to say you know Jesus means you have a right relationship with Him. It’s not just a head knowledge, but a heart knowledge. You spend time with Him and by His Spirit, He directs your life. In the gospel Jesus says that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. Even in using an every day example, what does it take to truly know someone? It takes time, commitment and desire. You may know of someone, but not know them.
As for the verse you quoted, I think you need to consider that Jesus said this before the cross when our relationship with God changed. Peter made a declaration that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, and Jesus said that it was the Father who revealed that to him. Matt 16:15-17 It’s the same today because God seals us with the Holy Spirit when we come to faith. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us.
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Not really sorella-
In Scripture, knowing God and knowing Jesus is never reduced to awareness or data acquisition, but is consistently expressed through relational, covenantal, experiential, and obedient knowledge, and this is reflected precisely in the Hebrew and Greek vocabulary the Bible uses.
In Hebrew, the foundational verb is יָדַע yadaʿ, meaning to know by experience, recognition, relationship, and covenantal intimacy, not mere cognition, used for knowing God personally ~Jeremiah 9:23–24,
Jer 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
for marital intimacy ~Genesis 4:1,
Gen 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
and for covenant faithfulness ~Hosea 6:6,
Hos 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Hos 6:7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.
…showing that to know Yahweh is to live in relational fidelity grounded in His self revelation.
Closely related is בִּין bin, meaning to discern or understand with insight, often used for understanding God’s ways rather than merely His existence ~Psalm 119:34, indicating a moral and perceptive knowing shaped by obedience.
Psa 119:33 HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
Psa 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
The verb שָׁמַע shamaʿ, meaning to hear with the implication of obeying, functions as a knowing word because in Hebrew thought hearing God truly means responding faithfully ~Deuteronomy 6:4–5, so knowledge of God is inseparable from submission to His word.
Deu 6:3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.
Deu 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Deu 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Another covenantal term is חָכַם chakam, meaning to be wise, which in biblical usage refers to skillful living aligned with the fear of Yahweh ~Proverbs 1:7, meaning one knows God rightly when one lives in reverent obedience shaped by His instruction.
In the Greek Scriptures, the primary verb is γινώσκω ginōskō, meaning to know relationally, experientially, and progressively, used explicitly by Jesus for eternal life, where eternal life is defined not as duration but as knowing the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent ~John 17:3 Berean Literal Bible.
Closely related but distinct is οἶδα oida, meaning to know intuitively or with settled awareness, often used for factual or perceptual knowledge, yet even this term can be elevated relationally when used of God’s self knowledge or Christ’s knowledge of the Father ~John 8:55, showing completeness rather than abstraction.
The noun ἐπίγνωσις epignōsis intensifies knowledge to full, deep, or mature knowledge, often used by Paul to describe growing, Spirit wrought knowledge of God in Christ that transforms life and conduct ~Colossians 1:9–10, indicating knowledge that is the result of revelation and response, not mere study.
The verb ἐπιγινώσκω epiginōskō parallels this depth, meaning to recognize fully or to know accurately, often connected with conversion and illumination ~Acts 3:17, showing movement from ignorance to covenantal recognition.
The verb θεωρέω theōreō, meaning to behold or perceive attentively, is used in Johannine theology for perceiving Jesus rightly, often with spiritual insight rather than physical sight alone ~John 6:40, indicating that knowing Christ involves spiritual perception granted by God.
The verb πιστεύω pisteuō, meaning to believe or trust, functions as a knowing verb in John’s Gospel, because believing in Christ is the means by which one comes to know Him truly ~John 6:29, showing that faith is epistemological in Scripture, not merely volitional.
The noun ἀλήθεια alētheia, meaning truth as unveiled reality, is inseparable from knowing Jesus, because Jesus does not merely speak truth but embodies it, making knowledge of Him the knowledge of truth itself ~John 14:6 Berean Literal Bible.
Finally, the verb μένω menō, meaning to abide or remain, defines ongoing knowledge of Christ, because knowing Him is sustained through continued relational dwelling rather than a momentary act ~John 15:4–7, showing that biblical knowledge is maintained through communion.
Taken together, the Hebrew and Greek vocabulary makes the biblical claim unmistakable, to know God and to know Jesus is relational, covenantal, obedient, revealed, and lived, never abstract, never mechanical, and never detached from trust, faithfulness, and the transforming work of the Spirit.
There are additional terms that could be explored, but these are sufficient for the point at hand, and thank you for the depth, seriousness, and penetrating clarity of the questions you consistently raise.
Shalom.
J.
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I don’t have your vocabulary or knowledge. It is difficult for me.
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Once again I apologize @Bestill and will quote the verses in future with you.
J.
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When people ask, “Do you know Jesus Christ?” the real issue is not familiarity or religious confidence. Scripture never treats knowing Christ as a casual claim. Jesus said plainly, “No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him” ~Matthew 11:27. That removes human pride from the equation. No one knows Christ because they tried hard enough or felt close enough. He must be revealed.
That is why the confident answers should trouble us more than the honest ones. Jesus warned that many would say “Lord, Lord” and still hear, “I never knew you” ~Matthew 7:22–23. These were religious people who used His name but lived for their own ends. Scripture does not measure knowing Christ by words or feelings but by submission. “Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” ~1 John 2:3.
Paul, already redeemed, still said, “That I may know him” ~Philippians 3:10. Knowing Christ is not a spiritual trophy. It is a life brought under His authority for the glory of God. So the question is not whether we feel bad for not knowing Him, nor whether we can confidently say we do. The question is whether Christ has been revealed to us, whether we have bowed to who He is, and whether our lives now exist for His will and not our own. Anything less may sound religious, but Scripture does not call it knowing Him.
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Hold on, you’re not having a vocabulary problem. You’re having a problem because Johann is mixing opinion/devotional language into what’s supposed to be a straightforward biblical answer. That’s confusing because it shifts the question away from the Bible’s own teaching and focuses it on an impression of feelings, experience, and relationship.
The Bible is clear and plain on this point. Knowing Christ is not measured by how close someone is, how much they are comforted, or how eloquently they can summarize their thoughts. The Bible measures knowing Christ by revelation and obedience. “Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” ~1 John 2:3. Jesus even warned that many would come on that day confidently proclaiming their relationship with Him and still be unknown by Him ~Matthew 7:22–23. Sincerity and religious language are not the test.
Johann is conflating fruit with definition. Comfort, peace, and assurance may come after salvation, but they are not what salvation is. When those things are seen as the definition of knowing Jesus, you end up blurring the Bible’s own warnings on this matter. Scripture never makes you sort through opinion or spiritual vocabulary. It only asks if Christ has been revealed to you, and if your life has been submitted to Him.
Don’t be discouraged. The Bible was written for plain people who are willing to hear it. Stick with what Scripture plainly says and don’t allow the added commentary to make you doubt what God has already made clear.
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All very good food for thought. I’m new here my name is John. This is the first time I have ever really entered a forum. I have a lot of questions on my mind my heart and my spirit. thats why im here. I guess you can say I’m hungry. For truth. For righteousness, knowledge. And understanding. All things I have found God and his people to be full of. The things all people hunger for with or without knowledge of it. My faith is established. For it is in Jesus Christ. He is the word. The truth and the way. And one question how can this be. Without knowing him or his good people.if not for the word that is alive and is forever. So written. Because this world surely does not teach these principles I have learned to be facts. So I search for the reason why. And have seemed to find a lack of light. If you find light with in don’t hide it under the bed. Shine it for all to see. If that one command was followed. This world would become the world of the lord our God. That he loved so.
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John, hunger is a good thing. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” ~Matthew 5:6. The desire for truth, righteousness, and understanding does not originate in the world. That desire comes from God.
And you are right about the source of that light. We do not discover Christ by introspection or by imitation of others. We know Him because God has revealed Him through His Word. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” ~Romans 10:17. That is why the Bible is distinct in a dark world. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God” ~1 Corinthians 2:14.
One loving caution as you engage in discussions here. Not everything taught in forums is biblical, even when verses are quoted. Many people will combine Scripture with personal opinion, experience, timelines, or private interpretation. That results in confusion, not light. Scripture warns us about this. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit… and not after Christ” ~Colossians 2:8. The safest course is to remain anchored to what the Bible actually says, in context. “Learn not to think of men above that which is written” ~1 Corinthians 4:6.
Light is not something we invent or embellish. It is something God has already given. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” ~Psalm 119:105. If something sounds impressive but goes beyond Scripture, put it aside. Keep your faith in Christ as He is revealed in the Word, and you will be on solid ground.
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Agreed. I feel you. The light is jesus christ. And it is the the light of man. Given freely and to be given freely. As needed!
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Welcome John. I’m glad to see you.
That’s true and sometimes that is what a thread is, especially in the theology section. The author of the thread is looking for a better understanding of the Scriptures. In this we need to be careful how we respond. But that’s not always the case and some threads are about fellowship or sharing or personal experience. You can tell what’s being asked by the question being asked. What is our faith anyways if it’s not lived out and if we’re living it out, we share our experience. They call that testimony.
I think its important to really look at the question being asked and determine if a personal reflection is invited or if there’s a question on Scripture. I’ve seen it mixed up in some threads. Especially where a personal reflection is invited and the answer is a bunch of Scripture verses. There’s nothing personal in just quoting Scripture. Better yet is how that Scripture works out in your life.
Welcome to the family @Hungry aka John.
Peter
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Thank you John. I think our testimony does proclaim Christ. My testimony is what Jesus has done in my life, so its about Jesus. I look to a verse in Revelation that tells me how important our testimony is.
“They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.” 12:11
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It simply means, that they have accepted Jesus into their heart, and as their lord and master. To serve God, by witnessing, preaching, leading others to the singular hope–Jesus himself.
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And they will do greater things than jesus!why and how?
In John 14:12, Jesus makes an amazing statement: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (emphasis added). Jesus performed many amazing and wonderful works—raising the dead, walking on water, and feeding thousands come to mind—how can it be true that those who have faith in Him will perform “even greater” works than those?
In saying that those who believe in Him would do the works that He did, Jesus was not saying that every Christian would walk on water and raise the dead. The apostles in the book of Acts performed some miracles that were similar to Jesus’ works, but even they did not walk on water or feed multitudes, as far as we know. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people as He sees fit (1 Corinthians 12:4). Not everyone has the same set of gifts. Some believers have more public gifts, and others have quieter, more private gifts.
Jesus said that not only would His followers do the same works, but they would do “greater” works than He. Again, this is not a reference to the works’ being greater in power. Jesus had raised Lazarus, who had been four days in the tomb (John 11); humanly speaking, not even the apostles did a greater work than that. No one has ever exceeded the power or majesty of Jesus’ miracles.
So, what did Jesus mean that His faithful followers would do “greater” works than He? Without a doubt, the works of Jesus’ followers would be greater in extent. Jesus’ earthly ministry had been largely limited to Galilee and Judea; His disciples, however, were going to extend His ministry to the uttermost parts of the earth. When Jesus ascended to heaven, His followers numbered in the hundreds; forty days later, in response to the preaching of the apostles, that number leaped into the thousands (Acts 2:41). By the end of Acts, the gospel had made its way to Rome.
Jesus links the works of His followers with the fact of His return to heaven. In fact, He says His absence is the cause of their greater works: “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12, emphasis added). Jesus later told His disciples that the gift of the Holy Spirit depended on Jesus’ return to heaven (John 16:7). It was through the Spirit that the church is enabled to do the work of God.
Jesus also links the greater works His followers will do to the promise of answered prayer. His very next words: “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:13–14).
The words of Jesus in John 14 were of great comfort to His eleven disciples. He was about to be arrested and suffer a cruel and unjust death. The disciples themselves would be scattered that night. But Jesus assures them that, no matter what happens, God’s work will continue in the world. Even after Jesus’ earthly ministry ended, His work would go on. The followers of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, would continue to help and heal people. The gospel would have a worldwide impact. As God’s people pray in Jesus’ name, answers would come, and the greatest miracle of all—the spiritual transformation of a sinful heart through faith in Christ—would become commonplace, to the glory of God.
QUESTION - Is it really possible for Christians to do greater works than Jesus
ANSWER - In John 14:12, Jesus makes an amazing statement: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (emphasis added). Jesus performed many amazing and wonderful works—raising the dead, walking on water, and feeding thousands come to mind—how can it be true that those who have faith in Him will perform “even greater” works than those?
Jesus was not saying that every Christian would walk on water and raise the dead
In saying that those who believe in Him would do the works that He did, Jesus was not saying that every Christian would walk on water and raise the dead. The apostles in the book of Acts performed some miracles that were similar to Jesus’ works, but even they did not walk on water or feed multitudes, as far as we know. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people as He sees fit (1 Corinthians 12:4). Not everyone has the same set of gifts. Some believers have more public gifts, and others have quieter, more private gifts.
this is not a reference to the works’ being greater in power.
Jesus said that not only would His followers do the same works, but they would do “greater” works than He. Again, this is not a reference to the works’ being greater in power. Jesus had raised Lazarus, who had been four days in the tomb (John 11); humanly speaking, not even the apostles did a greater work than that. No one has ever exceeded the power or majesty of Jesus’ miracles.
So, what did Jesus mean that His faithful followers would do “greater” works than He?
So, what did Jesus mean that His faithful followers would do “greater” works than He? Without a doubt, the works of Jesus’ followers would be greater in extent. Jesus’ earthly ministry had been largely limited to Galilee and Judea; His disciples, however, were going to extend His ministry to the uttermost parts of the earth. When Jesus ascended to heaven, His followers numbered in the hundreds; forty days later, in response to the preaching of the apostles, that number leaped into the thousands (Acts 2:41). By the end of Acts, the gospel had made its way to Rome.
How do you understand this verse?
J.
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Your on point. so how could the apostles whom he was talking to in scripture,do greater works than there master. Had to stump them all. We don’t see it in the world for sure. You could look at the world and ask yourself. What have they done? That would qualify as works greater than his. Or can it be seen? His name is as described. Jesus’s name is at all 4 corners of the earth. After 2000 years. A feat i would say is greater than raising the dead.