Knowing Jesus Intimately

One of the most beautiful expressions of faith is found in the Apostle John’s first letter.

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life.” (1 John 1:1)

John begins his letter the same way he began his Gospel; talking about the Jesus he knew.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God … And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14)

It was with such personal knowledge of Jesus, what he had heard, seen, and touched, that led John to declare this wonderful good news.

“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3)

But can we say the same thing? Have we seen Jesus? Have we heard Him speak? Have we touched Him? Often times we’re like that little boy who responded to his mother’s desire for him to wash his hands.

“Germs and Jesus! Germs and Jesus! That’s all I ever hear around this house! And I’ve never seen either one!”

But we can see, hear, and even touch Jesus!

Jesus said that when we extend our hands to help those in need that we are actually extending our hands and touching Him, Matthew 25:40.

We can also hear Jesus speaking to us through spending time in God’s word, the Bible, and in prayer.

It’s through such encounters with Jesus that our lives will change. It is then that we will want to, like John, share the Jesus we know, and it’s something everyone will want to hear because this is what brings life.