To know thee
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”John 17:3
Reflection
On the night before the cross, Jesus made a long prayer to the Father, and in it He defined something we usually understand in another way: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." When we hear "eternal life", we think of duration: living forever, in a better place, after death. Jesus, however, defines eternal life as relationship: knowing God. The duration is consequence; the center is the knowing.
The verb "know", in the Bible, is not the accumulation of information. It is personal, intimate knowledge, of those who live together. It is the word used for the relationship between husband and wife. To know God is to experience His presence, to learn His character, to trust His word, to draw near to Him over time. We can know many things about God (doctrines, stories, verses) and still not know Him. Likewise, a simple person may know Him deeply without having studied anything.
Note also the "might know" in the present: eternal life is not only something that begins after death. Whoever knows God already lives a new quality of life today: a life with meaning, with peace, with hope, with direction. Eternity begins now, in the relationship with the Father through the Son. And note the two names together: "the only true God" and "Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent". We know the Father through Jesus, who revealed Him with His life, His words and His cross.
This changes how we use time. If eternal life is knowing God, then every moment given to Him is an investment in what matters most. Today, set aside a few minutes for this: read a passage from one of the Gospels, choose a gesture or a word of Jesus and ask: "What does this show me about God?" Then talk with Him about what you noticed. Knowing is a path, and every day offers a step. And the good news is that He Himself desires to be known by you.
Prayer
Father, thank You that eternal life is knowing You, and not only living forever. Help me know You more each day, through Jesus Christ, whom You sent. May I not be content to know about You, but want to truly know You, and may that knowledge transform my life today. Amen.
Put it into practice
Set aside a few minutes today to read a passage from one of the Gospels, asking: "What does this show me about God?" Then talk with Him about what you noticed.
To reflect on
Do you know more things about God or do you know God Himself, and how could you grow in that intimacy?
Bible text: King James Version (public domain).