Ask

He told them that he was leaving.

Where was he going?

The disciples were perplexed. He said they knew the way.

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? (John 14:5-9)

As I pondered this passage, the question came to mind: “Do I know Jesus?”

I have studied theology at a Bible college. I can discuss the perplexity of Christ’s hypostatic union-how Christ is fully God and also fully man. I have written numerous blogs about Jesus and listened to scholarly men lecture on the life of Christ. But do I truly know Jesus?

Years of biblical study does not equal knowing Jesus. The scribes and Pharisees knew the Bible very well, but they did not know Jesus.

What does it mean to know him?

Do I know him as my Savior from sin? Yes

Do I know him as the creator? Yes

Then what do I lack?

There are moments I doubt his love. I wonder if he will answer my prayers. There are many days when my mind is filled with fear.

Perfect love casts out fear. Jesus is perfect love. Therefore, if I am fearful then I do not know the perfect love of Jesus and my knowledge of Jesus is lacking. Is this a logical statement?

Does knowing Jesus mean I will not feel fear? No, feeling fear is not sinful. When does fear becomes sinful? When does an emotion become a transgression?

Heavenly Father,

Today I am asking lots of questions, but don’t seem to have many answers. You said if we ask, then we would receive. I am asking You to show me how to know you better. I am asking you to give me concrete ways to be victorious over fear. I pray for those who read this blog, that you would give them courage to face their fears and learn to truly know you.