Does Jesus Know You?

There are certainly some tough and interesting verses in Scripture.

One interesting place in Scripture is where Jesus says that one day He will turn many away. They think they have called Him “Lord, Lord”, but He will say, “Away from me, I never you.” (See Matthew 7:21-23.)

He doesn’t say, “Away from me, you never knew me.” (And we can certainly know much about God to a large degree by reading Scripture and studying His Word, but that doesn’t mean that we know Him as one friend knows another.)

He says, “I never knew you.” This is in light of the fact that He knows everything about us. So what does He mean in this passage?

The relationship that God has in mind with us goes deep. God wants us to share ourselves with Him and He wants to share Himself with us.

This means I have to come to Him and share my needs – I have to get vulnerable. And I have to be willing to receive something from God.

You see, in my own life, I can share my strengths and kindness with just about anybody. I can freely help others and give to lots of people. I’ll give my time, money, encouragement, and physical help.

But if I am in need myself, this is another story. I will not go to just anyone when I am most vulnerable and broken.  It takes someone I trust, for me to open myself up with another. It takes knowing that someone cares for me and that I’m safe with them, for me to share my needs and problems.

Jesus wants to know us this personally and intimately.

We must receive something from God to participate in His Kingdom and work.

Does God know you? Have you gotten honest with God about your life and your needs?

John 13:1-8 follows along these lines.

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him….

He came to Simon Peter… “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

Where are you in your relationship with Jesus? Has Jesus washed you?Are you able to freely share your needs with Jesus? Have you ever asked Him to lift your burdens that you can’t carry?

(As a side note – do you have at least one person in your life with whom you can be fully honest – warts and all – and who still accepts you? I hope so. For your sake, for your peace and growth, I hope so. This is a hard thing to do – to share the not so pretty –  but definitely worth it if we are seeking peace.)