Knowing Jesus and Being Known by Jesus
In these last days, only those who both know Jesus and are known by Jesus can receive God’s salvation. How, then, does the Bible define those who know Jesus and those who are known by Jesus?
1. Those Who Know Jesus
1 John 2:3–4
“By this we know that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. Whoever says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.”
This passage clearly teaches that only those who obey the commandments of Jesus truly know Him. This biblical definition is entirely different from the world’s understanding of what it means to know Christ. The next question, then, is: How can a person be known by Jesus?
2. Those Who Are Known by Jesus
1 John 2:5
“But whoever keeps His word, truly in that person the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him.”
John 14:23
Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”
These passages reveal that only those who keep the words of Jesus receive His indwelling presence and remain in Christ. Those who abide in Christ are those who are known by Jesus. Conversely, those who do not abide in Christ are not known by Him.
3. Jesus Knows His Sheep
John 10:27
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.”
From this passage we learn that Jesus knows His sheep and grants them eternal life. But who are His sheep?
4. Jesus’ Sheep Are His Disciples
Luke 14:26–27
“If anyone comes to Me and does not love Me more than father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.” (cf. the comparative sense expressed in Matthew 10:37)
Matthew 10:37–38
“Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”
These passages teach that a person must love Jesus above all else—even above family and personal life—in order to become His disciple. Those who follow Him in this way are His sheep, whom He knows.
5. Jesus Rejects Those He Does Not Know
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who continually does the will of My Father in heaven.”
This verse teaches that those who do not continue doing the will of God will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 7:22
“Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and perform many miracles in Your name?’”
This passage shows that even those who preach, cast out demons, and perform miracles in Jesus’ name will not enter the kingdom if they do not continue to do God’s will as revealed in His Word.
Matthew 7:23
“Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’”
These verses teach that those who refuse to continue doing God’s will—even if they have performed impressive religious works—are not known by Jesus. He calls them evildoers. If a person is not known by Jesus, how can that person expect to escape God’s final judgment and the lake of fire?
Conclusion
The Bible defines knowing Jesus not as merely professing faith, possessing biblical knowledge, showing religious enthusiasm, or even performing miracles in His name. Rather, it is demonstrated by continually keeping the commandments and word of Jesus.
Only those who continually keep Christ’s commands abide in Him, hear His voice, love Him above all else, walk in His light, take up their cross, and faithfully follow Him. These are the true sheep whom Jesus knows, and to them He gives eternal life.
Jesus’ sheep are His true disciples. Therefore, every believer should examine himself daily—not merely calling Jesus “Lord,” but living in reverent obedience to God and continually doing His will. As their lives bear the fruit of righteousness, they will be ready for Christ’s return and will receive His joyful approval: “I know you.” Amen.
