How Jesus Knows You

Daily Reading: John 1

Scripture Focus: How do you know me? (John 1.48)

Devotional Thought: As John Stuart Mill said, “He who knows only his own side of the case, knows little of that.” I think that was Nathanael's problem. He could see things only from his perspective. When Nathanael met Jesus, he was shocked that Jesus already knew him. Jesus describe him as a true Israelite, one without deceit. I can almost picture Nathanael spinning around: "How do you know me?" I wonder if Nathanael was feeling somewhat threatened by Jesus' knowledge of him.

How about you? Do you wonder how Jesus knows you? Jesus knows us by...

• Observation. There is nothing hidden from God's sight. Nothing. Jesus knows us not only on the outside, but also on the inside: "in whom there is no deceit..." He knows our strengths and struggles, our joys and sorrows. He sees it all.

• Creation. "Through him all things were made..." We are not accidents in a cosmic game of chance. He designed us to work a certain way. When things get off-kilter, he knows why.

• Identification. "The Word became flesh and dwelled among us..." He came to be with us. He came to be us. Our experiences are not foreign to him, for he is like us in all things, except without sin.

Jesus knows us and still he loves us! May he find in each one of us "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!"

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you know us and still you love us. Help me, O Lord, to know you and become more and more like you. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 32.8-11

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. 11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!