10 Ways to Know Jesus Better
This devotional is part of our devotional series, 10 Ways to Know Jesus Better. Consider reading one devotional in the series each week. At the end of the article, you will find an action step to help you practically pursue knowing Jesus better.
Part 7: Join Jesus at Work
One of the first things adults ask one another when they first meet is, “What do you do?” Your work usually takes up most of your time. If you’re a student, school is your “work” right now. We all desire to work in a field that interests us and makes use of our natural talents or education. Ideally, a person’s work would reflect what they are passionate about and what they find worthy of their time and effort.
Jesus’ work reveals to us something about his interests, character, power, and priorities. All throughout the Bible, Jesus has told you what he is up to. He shares with you his heart, intentions, plans, desires, and priorities. He has done so because you are his friend, and he wants you to join him in his work. Listen to this awesome word of encouragement from Jesus in John 15:15:
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (NIV)
Here Jesus has called you his friend even though he is the Lord of all. Jesus is a king—the King—who rules and reigns over all things and has work to get done! Yet Jesus wants you to join him in his work, because you are his friend. Friends love to do things together.
The more you join Jesus in doing what he loves, the more you will know his heart. Want to hear another incredibly inspiring promise from Jesus?
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:12-13 NIV)
If that didn’t sink in, read it again. If you have believed in Jesus, you will do the same kind of work Jesus did while on earth, but even greater things. Why is this? Jesus says it’s because he is going back to heaven. And what did he do after he went to heaven? He sent us his presence through the Holy Spirit so that he might be with all of us all the time.
So if you are a believer, Jesus promises you that you will continue his work with him. But notice that he doesn’t send you off to work alone. He says that as you do his work, he will work alongside you and through you.
As you work with Jesus, you will come to know his power as he works in and through your life. You will also come to share his heart, as your desires conform more to his.
Action Step
Take this week to read the book of Matthew. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you about Jesus’ work and show you specific ways you can participate in it.