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 9: Read About Jesus
When you want to get to know someone, you learn about them and seek out information about them. When you desire to know someone better, your curiosity leads you to find out as much as you can about them.
So how do you do this with Jesus? If you want to know him better, read about him!
The Bible tells us all that God finds most important for us to know about Jesus—and is the first place we must go to learn about him. But the book of Acts refers to the events of Jesus’ life recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as what Jesus “began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). In other words, Jesus’ work in the world isn’t over although he ascended into heaven—he continues his work through his people, whom he has filled with his Spirit.
So when you hear the story of another believer, you’re learning about Jesus’ ongoing work! When you hear how Jesus operated in the life of one of your friends, you’re finding out more of who Jesus is and what he’s like.
In fact, one wonderful way to get to know Jesus is to listen to what he has done in the lives of others throughout all of history! We read in the Bible that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 ESV). You may read a story from the life of a follower of Jesus who lived two hundred years ago. But guess what? They know your same Jesus!
How is this possible? You might wonder. Remember that the Jesus we love, serve, and worship did not stay in the grave after he died on the cross for our sins. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where he sits at God’s right hand, ruling and reigning in our world and actively working in our lives (Acts 2:32-33).
Want to know Jesus better? Read a biography about a believer in Jesus and learn how Jesus worked in their life. Read books about the Christian life by Christian authors to hear what Jesus has taught them. God has revealed himself—his plans, his heart, and his works—most clearly in the Bible. At the climax of the Bible story, he revealed himself in the person of Jesus. But God reinforces his complete revelation of himself in the Bible as he works in the lives of believers today!
Search out stories of Jesus’ works in the lives of others throughout the centuries. Take time to read other believer’s reflections on what God has taught them through his Word. In short, read great Christian books!
Action Step
Start reading a Christian biography.