“You don’t know what you don’t know.”
Think about that for a moment… Just like children, you don’t know what you are missing, when you don’t know what it is in the first place.
I find it to be the truth; especially when it comes to a relationship with God.
Many people THINK they know Jesus. They see a few things about Him; he was a good man, a prophet, a teacher. They know a few Bible verses and believe life is good; so, why change anything and bring Jesus into the mix and ruin everything.
“You don’t know what you don’t know.”
How can you have a relationship with Christ when you don't genuinely know Him? You can’t choose to love and devote yourself to someone that you know very little about.
Or maybe you say, “Jesus, so what? I’m doing just fine without Him. I don’t want to give up any good stuff to get involved with someone religious that I'm not sure He is who He claims.”
“You don’t know what you don’t know.”
Let me ask you some questions- “What does Jesus look like to you? What comes to mind when you hear His name and where was your opinion formed?”
Is it positive, negative or neutral?
Do you have an accurate picture that matches what the Bible has to say? What history has to say? Does it even match the image of His true followers- those whose lives have been touched by Christ?
If your picture is distorted because of lack of education, false teachings, a bad experience or from cynical family and friends – then I don’t blame you for not choosing Jesus. I wouldn’t want to follow that person either!
But, I would like to challenge you to investigate for yourself the REAL Jesus. It will be the most important thing you ever do in this lifetime; the most important question you ask and choice you make.
You don’t want to miss out on knowing God- because it matters both in this life and the next!
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Colossians 1:15
Jesus is God. He is the long-awaited Messiah. He is the one that can fix the brokenness in this world and our lives.
So, how can you know whether or not this is true? How to investigate?
FIRST- AUTHORITY
What does the authority (Bible) have to say about Jesus? What does history have to say about Jesus?
The historical evidence for Jesus of Nazareth is pervasive and firmly-established. There is no dispute that Jesus was a historical figure. In fact, there is more historical evidence documenting Jesus over Julius Caesar. In both historical evidence and Biblical scripture we find that Jesus was born circa 6 B.C. in Israel to a Jewish family lineage to the House of King David. At the age of 30, Jesus began His three-year ministry; wherein, He traveled the country teaching, healing, and performing miracles. He broke social, racial and gender divides. He was a fierce advocate for the poor and marginalized. He taught grace and truth, but was so revolutionary that challenging the leading religious and political groups of that day cost Him His life- a criminal’s death despite His undisputed innocence.
Furthermore,
Old Testament Scripture points to Jesus;
Moses himself testified about Jesus;
John the Baptist told of Jesus;
Documented miracles were performed by Jesus; and
Death and resurrection of Jesus was testified to by hundreds of witnesses.
ALL declare and support Jesus’ true identity that He is the Messiah, He is God, and He is the only way to eternal life.
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”” ~John 14:6
But don’t take my word for it. READ & EVALUATE FOR YOURSELF!!
Great place to start is in the Book of John.
(If you read just this one book you will have an authentic picture of Jesus.)
Link to entire Book of John: https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/
SECOND- CREATION
Nature is a testament to God's existence and His goodness. Spend a day in nature in contemplative venturing. Take your time and make your focus on everything around you. How it all fits together. The balance, the purpose, the why. You will see firsthand the beauty, complexity, and creativity of the Master Creator. Consider the delicate newborn's hand to the thunderous Victoria Falls in Africa- two extremes; yet, both are the fingerprints of God- the author, the artist, the father, the maker of all creation. To deny the creator is to deny creation itself.
“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.” ~Colossians 1:16
THIRD- TESTIMONY
Seek out a Jesus freak. Someone that isn’t afraid to proclaim their relationship with Christ and interview them. Ask to hear their story, ask to hear how Jesus has changed their lives and what it is like to follow the living God. Ask questions! If you can’t find someone you feel has an authentic relationship with Christ- check out these autobiographies:
The Hiding Place: Corrie Ten Boom
Surprise by Joy: The Shape of my Early Life: C.S. Lewis
The Case for Christ: Lee Strobel (ALSO A MOVIE!)
Don’t you want to be secure in the knowledge of the truth of Jesus?
To know why you either choose or reject Him?
Jesus is very real and by merely hearing His name we all face a decision on what to do with Him- embrace Him in a relationship or turn from Him in rejection.
Here’s the catch….to make an informed decision; you have to figure it out for yourself.
I would suggest, with an open mind, dig deeper, read about His life and ministry, explore, question, interview others, see how His relationship works in their lives and spend time in reflection of what you learn. Explore the evidence!
Once accomplished, then you will really know what you know, and it will be a game-changer!
Father, you are the author and creator of every living thing. We praise you for your works, and we thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus. Jesus presents the choice to accept or reject you- for when we reject Jesus we reject God. I pray for all that have questions and seeking, may they truly explore and investigate you- all that you have to offer is theirs for the taking if they will just reach for it for themselves!
“So, I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” ~ Luke 11:9-10