Many people know about Jesus, but not everyone truly loves Him or obeys Him. The difference is not just academic—it is eternal. Even Satan knows who Jesus is (James 2:19), but that knowledge does not lead to salvation. What God desires is not only acknowledgment, but a heart that loves Him and a life that obeys Him.
1. Knowing Jesus: Intellectual Recognition
To know Jesus in one sense means to be aware of who He is—His life, His teachings, His death and resurrection. But knowing facts about Christ is not enough to be in right relationship with Him.
Example Verse:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
— Matthew 7:21, KJV
Here, Jesus warns that calling Him "Lord" isn't enough—obedience matters. Some may profess faith but do not follow Him in truth.
Another Verse:
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
— James 2:19, KJV
Even demons have correct theology, but they do not love or obey God. Mere belief or head knowledge without love and obedience is not saving faith.
2. Loving Jesus: Affection and Devotion
To love Jesus is more than words—it involves the heart and will. Genuine love for Christ flows from a heart that is humbled by His grace, in awe of His holiness, and grateful for His sacrifice.
Jesus said:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
— John 14:15, KJV
Loving Jesus means valuing what He values. It means choosing His ways over our own. Love is not mere emotion; it leads to action.
True Love is Proven:
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me…”
— John 14:21a, KJV
Love is not just spoken—it is shown by obedience. If someone claims to love Jesus but lives contrary to His Word, that love is questionable.
3. Obeying Jesus: Submission and Action
Obedience is the natural outflow of love. If we truly love Him, we will submit to His authority and seek to honor Him in our actions.
Example:
“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
— Luke 6:46, KJV
Christ is not looking for lip service, but for loyalty. True Christians are those who do what He says, not just those who admire Him.
Genuine Obedience Reflects Salvation:
“Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”
— 1 John 2:3, KJV
This verse clearly states: **We know that we know Him—**not just by profession, but by obedience. If someone claims to know Jesus but lives in rebellion, their claim is empty.
4. A Dangerous Illusion: Knowing about Jesus but Not Loving Him
There are people who grow up in church, know Bible stories, and can quote verses—but their hearts are far from Christ.
A Sobering Warning:
“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
— Matthew 7:23, KJV
Jesus will one day reject those who knew about Him but lived in sin. Knowledge without obedience leads to eternal loss.
5. The True Mark of Discipleship
Jesus made it clear what distinguishes His true followers:
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;”
— John 8:31, KJV
It’s not a one-time prayer, a raised hand, or church attendance—it is continuing in His Word. Real disciples abide, obey, and follow.
Conclusion: Head vs. Heart vs. Hands
- Head: You may know about Jesus intellectually.
- Heart: But do you truly love Him with deep affection?
- Hands: Do you obey Him with your life?
The Christian life is not just knowing truth—it is living it out in love. If you truly know Jesus (in relationship, not just in knowledge), you will love Him. If you love Him, you will obey Him.
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
— James 1:22, KJV
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