04/14/2026
I am traveling today and left my textbook and notes at the house. I apologize for not having a video. Instead, we get another impromptu lesson that I felt called to write.
Do You Really Know Him?
As we approach the books of John and move toward Revelation, we are not just reading two separate books. We are seeing two sides of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
In John, we see Jesus up close and personal, loving, and full of grace. In Revelation, we see Jesus in His full glory, powerful, victorious, and returning as King.
Together, they ask a powerful question: Do you actually know Him…or do you just know about Him?
In the Gospel of John, Jesus is constantly inviting people into a closer relationship.
He says things like:“I am the good shepherd,”; “I am the light of the world,”; “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He heals people. He weeps with people. He spends time with outcasts and sinners.
John shows us a Savior who wants to be personally known, not just followed from a distance.
Then, in Revelation, everything changes. The same Jesus is described in a completely different way: He is standing in authority and judgment at the right hand of God.
This isn’t ‘baby-in-a-manger’ Jesus anymore. This is the King of Kings Jesus. The One who will return. The One who will judge. The One who wins in the end. The One that died and rose again just for you and me.
Here’s where the questions come in. Many people love the Jesus of John, but ignore the Jesus of Revelation. They like the loving, forgiving, full of grace and acceptance Jesus, but many don’t want to talk about the Jesus that holds us to accountability, obedience, surrendering, and change. But we can’t separate the two.
The loving Jesus is also the returning King.
It’s easy to say, “I believe in Jesus.” So easy, even the demons can say it and be truthful.
But what does believing in Him actually mean? Do you spend time with Him? Do you listen to Him? Do you obey Him even when it’s hard? Would your daily life prove that you know Him?
Because in the end, this isn’t about religion; it’s about a relationship. And the demons do not have a relationship with Him, despite believing in Him and knowing who He is. So why would we want to be in the same category as them?
In Revelation, there are churches that thought they were doing okay, but Jesus had something very different to say, and few wanted to truly listen. It is not as simple as just knowing His name. You must know Him as your Redeemer.
One of the most chilling ideas is this: You can look like a Christian on the outside, but still be far from God on the inside.
That should make all of us stop and think.
The message of John is to “Come and know Jesus.” The message of Revelation is “Be ready because He’s coming back.”
To put it bluntly-know Him now, before you meet Him later.
If Jesus came back today, would you be ready?
Are you following Him, or just saying you do?
Do you actually have a relationship with Him?
However you answered those questions, I challenge you to do the following this week:
Spend time with Him; pray; read 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John; listen for Him calling to you.
One day, every single person will stand before Jesus. For some, that will be a moment of joy. For others, regret.
So the question isn’t, do you know about Him? The question is, do you really know Him?
