Christianity Consists of Knowing Jesus

"I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall never hunger; and he who believes in me shall never thirst." John 6:35.

Probably the most important discourse of Jesus regarding the development of a close relationship with him is found in John 6. This chapter cannot be read hurriedly; it is profound. And it has expressions like these: "Jesus said to them: 'I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall never hunger; and he who believes in me shall never thirst.'"

"Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him has eternal life" (verse 40). "I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and died. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die" (verses 48-50). "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you" (verse 53). "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life" (verse 54). "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him" (verse 56). "When they heard these words, many of his disciples said: 'This is a hard saying; who can hear it?'" (verse 60). From that time many of his disciples went back and walked with him no more (verse 66).

Stopping to trust in ourselves and getting to know God is the very foundation of the Christian life. But many professing Christians say: "No thanks, I want a Christianity that allows me to manage my own life." Something that deflates the ego is going to Jesus and telling him: "Lord, you are right: I cannot do it. I want to surrender my life to you." But if you have struggles and problems in your life for which you would like a solution, I invite you today to personally get to know God.

"How can we enter into a relationship with God and maintain that relationship? Here is the recipe: dedicate time to be alone with him at the beginning of each day, and seek Jesus through his Word and prayer. This is how grace is received. That is all we can do to become Christians and remain so. If we do not have a personal relationship with God, we are not Christians. There are many people in the church who do not know God and do not care at all about knowing the Lord Jesus. They are simply good people. God invites us to be something more. He invites us to experience his presence and power in our lives. That is Christianity."