In what ways can we cultivate a deeper knowledge of Jesus as described here? The Shepherd’s Self-Revelation • “I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.” (John 10:14) • Jesus presents knowing Him as a mutual, living relationship, not mere information. • Because Scripture is fully true and literal, every recorded word from Jesus is an open invitation to draw near and experience Him exactly as He describes. Immersing Ourselves in His Word • Read and reread John 10 and the surrounding chapters; familiarity breeds recognition of His voice (John 10:27). • Broaden the diet: “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17), so every passage shapes clearer vision of the Shepherd. • Memorize key texts—Psalm 23; John 14; Colossians 1:15-20—to keep His character before the mind’s eye throughout the day. • Meditate slowly, letting phrases linger; the Spirit uses the living word to disclose Christ (Hebrews 4:12). Listening for the Shepherd’s Voice • Regular, unhurried prayer trains spiritual ears to recognize His nudges and reminders (Jeremiah 33:3). • Silence matters. Withdraw from digital noise so His whispers stand out (Mark 1:35). • Expect confirmation: what we sense must align with the written word, for He never contradicts Himself (Psalm 119:89). Walking in Immediate Obedience • Knowledge deepens through action: “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21). • Start small—respond to promptings to forgive, serve, or speak truth; obedience opens fresh vistas of His faithfulness. • Keep short accounts with sin (1 John 1:9). Unconfessed sin dulls spiritual perception. Fellowshipping with the Flock • Sheep thrive together. Meaningful church involvement supplies shared testimonies of His guidance (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Participate in smaller study groups where honest dialogue sharpens understanding (Proverbs 27:17). • Practice mutual care—bearing burdens (Galatians 6:2) reflects the Shepherd’s heart and reveals Him in community. Pursuing Intimate Knowledge Above All Else • Paul’s cry—“that I may know Him” (Philippians 3:10)—models a lifelong priority surpassing achievements, credentials, or possessions (Philippians 3:8). • Evaluate schedules, ambitions, and entertainments; prune whatever crowds out time with Christ (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Cultivate thankfulness; gratitude keeps the heart soft and receptive (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Resting Under His Care • Deliberately hand anxieties to Him (1 Peter 5:7). Trust builds experiential knowledge of His sufficiency. • Recall past deliverances; personal history with God fuels confidence for future trials (Psalm 77:11-12). • Embrace His invitation: “Come to Me… and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). Anticipating Ever-Deepening Relationship • This knowledge is progressive; the path of the righteous shines “brighter and brighter” (Proverbs 4:18). • One day we will know Him “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Until then we pursue, listen, obey, and rejoice, confident that the good Shepherd never stops leading His sheep into richer communion with Himself. |
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