Knowing About Jesus Is Not the Same as Knowing Jesus
Many people can recite facts about Jesus. Far fewer actually know Him. Matthew 7:23 draws a hard line between the two. On the day of judgment Jesus will say to some, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” The warning is not aimed at open atheists. It is aimed at people who did religious things in His name.
The Difference Between Information and Relationship
Knowing about Jesus means having information. A person can know the stories, the doctrines, the historical outlines, and still remain a stranger to Him. Church attendance, service projects, even impressive ministry can all sit on top of an unconverted heart. In Matthew 7:22 the rejected group lists their credentials: prophesying, casting out demons, and doing mighty works. Jesus does not deny the activity. He denies the relationship. Commentators have long noted that “I never knew you” carries the sense of “I never approved you.” Outward performance never substitutes for belonging.
Knowing Jesus is different. It begins with personal trust in Him as Lord and Savior, relying on His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins (John 3:16). It continues in obedience. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Those who only know about Him may quote the commands; those who know Him begin to do them because their hearts have been changed. John 10:27 puts the mutual knowledge in simple terms: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
What a Real Relationship Produces
A true knowledge of Christ produces repentance and a growing desire for righteousness. It is the new birth Jesus described to Nicodemus (John 3:3–7). The same person who once used religion to manage appearances now wants to be clean before God. Time in Scripture and prayer stops being a duty that keeps up appearances and becomes the place where the relationship is maintained. The life that follows is not perfect, but it is no longer marked by the settled practice of lawlessness that Jesus rejects in Matthew 7:23.
The verse is sobering on purpose. Religious activity can coexist with an unknown heart. Only a surrendered, trusting, obedient relationship with Jesus will be recognized when He speaks. The difference is not minor. It is the difference between being sent away and being known.
Closing Prayer
Father,
I do not want only facts about Your Son. I want to know Jesus. I want to trust Him as Lord and Savior, not merely speak of Him. Teach me to abide in Him—to remain in His Word, to stay near in prayer, and to follow what He commands because I love Him.
Create in me a heart that hears His voice and follows. Let my knowledge of Him be real, not only information. Transform me so that my life shows I belong to Him. Keep me from empty religious activity that leaves me unknown.
Draw me close. Let me abide in Christ today and every day.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
