Is Jesus More Than Your Celebrity Crush?

Has there been a person in your life you thought you knew, but you really didn’t? Could that person be Jesus?

Stay with me as we explore this pivotal question!

The anchor that keeps us grounded throughout our journey of faith is a revelation of Jesus. Because of this anchor, Paul could not be shaken, confessing, “That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return” (2 Tim. 1:12, NLT).

Notice Paul does not say, “I know what I believe” but rather, “I know the one in whom I believe.” The Amplified Bible records, “I know Him [and I am personally acquainted with Him] whom I have believed [with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the truth of His deity].” Simply stated: Paul possessed a personal revelation of Jesus. He knew Jesus intimately.

Many can recite facts about Jesus—much like many can recite facts about their favorite celebrities. However, knowing about someone does not equate to knowing them personally. Can you too say with conviction, “I know the one in whom I believe”?

Lovely one, Jesus is not a philosophy; He is a person. Therefore, believing in Jesus is more than adhering to a creed; it’s an awakening of the heart. We see Him for who He really is—the Son of God.

In the sixteenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus entered the region of Caesarea Philippi and asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” (v. 13, MEV). Several disciples answered promptly. The common response was, “‘Some say that You are John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets'” (v. 14b). Once the opinions of the crowd were shared, Jesus looked at them and asked them directly, “But who do you say that I am?” (v. 15b).

There was a moment of silence as they were confronted by a moment of truth. The men who were so eager to air the opinions of others were now lost for words. With this confrontation came the realization that they had no answer—except for the fact that they were living off the speculations of others rather than establishing in their own hearts who Jesus really was.

Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter, was the only one of the disciples who could answer. With boldness, he confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16). With a smile and a sparkle in His eyes, Jesus responded, “Blessed are you … for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (v. 17). The Passion Translation says, “My Father has supernaturally revealed this to you.”

The source of Peter’s revelation was God Himself, not the opinion of man. It came through direct revelation. This is what Jesus meant when He shared, “The only way people come to Me is by the Father who sent Me—He pulls on their hearts to embrace Me … It has been written by the prophets, ‘They will all be taught by God Himself.’ If you are really listening to the Father and learning directly from Him, you will come to Me'” (John 6:44–45).

So we see clearly that the illuminated truth of Jesus must be solidified in our heart. Jesus firmly stated, “And this truth of who I am will be the bedrock foundation of which I will build my church—My legislative assembly, and the power of death will not be able to overpower it!” (Matt. 16:18).

The revelation of Jesus is the foundation the church will be grounded on. Without this truth firmly planted within us, we’ll easily be swayed by the shifting current of public opinion. Beloved, there is a stability that results from revelation knowledge.

Are you living off secondhand information about Jesus? Who do you say that He is? Are you convinced that Jesus is the Son of God?

If you’re tired of constantly being confused about your beliefs and you’re determined to become anchored in your faith, then click here to dive deeper into my Foundations course! {eoa}

Lisa Bevere’s authentic, passionate and witty teachings weave profound biblical truths with practical application. A New York Times‘ best-selling author, her books are in the hands of millions worldwide. Lisa and her husband John, who is also a best-selling author and teacher, are the founders of Messenger International.

This article originally appeared at messengerinternational.org.