John 17:3
What does it truly mean to know the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent? This verse from John 17:3 speaks of eternal life, yet it frames eternal life not merely in terms of time without end, but as a deep and profound relationship. Is eternal life, then, about enduring forever, or is it about the depth of connection with God and Jesus Christ?
Knowing God and Jesus Christ is described here as the essence of eternal life. This brings forward some reflective questions. What does it mean to know someone? Is it about understanding who they are, their character, their actions, and their love? Can knowing God and Jesus Christ be similar to knowing a close friend, yet also filled with reverence and awe because of their divine nature?
Could this relationship be experienced in daily life? How often is there a genuine listening for God's guidance, presence, and voice? How many moments are there of heartfelt prayer and genuine seeking to understand the teachings and the will of Jesus Christ?
It's also worth considering the nature of 'the only true God'. In a world with many beliefs and voices, how does one discern the true God? Is it through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ that this can be better understood, since He was sent by God?
This relationship invites reflection on both knowledge and experience. Can one really know someone without spending time with them, listening to them, and learning from them? Hence, can knowing God and Jesus involve reading the Scriptures, meditating on their meanings, and praying sincerely?
Furthermore, how can this eternal life be shared and reflected in interactions with others? If knowing God and Jesus Christ is so profoundly transformative, shouldn't this relationship influence words, actions, and attitudes toward others? How does one demonstrate the love, compassion, and truth of God and Jesus in everyday life?
Another question arises about the nature of this relationship—is it static or dynamic? Does it grow deeper with time and experience? Is it a journey that involves both moments of clarity and times of seeking? How does one cultivate a growing relationship with God and Jesus Christ that continuously shapes and molds one's being?
The verse calls for a personal yet communal reflection. How can congregations and communities support each other in this eternal pursuit of knowing God and Jesus? What role can collective worship, study, and service play in deepening this relationship?
These meditations on John 17:3 open doors to a deeper exploration of what eternal life truly means. By seeking to know God and Jesus Christ, there is an invitation to step into a relationship that is rich, boundless, and transformative. How will the pursuit of this knowledge change today, tomorrow, and the days to come?
